Windows 11 version 25H2 introduces a new option aimed at helping users reduce bloatware by automatically uninstalling many of the default Microsoft Store apps during setup. While you can do this manually by yourself, it's nice to finally get a feature that will help automate the process a little, without having to manually remove each app after installation. So follow along as we show you how to use it to debloat your computer.

Takeaways:

  1. The best way to remove default apps on Windows 11?
  2. How do you bulk uninstall default apps on Windows 11?
  3. Learn how to uninstall bloatware on Windows 11

What Is the New Debloat Policy on Windows 11?

Microsoft has added a new Group Policy setting named "Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system." When enabled, this policy tells the operating system to uninstall most of the pre-installed Microsoft Store applications automatically during setup. Not all of them, but most.

It's a handy new feature that will help get rid of a ton of junk apps, but does not apply to third-party promotional apps and is not accessible through the standard Settings app. Also, Windows 11 Home Edition does not support this policy. Which is pretty stupid in my opinion.

Which Apps Can Be Removed?

As of version 25H2, the following 25 Microsoft Store apps can be uninstalled using this policy

  • Feedback Hub
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot
  • Microsoft Clipchamp
  • Microsoft News
  • Microsoft Photos
  • Microsoft Solitaire Collection
  • Microsoft Sticky Notes
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft To Do
  • MSN Weather
  • Outlook for Windows
  • Paint
  • Quick Assist
  • Snipping Tool
  • Windows Calculator
  • Windows Camera
  • Windows Media Player
  • Windows Notepad
  • Windows Sound Recorder
  • Windows Terminal
  • Xbox Gaming App
  • Xbox Gaming Overlay
  • Xbox Identity Provider
  • Xbox Speech To Text Overlay
  • Xbox TCUI

These are all Microsoft-developed apps and do not include any third-party software.

How to Enable the Debloat Option on Windows 11

To enable the new policy, follow these steps:

  • Open the Group Policy Editor (press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter).
  • Go to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment
  • Find the setting named "Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system."
  • Double-click it and choose Enabled.
  • Click Apply, then OK.

How to Remove Windows 11 Default Apps Using the New Debloat Policy

Once this policy is enabled, the system will create a corresponding registry key at:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx\RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages

During installation or deployment, this key triggers the removal of the specified apps.

What About Windows 11 Home?

Unfortunately, users running Windows 11 Home do not have access to the Group Policy Editor and therefore cannot use this feature. Since many consumers use the Home edition, it would be beneficial for Microsoft to provide similar functionality via the Settings app or during the out-of-box experience.

One improvement would be to offer a post-installation interface that prompts users to choose which Microsoft apps to install. This could be integrated directly into the Microsoft Store or appear at the end of setup, giving users more control over their environment from the start.

Don't want to wait for 25H2 to land on your PC?

If you want to test this feature before its general release, you can download the latest ISO for Windows 11 25H2 via Microsoft’s Insider Program. The feature is functional in the current Beta Channel builds, and you can upgrade your existing system or perform a clean install.