You’ve bought new machines for your team. They’re fresh out of the box. But after the first boot-up, they’re already sluggish. Why? Because they come packed with unnecessary software, also known as crapware.
The list of crapware hiding in business laptops today is longer than you think. Trial antivirus, obscure media players, manufacturer utilities no one uses — it all adds up. This digital clutter eats up RAM, slows down performance, and in many cases, creates cybersecurity risks.
For IT teams, the impact is serious. According to recent reports, global IT professionals waste an average of 7 hours and 19 minutes per week dealing with bloated systems. That’s nearly a full workday lost every week. In the US alone, inefficient tech like crapware costs businesses over $84 billion annually.
These are losses you can’t afford.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of bloatware by brand and operating system. We’ll explain how to remove it, how to avoid it, and why removing bloatware is one of the simplest ways to boost productivity across your company’s entire fleet of devices.
What Is Crapware, and Why Should Businesses Care?
Crapware is pre-installed software that comes bundled with new computers, often without user consent. Also known as bloatware or junkware, it includes trial versions of antivirus programs, proprietary utilities, or promotional apps pushed by manufacturers or partners.
Unlike necessary system drivers or essential utilities, crapware usually has one thing in common: it adds zero value to your workflow.
Here’s how it directly impacts businesses:
- Performance Drain: Crapware runs in the background, eating up memory and CPU cycles. This slows down boot times and increases lag.
- Lost Productivity: IT professionals report that managing bloatware takes 7+ hours weekly on average. Multiply that across teams, and you’re looking at real money lost.
- Security Risk: Outdated or poorly supported crapware often has vulnerabilities. These can open doors to malware or expose sensitive business data.
- Overlapping Tools: Many businesses end up paying for features bundled into these programs, without knowing they’re already covered by better enterprise tools they use elsewhere.
And it’s not just a user-side headache. Over 54% of organizations are paying for SaaS tools their teams never use — a direct result of unchecked software bloat and mismanagement.
Updated List Of Crapware (By Manufacturers)
HP
| Crapware Name | Description |
| HP Connection Optimizer | Background service that scans for network issues—usually unnecessary. |
| HP Support Assistant | Offers driver support but often slows performance with constant popups. |
| HP JumpStart | Promotional trialware and partner offers take up disk space. |
| HP Sure Click / Sure Start | Security tools that may be redundant if enterprise tools are already in use. |
Dell
| Crapware Name | Description |
| Dell SupportAssist | Performs hardware checks; resource-heavy and unnecessary in managed setups. |
| Dell Customer Connect | Feedback tool; serves little value in B2B environments. |
| Dell Digital Delivery | App installer interface that loads at startup. |
| Dell Update | Attempts firmware updates; can cause conflicts in enterprise systems. |
Lenovo
| Crapware Name | Description |
| Lenovo Vantage | Control panel for updates/settings; launches automatically, hogs memory. |
| Lenovo App Explorer | An alternative app store—often seen as redundant by IT admins. |
| Lenovo Accelerator | Legacy utility that slows system boot time and can impact traffic. |
| Lenovo Service Engine | Firmware-level tool that can create stability issues on older machines. |
ASUS
| Crapware Name | Description |
| ASUS Giftbox | App marketplace for partner promotions; unnecessary in business use. |
| ASUS Splendid Utility | Adjusts screen color; non-essential and GPU-intensive. |
| ASUS Live Update | Auto-installs drivers/firmware; may break enterprise device policies. |
Acer
| Crapware Name | Description |
| Acer Portal | Boot-time launcher with limited enterprise value. |
| Acer Power Management | Redundant utility already covered by Windows power settings. |
| Acer Care Center | Diagnostic tool; resource-intensive with frequent alerts. |
Microsoft (OEM bloatware)
| Crapware Name | Description |
| Xbox Game Bar | Gaming overlay with no relevance to business devices. |
| Candy Crush Saga | Consumer game pre-installed on Windows. |
| Microsoft News | Live news feed app adds distraction and startup delay. |
| OneNote / Teams (Consumer) | Consumer editions often cause conflict with enterprise versions. |
| Clipchamp, 3D Viewer | Microsoft-suggested apps, rarely used in business contexts. |
| Spotify, Prime Video | Entertainment software that clutters storage and RAM. |
List of Crapware by Operating Systems (2025)
Pre-installed junk software isn’t limited to hardware vendors. Operating systems — particularly consumer versions of Windows- are a common source of unwanted apps that slow down business machines and increase IT overhead.
Below is a system-wise breakdown of the most common crapware found on today’s business endpoints.
Windows 10 (All Editions)
Wondering what crapware to remove from Windows 10? The list of crapware on Windows 10 remains one of the most debated topics on tech forums like the list of crapware Reddit, especially for corporate IT environments. Some of these programs are redundant, while others are borderline adware:
| Crapware Name | Description |
| Xbox Game Bar | Background gaming overlay not needed on business devices; adds bloat. |
| Cortana | Voice assistant still embedded in some versions; limited use in business. |
| OneNote (Consumer Edition) | Comes pre-installed despite enterprise Microsoft 365 usage; causes overlap. |
| 3D Viewer | Outdated app with little to no practical value in workplace scenarios. |
| Feedback Hub | Sends unnecessary prompts; not useful for managed endpoints. |
| Tips and Suggestions | Pushes notifications that reduce user focus and workflow. |
| Microsoft Solitaire Collection | Consumer gaming app; irrelevant in any professional environment. |
These items make up a large portion of the list of Windows 10 crapware, and should be reviewed immediately after device setup.
Windows 11
Windows 11 has improved in UI/UX but introduced a fresh wave of bundled content that affects performance on new business devices. Here’s a relevant list of crapware Windows 10 and 11 users might encounter in 2025:
| Bloatware Name | Description |
| HP Connection Optimizer (Windows 11) | Preloaded on HP devices; constantly runs diagnostics, often redundant. |
| Amazon, Spotify, TikTok | Consumer apps installed via Microsoft Store partnerships; rarely used in business. |
| Teams (Personal Version) | Causes conflict with enterprise Teams setup; unnecessary on managed devices. |
| Widgets Panel | Background widget services consuming memory and CPU with little ROI. |
| Asus Bloatware (Windows 11 Variants) | Includes tools like “System Tuner” and “Splendid” that serve no business function. |
Even when configured for business use, devices running Windows 11 often come with a full Windows bloatware removal app discussion baked into the onboarding phase.
Windows 8 / 8.1
While largely deprecated, some legacy systems still in use (especially in kiosk, manufacturing, or medical settings) ship with bloatware unique to their generation. The list of crapware on Windows 8 includes:
| Bloatware Name | Description |
| Windows Live Essentials | Obsolete suite (Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker); no longer supported. |
| Pre-installed Trialware | Trial versions of Norton, McAfee, and casual games; heavy on popups and system load. |
| Start Menu Emulators | Custom start menus by OEMs like Lenovo and Toshiba; redundant and often buggy. |
If your infrastructure still includes these systems, plan a replacement strategy — not just a cleanup.
Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint)
Linux is generally free from commercial crapware. However, some desktop-focused distributions bundle unnecessary packages that may weigh down business-focused devices:
| Bloatware Name | Description |
| Games and Demos | Included in many community Linux spins; irrelevant for business use. |
| LibreOffice Suite (Partial Install) | Installed by default, even if your organization uses Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. |
| Multimedia Players | Systems often ship with multiple players like VLC, Rhythmbox, etc.—many go unused. |
This isn’t a classic list of crapware, but from a business efficiency standpoint, anything unused still drains resources.
macOS (Preinstalled Apple Apps)
Apple systems aren’t immune to bloat, especially for enterprise users who prefer a clean, focused OS:
| Bloatware Name | Description |
| GarageBand | Large audio workstation app with massive asset libraries; rarely used in business settings. |
| iMovie | Consumer-grade video editor pre-installed, but not needed in most workflows. |
| News, Stocks, Podcasts | Apps that run background updates and push alerts, diverting attention. |
| Safari (if Chrome/Edge is deployed) | Managing multiple browsers can strain IT oversight, especially if Safari isn’t part of the enterprise stack. |
While not often labeled as part of the traditional list of crapware, these bundled apps can slow down indexing, startup, and Spotlight responsiveness on macOS.
How to Know What’s Bloatware on Your PC?
Spotting bloatware isn’t always easy, especially when it comes pre-installed and blends in with legitimate apps. But if you know what to look for, identifying and removing unnecessary programs gets much simpler.
Here’s how to tell if something belongs on the list of crapware that’s hurting your PC’s performance.
1. Check the Publisher and Purpose
Open Apps & Features in your system settings and review the installed programs. If the publisher is unknown or sounds like a third-party vendor you didn’t authorize, it’s likely bloatware. Common culprits include:
- Unbranded system optimizers
- Game launchers on business machines
- Free trial antivirus tools like McAfee LiveSafe
- Device-specific utilities from OEMs (check your brand-specific bloat list)
Many entries in the list of crapware on HP, Lenovo, or Dell will appear here under vague or marketing-heavy names.
2. Identify Apps That Auto-Launch at Startup
Use the Task Manager → Startup tab to spot which apps run automatically. If you see anything that sounds unnecessary, like “MyASUS Service” or “HP JumpStart Launch” disable it. These are frequent offenders on the Asus bloatware Windows 11 and HP connection optimizer bloatware lists.
They slow down boot times and consume memory in the background, even if you never open them.
3. Watch System Performance Indicators
Is your PC fan constantly spinning? High memory or CPU usage with no active workload? Bloatware can be the reason. Open Resource Monitor or Task Manager and look for:
- Apps running in the background despite never being used
- Programs with suspiciously high memory/disk use
- Duplicate or overlapping utilities (e.g., multiple media players)
Many entries in the list of crapware programs Windows 10 show up here, especially background tools from OEMs.
4. Use Built-in PowerShell Commands
Power users can list all installed apps via:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullNameThis method helps uncover hidden or system-layer bloatware. It’s particularly useful when managing multiple machines via remote admin tools.
Want to remove them in bulk? PowerShell is one of the fastest ways to clean up machines with a custom Windows bloatware removal app script.
from IT professionals.
5. Install Third-Party Tools (Safely)
Reputable tools like Revo Uninstaller, O&O AppBuster, and PC Decrapifier help flag bloatware automatically. They can differentiate between core system files and unneeded extras, even those not visible in Control Panel.
If you’re unsure what bloatware to remove from Windows 10 safely, these apps are a good starting point.
6. Check Business Policy or MSP Guidance
If your organization uses a managed service provider (MSP) or internal IT policies, check the official software whitelist. Anything outside that list might be unauthorized crapware that made its way onto the device.
This is especially important in regulated industries, where unapproved apps can introduce security risks or non-compliance issues.
How to Remove Bloatware Effectively?
Bloatware is more than just a minor annoyance—it eats up memory, clutters your UI, slows down your machines, and in some cases, even exposes your business to security risks. Whether you’re dealing with Lenovo crapware, HP bloatware, or trying to clean up Windows 10 or Windows 11, here’s how to remove it cleanly, safely, and completely.
1. Use the Built-In Uninstaller (Basic Cleanup)
Start with the basics:
- Windows 10/11: Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps. Sort by install date or publisher. Uninstall anything you don’t use or recognize.
- macOS: Open Finder → Applications, and drag unused apps to the Trash.
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian): Use the Terminal:
sudo apt-get remove package-name
This works well for known entries from the list of crapware programs Windows 10 or list of crapware on Windows 8, but won’t remove system-layer or hidden pre-installs.
2. Manufacturer-Specific Bloatware Removal Tips
Here’s how to handle brand-specific junk:
| Manufacturer | Common Crapware | Removal Tips |
| HP | HP JumpStart, HP Connection Optimizer | Use HP Support Assistant or Windows Settings. HP connection tools are safe to remove if not using HP networks. |
| Lenovo | Lenovo Vantage, Lenovo App Explorer | Disable via Task Manager → Startup, then uninstall. Avoid removing BIOS-related tools unless you’re sure. |
| Dell | Dell SupportAssist, Waves MaxxAudio | Use “Add or Remove Programs.” You can safely remove Dell bloatware Windows 11 unless using specific drivers. |
| Asus | MyASUS, Armoury Crate | Uninstall directly or use Asus bloatware Windows 11 debloaters from the manufacturer’s forums. |
| Acer | Acer Jumpstart, abDocs, abPhoto | Remove via Control Panel. Check if apps sync with Acer cloud before deleting. |
If you’re unsure whether an app is safe to remove, search its name + “bloatware” or consult the list of crapware Reddit threads for real-world user reviews.
3. Use PowerShell or Command Prompt (Advanced Cleanup)
This is ideal for IT admins or bulk device deployments. Use the following to remove default Windows apps:
Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackageGet-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackageCommon targets include:
- Xbox Game Bar
- OneNote pre-installs
- Candy Crush (yes, still on enterprise devices sometimes)
You can also create a script to remove entries from the list of Windows 10 crapware automatically during onboarding.
4. Try Trusted Windows Bloatware Removal Apps
For bulk removal or deep cleaning, consider using tools built for exactly this task:
- O&O AppBuster – Great for safely removing built-in Windows 10/11 bloat.
- Windows10Debloater – Open-source tool that supports automation and safe removal.
- Revo Uninstaller – Deep-scan uninstalls and registry cleanups.
- BCUninstaller – Batch removal utility for tech-savvy users or MSPs.
These tools are especially useful for removing pre-installed junk from business laptops at scale.
5. Create a Windows Installation Without Bloatware (Clean Image)
For IT teams handling multiple machines:
- Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to build a clean Windows 10 or 11 ISO.
- Remove pre-installed apps before deployment using PowerShell or a provisioning package.
- Avoid OEM recovery images, which often reintroduce everything from the list of crapware on HP or list of crapware programs Lenovo.
This is your best bet for long-term crapware control in business environments.
6. Disable from Startup
For bloatware that can’t be removed (often the case with OEM support apps), you can still keep it from slowing things down:
- Go to Task Manager → Startup
- Disable any app you don’t use daily (especially vendor updaters or “accelerators”)
- This helps cut down boot time and background memory use
If the app doesn’t support full uninstallation, disabling it at startup can at least neutralize its performance impact.
7. Use Enterprise Endpoint Management Tools
For larger organizations, tools like:
- Microsoft Intune
- NinjaOne
- ManageEngine
- PDQ Deploy
can push scripts or uninstall routines across fleets of business computers. These solutions also help monitor reinstallation attempts and ensure your list of crapware 2025 stays clean across devices.
8. Check Browser Extensions
Some bloatware shows up as browser toolbars or injected search bars, especially in Edge and Chrome. Go to:
- Settings → Extensions
- Remove anything you didn’t install yourself
- Reset homepage and search engine if changed
This type of bloat is subtle but can harm both productivity and security.
Want to see how other IT pros are cleaning up crapware across enterprise fleets? Join our community at r/PureWhiteLabel to share tools, tips, and results.
Crapware’s Role in Security Vulnerabilities (And Why Businesses Should Worry)
Most business leaders think of crapware as a performance issue — something that slows down systems or frustrates employees. But that’s only half the story. The bigger threat is security. Crapware (or bloatware) can silently open backdoors into your organization’s devices, networks, and sensitive data.
Let’s break down how and why.
1. Crapware Often Comes With Outdated Code
Many pre-installed applications don’t receive regular updates. Worse, some are developed by third-party vendors who abandon the software entirely after deployment. That means you’re stuck with outdated code sitting on your machines, code that could contain unpatched vulnerabilities.
These vulnerabilities aren’t just theoretical. Attackers actively look for weak points in obscure, forgotten apps. A single unpatched crapware component can provide a foothold for malware, ransomware, or credential theft.
2. Unnecessary Network Activity = More Attack Surface
Bloatware tends to run in the background. It connects to update servers, collects telemetry, or “phones home” for diagnostics, often without your knowledge. Each of these connections is an added exposure point.
For example:
- HP Connection Optimizer bloatware frequently initiates background network pings.
- Lenovo App Explorer once bundled adware that injected ads into browsers.
Every outbound request creates a new surface that an attacker could exploit or intercept. If it doesn’t serve a business-critical function, it’s a liability.
3. Administrative Permissions Without Reason
Some crapware installs with elevated privileges, the kind normally reserved for IT admins. When unnecessary software runs with admin rights, it becomes far more dangerous.
If malware piggybacks onto these apps, it can:
- Disable antivirus software
- Access sensitive files
- Create hidden user accounts
- Modify system settings
This is particularly problematic on Windows-based machines, where list of crapware Windows 10 often includes tools with full registry or network access privileges that shouldn’t be given to barely-used programs.
4. Weak Default Settings or Poor Encryption
OEM-installed apps frequently ship with:
- Weak default passwords
- Hardcoded credentials
- Poor or no encryption
- Auto-login features
These features were added for convenience, but they turn your endpoints into easy targets. Especially in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal), crapware can expose you to compliance violations and audit risks.
5. Excessive Data Collection by OEMs or Third Parties
Some bloatware is essentially spyware wearing a corporate skin. It logs:
- App usage
- Location data
- Device IDs
- User habits and clicks
This data is often sold or shared without clear user consent. In regulated environments, this could lead to GDPR or HIPAA violations. Worse, if that telemetry pipeline is breached, attacker(s) gain access to every endpoint’s meta-behavioral data.
6. Crapware Slows Patch Management
When devices are bloated with unnecessary apps, IT teams struggle to:
- Track all installed software
- Validate patch status
- Verify compatibility with core business tools
This bloat delays system updates, causes patching conflicts, or leads to critical apps being left out. Attackers exploit this lag. They know bloat-heavy environments don’t patch quickly or consistently.
7. Exploited Examples in the Wild
Crapware has already caused real-world damage:
- Superfish (Lenovo, 2015): Installed root certificate that enabled man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on encrypted traffic.
- HP Touchpoint Analytics (2017): Sent telemetry data back to HP without user consent, violating privacy protocols.
- Asus Live Update Utility Hack (2019): Used by attackers to push malware to hundreds of thousands of machines using Asus’s own update channel.
These weren’t edge cases. They were shipped to millions of users, including business customers.
8. Security Tools Can Be Misled by Crapware Noise
Most endpoint protection systems rely on behavioral signals (file changes, memory usage, registry access). Crapware creates “noise” by generating lots of background activity that can hide actual threats.
The more clutter on a system, the harder it is for antivirus tools, SIEM software, or EDR agents to detect real intrusions. Crapware doesn’t just introduce risk—it weakens your ability to respond.
9. Remote Work + Crapware = Bigger Risk
Post-2020, many businesses moved to hybrid or remote models. Employees now use company laptops from unsecured networks. If these machines are packed with crapware, attackers have more opportunities to:
- Exploit open services
- Hijack update channels
- Intercept telemetry or DNS traffic
For distributed teams, removing crapware isn’t optional — it’s foundational cyber hygiene.
10. The Hidden Cost of Crapware in Security Audits
Let’s say your company is preparing for a SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audit. If the auditor finds unknown software running on endpoints:
- You’ll need to justify its presence
- You’ll need to show patch records
- You’ll be flagged for unnecessary software risk
Every stray app becomes a paper trail problem. Crapware bloats not just your systems, but your compliance overhead.
Want tailored PC optimization strategies for your business setup? Follow our team on LinkedIn and connect with our white label experts.
Prevention Strategy: How to Keep PCs Crapware-Free (and Your Business Secure)
If you’re constantly removing bloatware from employee devices, you’re already behind. The best strategy? Don’t let crapware in to begin with. Prevention isn’t just easier—it’s smarter, cheaper, and more secure. Here’s how your organization can stay ahead of the bloat.
1. Adopt a Clean Imaging Process for New Devices
Most crapware arrives pre-installed by OEMs like HP, Dell, Asus, or Lenovo. Their business models often include paid deals to ship third-party apps you never asked for.
Instead of using the factory OS:
- Wipe new machines clean.
- Reinstall Windows from a clean ISO.
- Deploy a standardized company image.
This single step eliminates 80% of the crapware listed in any “list of crapware 2025” doc before it even boots.
2. Use Device Provisioning Scripts with Crapware Blacklists
Automate your setup process. Use Microsoft Autopilot, Windows Configuration Designer, or PowerShell provisioning scripts to:
- Preload essential apps
- Block known bloatware from installation
- Remove OEM apps like HP Connection Optimizer bloatware or Asus bloatware on Windows 11
This prevents common pitfalls seen in systems like:
- List of crapware on HP
- List of crapware programs Lenovo devices ship with
- List of crapware on Windows 8 and 10, which often linger post-setup
3. Install an Endpoint Protection Platform with App Control
Preventative defense isn’t just about antivirus anymore. It’s about control.
Invest in endpoint protection tools that:
- Monitor app behavior
- Automatically flag known bloatware signatures
- Block non-whitelisted software from installing silently in the background
This can stop users from unintentionally installing unwanted apps bundled with downloads.
5. Educate Employees on Shadow Software and Install Hygiene
A surprisingly large portion of bloatware doesn’t come from the manufacturer—it comes from users themselves.
Train employees to:
- Avoid “free” tools that sneak in adware
- Stick to approved software marketplaces
- Recognize common install traps (e.g., bundled toolbars, pre-checked boxes)
Include a simple checklist in your onboarding:
- Did the software come from our internal portal?
- Is it listed in our approved toolset?
- Does it serve a direct business purpose?
6. Audit Devices Monthly with Lightweight Scanners
Use automated scripts or tools like:
- Windows Debloater
- O&O AppBuster
- Revo Uninstaller Pro
Schedule monthly scans to flag and remove:
- List of crapware programs Windows 10 devices tend to accumulate
- Manufacturer-level junk like Dell SupportAssist or McAfee trialware
Make this part of your standard IT checklist, not a one-time event.
7. Bundle Crapware Prevention Into Your Service Offering
If you’re in MSP, SaaS, or IT consulting:
- Package clean device imaging + white label VPN as a bundled service
- Market it as “security-first device onboarding.”
- Offer add-ons like Windows bloatware removal app setup, and monthly audits
There’s growing demand in mid-size firms for outsourced crapware prevention. Make it part of your value proposition.
How Businesses Can Optimize PCs for Performance?
One of the biggest performance killers for business computers is excessive background processes, including crapware and security vulnerabilities. While removing bloatware can help, securing your business computers is just as important.
Many businesses rely on remote teams and cloud services, making cybersecurity and performance optimization crucial. PureVPN’s White Label VPN offers businesses a way to secure employee connections, protect data, and improve network speed.
If your business wants to offer an added security layer, consider partnering with PureVPN White Label to provide a custom-branded VPN solution to your clients and employees.
Final Thoughts – Should You Remove Crapware from Business PCs?
For businesses, performance and security go hand in hand. By removing crapware and using PureVPN’s White Label VPN, companies can improve efficiency, secure sensitive data, and protect employees from cyber threats.
Want to ensure maximum security and performance for your business? Start with PureVPN White Label today!