Is your new device running slow? Bloatware could be the problem. Follow this guide to learn about different types of bloatware, plus how you can find and remove it.
Bloatware definition
Bloatware is unwanted andpotentially harmful software preloaded onto new devices.
When you buy a new device, you expect that your equipment shouldcome with a clean slate. After all, we’re usuallybuying newdevicesto replace old ones that are no longer up to snuff.
The unfortunate reality, however, is that our new devices areoften only in near-mint condition. That’s thanks to bloatware — unwanted appsand software that are preinstalled on new devices.
It’s not to say that all bloatware is bad. Some, like trialware,you might even appreciate and invest in yourself. Others can pose cybersecurityrisks and violate your privacy. Regardless of intent, one universal truth isthat bloatware, like any download, slows down our devices. And a slow device isnot a device in mint condition.
To helpget your newdevices running, well, good as new, we’re outlining how to remove bloatwarefrom different devices, thecybersecuritydownfalls ofeach type of bloatware, and how to avoid it from the start.
What isbloatware?
Bloatware is unwanted and potentially harmful software preloadedonto new devices. Also known aspotentiallyunwanted applications(PUAs), bloatware is often preinstalled by vendors,manufacturers, or carriers as a form of marketing to put services directly infront of consumers.
Considering some consumers might find value in thepre-downloaded software, bloatware is a subjective term. Other consumers,though, might think of bloatware as a weed, and even resort to calling itcrapware.
Essentially, any software, program, or app you did not installon a device yourself can be considered bloatware.
Why bloatware isa cybersecurity threat
Subjective term aside, one objective truth about bloatware isthat it slows down your devices. That’s because the more programs that aredownloaded on your device, the more computing power is being used, and even ifyou don’t use the bloatware program, it’s still taking up memory on yourdevice.
As a result, your device and the programs you value all runslower. Worse yet, the bloatware might be malicious and downloaded by anunknown party.
To give a real-life example, in 2014 Lenovo preinstalledsoftware called Superfish on its devices to put targeted advertisem*nts infront of consumers. Not only did it result in annoying pop-up ads for users,but Superfish also came with some under-the-radar cybersecurity threats,including vulnerability to seriouscybercrimes.
How to identifybloatware: 5 warning signs
There are many types of bloatware, each with its own warningsigns. But here a few of the most common red flags to help you identify whethera software, program, or app on your new device is indeed bloatware:
- The app or program is hard to uninstall: In most cases,bloatware is more difficult to remove than regular applications. It may evenpop up in your application list after you’ve deleted it.
- You don't recognize the app or program: If you didn’tinstall the application yourself, it’s likely bloatware.
- The app or program is persistent about you makingpurchases: Certain types of bloatware feature aggressive marketingtechniques in which they frequently request payment for access to a paidversion of their software.
- Your browser has started to display pop-ups: Bloatwaresometimes features annoying pop-up windows that can mess with your browsersettings, take you tomaliciouswebsites, and even change your homepage.
- The app or program is downright useless to you: A lot of thetime, bloatware will be useless to you and other users. They are usuallyapplications you’d never install yourself.
Now that you know how to find bloatware, let’s look at thedifferent types of bloatware that can be found on your device.
Types ofbloatware plus why it’s installed
Generally, bloatware falls into two categories: Software thatyou know is installed on your devices and software that you don’t know isinstalled on your devices.
The former is often installed by manufacturers, whether that’ssoftware manufacturers, device manufacturers, or app developers, to market aproduct or service to you, perhaps for a trial period. Some developers may evenpay manufacturers to install software on devices, and that software could becollectinguser data.
So, why do manufacturers allow bloatware to be installed ontheir devices if it slows them down? It’s a revenue stream that offsets retailprices. Turns out, what users don’t pay for in the purchase price, they pay forby potentially compromising theirprivacyandcybersecurity. Not to mention, the headache of dealing with bloatware typesthat are unremovable.
The second type of bloatware is stealthier because it’spurposefully malicious. It’s often installed unknowingly even to manufacturersand hidden in software tospy on users. This type ofbloatware also can be unknowingly downloaded by users as they’re browsingwebsites and acceptingcookies.
Luckily, the more you know, the quicker you can eradicate thesepesky and potentially harmful programs.
Trialware
As the name indicates, trialware is a trial-based softwarepreinstalled on devices. This form of bloatware is blatantly installed by athird party because they’re marketing a service or product to users by givingthem a free taste of it. This could even be in the form of antivirus software.
The issues arise when the trial goes away and users no longerwish to use it. The result? The software remains and takes up unnecessary spaceon a device, weighing down its processing speed. Thankfully, trialware is easyto uninstall on most devices — you just have to remember to do it.
Utilities andapplications
Of course, every device manufacturer has its own bells andwhistles attached to a new device — think stock apps and music apps installedacross all Mac and iOS devices.
The problem is when you don’t use these preinstalled apps and utilities,they skew more toward junkware and storage hogs. For the most part,third-partyapplicationscan be easier to remove, while applications installed by devicemanufacturers are permanent.
Just consider the following types of bloatware that may come asa “feature” or “add-on” with your devices. And consider if you need them, or ifyou need to uninstall them.
- Navigation apps
- Browser extensions
- Weather apps
- Games
- Health and fitness apps
- Messaging apps
- Finance apps
- Music players
- Virtual assistants
Adware
Adwareis just what itsounds like: advertising software, meaning a piece of software that exists withthe sole purpose of putting ads like pop-ups or banner ads in front of users.
It can be the most malicious type of bloatware because theadware can hide in well-intentioned software that developers may even paymanufacturers to install on devices. The reality, however, could be that theadware is capable of spying on users’ activity, leaving you vulnerable tocyberattacks. Since adware ishard to detect, it’s also harder to eradicate.
How to get rid ofbloatware
Some types of bloatware are easy to uninstall, while othersrequire some more effort. Thankfully, there are bloatware removal tools* thatcan help you get rid of bloatware. Most are free and some are powered bycrowdsourcing to help you determine how detrimental a bloatware program is.
A few popular bloatware uninstallers include:
Part of the equation is also knowing when to uninstallbloatware. Generally, when your device’s performance is below par, that’s whenit’s time to turn to one of these tools to scan for bloatware. Of course,bloatware types range across devices, and there are many ways to removeunwanted apps and programs.
Rooting orjailbreakingdevices is oneway to remove bloatware, as these methods grant users full admin access toremove programs and applications that are even native to devices.
There also are some app removal programs that can root phonesfor you. We discourage this as this could mean sacrificing your cybersecurityand result in a void of your device’s warranty. Advanced users also might wantto leverage PowerShell, a scripting language, to clear their devices.
For this piece,we’re overviewing the simplest, safest waysto manually eradicate your devices of bloatware. In short: We’re providingstep-by-step instructions for how to delete unwanted apps and programs forcommon devices.
How to removebloatware from Windows 10
Windows 10 gets a bad rap for having bloatware, but the degreevaries depending on the manufacturer. Thankfully, removing unwanted apps andprograms is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. From the Start menu, navigate to Settings.
2. In the settings window, click “Apps.”
3. Select the unwanted app (we’re using the preinstalled 3D Vieweras an example) and click “Uninstall.”
Alternatively, you can use the Windows 10 Refresh Tool, which isessentially a factory reset of your device that removes any downloadedprograms. This is perhaps the fastest method to a clean slate, but it’s notfoolproof, as it could also remove any licensed software you have on yourdevice and won’t remove apps or programs that are native to a device.
How to removebloatware from MacOS
MacOS devices often hold bloatware that stems from our browsingactivities, rather than preinstalled software on a new device. This means usersshould do some regular cleanup of their devices and use the following steps todo so:
- Open a new Finder window.
- Select “Applications” on the left-hand sidebar.
- Select the unwanted app (we’re using the preinstalled Keynoteapp as an example) and drag it to your Trash.
- Right-click your Trash and select “Empty Trash.”
How to removebloatware from Android
When it comes toAndroid devices, bloatware oftencomes in the form of apps. For the safest way to eradicate any on your device,you’ll want to disable them. This will ensure the apps don’t run in thebackground of your device, therefore slowing it down, but they will still usestorage space.
- From your Applications tab, select “Settings.”
2. Click “Apps & notifications.” You might have to click “Seeall XXX apps” to review all your downloaded applications.
3. Select the unwanted app from the list (we’re using the preinstalledAndroid Auto app as an example).
4. Click “Disable.”
How to removebloatware from iOS
Like Android devices, bloatware oniOS devicesoften comes inthe form of unwanted apps. Follow these steps to delete them for good.
- Click your Settings icon, then scroll down and click “General.”
2. Select “iPhone Storage.”
3.Select the unwanted app (we’re using the preinstalled Keynoteapp as an example).
4. Select “Delete App.”
5. To confirm, click “Delete App” again.
How to avoidbloatware
Avoiding bloatware can be much easier than uninstalling it.Consider the following methods to debloat your devices from the start.
Purchase abloatware-free device
As with all things in life, you get what you pay for — andbloatware-free devices can come with a higher price tag. Researching manufacturerscan help you find brands that have vowed to avoid bloatware.
Still, even manufacturers don’t always know if their devices arebloatware-free if malicious actors are installing bloatware on them. For thisreason, you could also purchase an unlocked device that’s not tied to aspecific carrier. This, however, means you’re purchasing a device that mightnot be under warranty and might not have security measures in place.
Take inventoryof your software
Another best practice is to take stock of all the existingsoftware, apps, and programs on your devices right when you unbox them. Attemptto uninstall anything you don’t recognize or feel is unnecessary beforedownloading your preferred programs. You can use bloatware uninstallers todetermine what is worth avoiding.
Be proactive
Be diligent about fighting bloatware by removing anyquestionable apps or programs right when they pop up on our devices. Inaddition, only download software from known sources and consider leveragingantivirussoftwareor anti-adware tools to monitor bloatware for you.
Remember, bloatware is a subjective term. This means you onlyneed to rid your device of it as you see fit. What’s most important isrecognizing that it exists and proactivelydecluttering yourdevicesto avoid the potential cyberthreats that stem from unwantedprograms.
* The inclusion of websites, apps, brands, service providers, orlinks does not imply endorsem*nt or support of any company, product, and/orprovider listed herein, nor should it be inferred that NortonLifeLock isendorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with such brands.
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