How to Uninstall All Windows 10 Default Bloatware Apps Using PowerShell

In plain words: You can completely bypass the standard Windows uninstaller and instantly wipe out pre-installed bloatware—like Xbox Game Bar, Solitaire, and third-party OEM apps—by running one automated PowerShell script as an Administrator.

Out of the box, Windows 10 and Windows 11 come loaded with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps that most professionals never use. These applications clutter your Start menu, consume background memory, and waste disk space. Worse, Microsoft deliberately grays out the "Uninstall" button for many of these default apps in the Settings menu. Thankfully, system administrators can use native PowerShell commands to force-remove them from the entire operating system.

Key Points Summary

• Standard Windows Settings block you from deleting core apps, but PowerShell bypasses these restrictions entirely.
• The script targets two areas: your current active profile and the "provisioned" hidden files that create apps for new users.
• This method works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and modern Windows 11 environments.
• You have complete control—simply delete a line of code from the script to keep a specific app you actually want.

How to Run the Removal Script

Before executing the script, it is highly recommended to save your work. The script runs quietly in the background and removes the applications sequentially.

Step-by-Step Execution Procedure:

1. Click the Start Menu, type PowerShell, right-click the Windows PowerShell app, and select Run as Administrator.
2. Review the script provided below. If you see an app you want to keep (for example, Microsoft.WindowsCalculator or Microsoft.Windows.Photos), simply delete that specific line from the list.
3. Copy the customized script block.
4. Paste it directly into your elevated PowerShell window and press Enter.

The Automated Debloat PowerShell Script

This script uses Remove-AppxPackage to strip the apps from your current user account, and Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage to ensure Windows doesn't secretly reinstall them the next time a new user profile is created on the machine.

# Define the list of bloatware packages to remove
$packages = @(
    "7EE7776C.LinkedInforWindows",
    "C27EB4BA.DropboxOEM",
    "Microsoft.3DBuilder",
    "Microsoft.Advertising.Xaml",
    "Microsoft.Appconnector",
    "Microsoft.BingFinance",
    "Microsoft.BingFoodAndDrink",
    "Microsoft.BingHealthAndFitness",
    "Microsoft.BingNews",
    "Microsoft.BingSports",
    "Microsoft.BingTravel",
    "Microsoft.BingWeather",
    "Microsoft.CommsPhone",
    "Microsoft.ConnectivityStore",
    "Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller",
    "Microsoft.Getstarted",
    "Microsoft.Microsoft.GetHelp",
    "Microsoft.Messaging",
    "Microsoft.Microsoft3DViewer",
    "Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub",
    "Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection",
    "Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal",
    "Microsoft.Netflix",
    "Microsoft.NetworkSpeedTest",
    "Microsoft.Office.Desktop",
    "Microsoft.Office.OneNote",
    "Microsoft.Office.Sway",
    "Microsoft.OfficeLens",
    "Microsoft.OneConnect",
    "Microsoft.People",
    "Microsoft.Print3D",
    "Microsoft.RemoteDesktop",
    "Microsoft.SkypeApp",
    "Microsoft.Wallet",
    "Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost",
    "Microsoft.Windows.NarratorQuickStart",
    "Microsoft.Windows.PeopleExperienceHost",
    "Microsoft.WindowsAlarms",
    "Microsoft.WindowsCamera",
    "Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps",
    "Microsoft.WindowsFeedbackHub",
    "Microsoft.WindowsMaps",
    "Microsoft.WindowsPhone",
    "Microsoft.WindowsReadingList",
    "Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder",
    "Microsoft.Xbox.TCUI",
    "Microsoft.XboxApp",
    "Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI",
    "Microsoft.XboxGameOverlay",
    "Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay",
    "Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider",
    "Microsoft.XboxLive",
    "Microsoft.XboxSpeechToTextOverlay",
    "Microsoft.YourPhone",
    "Microsoft.ZuneMusic",
    "Microsoft.ZuneVideo",
    "Windows.CBSPreview"
)

# Loop through and remove each package for current and future users
ForEach ($package in $packages) {
    # Remove from active user profiles
    Get-AppxPackage -Name $package -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    
    # Remove from provisioned packages (stops re-installation for new users)
    Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | 
        Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -eq $package } | 
        Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    
    Write-Host "Attempted removal of: $package"
}

Common Traps & Warnings

Trap #1: Deleting Essential Daily Drivers
Do not blindly run the script without reading the array list! If you use the native Windows Mail app, you must remove Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps from the script list. If you accidentally delete a critical app, you will have to manually redownload it from the Microsoft Store.

Trap #2: Not Running as Administrator
The parameters -AllUsers and -Online command Windows to modify the core system registry and image files. If you run this script in a standard PowerShell window, it will instantly throw "Access Denied" errors and fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will this script work on Windows 11?

Yes. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 rely on the exact same AppxPackage management system. This script functions perfectly on both operating systems to clean up the Start menu and background tasks.

Q: Can I get these applications back if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Because you haven't removed the Microsoft Store itself, you can easily open the Store, search for "Windows Calculator" or "Xbox Game Bar," and click "Get" to reinstall any application you realize you need later.

Q: Will major Windows Updates reinstall the bloatware?

Standard monthly security patches will not reinstall these apps. However, major annual "Feature Updates" (which essentially reinstall the OS under the hood) occasionally restore provisioned packages. You may need to re-run this script after massive system upgrades.

360 Summary Card: PowerShell Debloat

• Execution Type: Elevated PowerShell Script (Administrator)
• Target Scope: Currently logged-in users + future user profile templates.
• System Impact: Reclaims disk space, reduces telemetry, and lowers background RAM usage.
• Reversibility: High. Apps can be individually restored via the Microsoft Store.

Core Takeaway: Automating Windows debloat via PowerShell is the cleanest way to strip out forced Microsoft bloatware. Always review the target list to ensure you aren't deleting tools you rely on daily!