Windows 10 bloatware is fairly prominent.

Usually you wouldn’t install such an app voluntarily. In some cases, it might even redirect you to malicious websites, manipulate your browser settings, and change your homepage.

Your browser started to display annoying pop-ups.

Some bloatware relies on intrusive and aggressive marketing tactics, so naturally they flood you with such suggestions to get your money.

It aggressively offers you to purchase some additional features.

If you don’t remember installing a particular piece of software on your device, it’s potentially a sign of bloatware. Some bloatware apps are impossible to get rid of. It might also redirect you to dodgy websites when you try to remove it, or delete sections hidden somewhere deep inside the app. It persistently pops up in your app list even after you’ve uninstalled it. Bloatware is usually not that easy to remove. Here are a few red flags which will help you identify bloatware, meaning you’ll be able to identify it easily: This bloatware is more dangerous as it often contains adware or malware.

It can come from malicious websites or be downloaded together with programs you want from third-party webpages. Some pre-installed media suites or control centers can be useful, and some are very easily removable.Īnother type of bloatware comes from the web.

Software or OS updates can push branded solution centers, trialware, or just random add-ons.

Manufacturers provide the user with maintenance applications (e.g., Lenovo Solutions Centre) that also collect user data.

Software developers pay providers to install their products on your device.

It usually comes pre-installed by vendors, manufacturers or carriers. There are two main ways for bloatware (or Potentially Unwanted Programs – PUP) to reach you. These are programs that are preinstalled on new devices, come bundled with other downloads, or are injected into your system through malicious sites. Bloatware is software you don’t want that burdens and slows down your device.

Windows bloatware