When purchasing a new laptop, it usually comes with pre-installed operating systems and a bunch of applications that are often considered bloatware. These are mostly trial versions of software that you’ll need to pay for once the trial period ends or useless manufacturer applications. That’s why it’s advisable to uninstall many of these applications and install the ones you need. In this article, we will assist you in selecting the necessary applications.
Although it would be ideal if a new laptop came with just the Windows operating system, that’s not the reality. You’ll need to spend some time, which usually takes no more than half an hour, to prepare and set up the device for use. Let’s get started.
What applications to uninstall from the newly bought laptop
When you purchase a new laptop, one of the initial tasks you need to do after completing the set-up wizard, which includes connecting to the internet and naming the device, is to uninstall the bloatware that comes pre-installed. To do this, simply right-click on the Start button and select “Apps and Features” from the menu. From there, click on the three dots located to the right of the application you wish to remove and select “Uninstall”. This will help to streamline your device and free up valuable storage space.
It is important to note that not all laptops come with the same factory-installed software. However, you can safely uninstall many applications from the following list:
- McAfee: Many laptops have this antivirus software pre-installed, but it often comes with a trial version that requires a paid license once it expires. These types of antiviruses are typically unnecessary when you have original Windows and can significantly slow down your laptop’s operation.
- Microsoft Office (+ sub applications): Some laptops come with an Office installer, which will ask you for a license once installed. It is recommended to uninstall this installer and install your own licensed version of Office instead. Additionally, other apps from the Office suite, such as OneNote, Teams, and OneDrive, may also be pre-installed separately.
- Other default Windows apps: Solitaire, Opinion Center, and other pre-installed tools that you may not use.
- Manufacturer-specific tools: If you purchased a Dell laptop, you may find Dell-related tools installed, and the same applies for Lenovo and other manufacturers. These tools, such as the Feedback Hub, are typically useless and can be quite bothersome since they may appear unexpectedly while you are working on other tasks.
Applications that should be installed on a new laptop
Certainly, there are several applications that could be useful on a newly purchased laptop, depending on the intended use and individual needs. However, in our opinion, there are at least four applications that should be installed on any new laptop:
- The original Office suite.
- The VLC video player .
- The WinRAR Compressor/Decompressor .
- The Chrome browser (this already depends on your tastes, you can install FireFox or any other).
That’s right! Removing unnecessary programs and bloatware from a new laptop can significantly improve its performance and free up space on the hard drive. It’s always a good idea to take some time to clean up a new computer and customize it according to your needs and preferences.