Removing software from new computer

Individual peripherals tend to request their own drivers, and Windows Update, a feature of the Windows operating system, is adequate for requesting and downloading the latest security patches, updates to Office, and drivers for third-party software and peripherals. As a result, manufacturer-specific tools can often take up system resources as they scan and monitor the machine, and like the antivirus free trial, they can also pop up an annoying number of alerts.

Again, if you are unlikely to use these applications, then they constitute bloatware, taking up space and slowing down the machine. Again, it is worth hunting them down and removing them, in order to get better performance from the laptop or desktop computer.

Free tools are available to remove bloatware, and they are able to remove unnecessary toolbars, unused desktop icons, pre-installed trial versions of antivirus packages, and many other common bloatware applications. These tools tend to be available for free, or for a donation, and the benefits for end-users are immense, leaving them with a faster running and cleaner computer at the end of it. Bloatware removal tools tend to warn you before they remove anything, and give you the ability to keep or throw out certain applications.

Although removing unwanted software works in most instances, there are situations where new computer users might prefer to opt for a clean install, wiping the hard drive and carrying out a fresh install of Windows. This will enable you to reclaim drive space, and computing resources, but it is an extreme measure, so use it with caution. If you're worried that your new PC may contain malware and other nasties then read our tutorial on How to discover hidden rootkits.

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This program is a heavily slimmed down and modified version of JV16 Power Tools from Macecraft Software but is designed more to completely remove the unnecessary bloatware that comes with a new computer. It is also a portable program which is a bonus. After the initial first few screens DO NOT tick automatic mode and an automatic program restart it will display a list of items found on your computer. During uninstall the process can be set to automatic and it works like other uninstall tools by searching for and removing leftover files and registry entries.

If you want everything completely removed to start from scratch, the automatic mode comes in useful. Download Decrap My Computer. This program calls itself a detector and remover of manufacturer bloatware and trialware and unwanted programs including adware, toolbars, crapware and other junk.

It scans the computer and then grades everything found, so the higher up the list an item is, the more recommended it is for removal. Should I Remove It? Obviously red items are the most serious in need of removal, orange are more optional while the green items are considered a low priority for removal. Clicking a entry in the list will show buttons to uninstall it or find out more information about it on the website.

The whole rating system seems more based on what people think of the software itself and not whether it should be considered as unnecessary bloatware, the image above is a good demonstration. Download Should I Remove It? McAfee and Norton products are the biggest culprits in this area. Simply run the portable executable, agree to the terms and press the button to scan.