Windows 11 says goodbye to pre-installed apps... almost

Windows 11 logo in front of the new wallpaper
(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you're anything like us, you've shaken your head in disbelief looking at all the pre-installed apps on Windows 10. Microsoft seem to have realized this, too, and is reportedly doing away with pre-installed apps on Windows 11... for the most part.

Reported by Windows Latest, pre-installed apps on Windows 11, which launches on October 5, 2021, won't exist in the same intrusive capacity as they did on the prior operating system. Instead, apps that used to be pre-installed on Windows 10 will now, initially, only show up as shortcuts. Clicking these shortcuts will then prompt the user to install the app.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to MSPoweruser that this design decision "reduces size on disk, and you'll also see less background update activity and download traffic."

In addition to changing how pre-installed apps are actually installed by default, Windows 11 is also making Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers features on demand, which should further reduce storage usage by default.


Analysis: Less bloat on Windows 11? Sign us up

By changing how pre-installed apps exist on your system by default, Windows 11 is taking a huge step towards performance improvement over its predecessor. Having less bloat on the system means your OS won't throttle under the weight of constant updates for apps you never use.

On the other hand, several actually useful pre-installed apps like To Do or Xbox Game Bar will likely have to be installed manually. It's a bit of a double-edged sword in that sense, but at least such apps are still downloadable via the Start menu, just a couple of clicks away.

Ultimately, this is a net positive for users looking to upgrade to Windows 11 in October. The change to pre-installed apps helps the OS to run much smoother, and is sure to be a boon for users unable to (or without the technical know-how) manually improve the performance of their operating system, such as by migrating it to a faster SSD.

TOPICS
Rhys Wood
Hardware Editor

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

Read more
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Windows 11 forced onto old hardware
Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
Windows 11 fully streamlined in just two clicks? Talon utility promises to rip all the bloatware out of Microsoft’s OS in a hassle-free way
A woman sitting at a desk and using a laptop while sitting in a daylit room
Essential apps and features to start getting the most out of your brand-new Windows 11 PC
A woman sitting cross-legged on a couch in a well lit room with a laptop opened in her lap
Microsoft nixes Windows 11’s “Suggested actions” feature: a smart idea that didn’t quite work
A finger touching a screen showing the Windows 11 logo
5 reasons why I’m finally upgrading to Windows 11 in January
Latest in Windows
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
girl using laptop hoping for good luck with her fingers crossed
Windows 11 24H2 seems to be a massive fail – so Microsoft apparently working on 25H2 fills me with hope... and fear
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
It looks like Microsoft might have thought better about banishing Copilot AI shortcut from Windows 11
Using Zipped files and folders in Windows 11
Windows 11 should soon be faster at extracting files from compressed ZIPs – and it’s about time, frankly
Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft is adding a powerful new feature for using Xbox controllers with Windows 11
Woman disgusted by her laptop
Embarrassing Windows 11 bug that deleted Copilot app is now fixed – but will anyone outside of Microsoft care?
Latest in News
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Gemini on a smartphone.
Gemini 2.5 is now available for Advanced users and it seriously improves Google’s AI reasoning
Ransomware
Cl0p resurgence drives ransomware attacks to new highs in 2025