What Is Bloatware?
Tags: security
Published: 2022-11-26 17:00:00

As computers age, more and more files accumulate on our hard drives.
Removing some of those files -- viruses -- is the job of antivirus
software. Some of those files -- for example, loggers and spyware -- are
removed by anti-loggers and anti-spyware software. However, some classes
of files don't fall into any of those categories: bloatware is one of
them.

## What Is Bloatware and How Does It Work?

Bloatware is essentially a PuP (potentially unwanted program) that can
be found on a PC or a smartphone as well. Bloatware usually finds its
way into our computers either by being pre-installed by the manufacturer
after being pre-installed on the PC, by us downloading files without
performing the necessary research or by us keeping files we downloaded
years ago.

## Getting Rid of Bloatware

It's rather easy for bloatware to find its way onto our computers -- to
make sure our computers are clean, perform these steps:

1.  If you've just received your PC, perform thorough research on the
    apps that came pre-installed with it. If you find yourself using
    Windows, open up the Apps & Programs application (search for it in
    the search bar -- it's rather easy to find), then have a look
    through the applications that are installed on your PC. If you see
    an application that you think is not supposed to be on the list, do
    your research on it, then delete it if necessary.

2.  If you've been using your PC for a while, perform a sweep with
    scanners like Malwarebytes or similar -- these kinds of scanners are
    easily able to identify malware, spyware, and bloatware as well. One
    click will remove them all!

Finally, keep in mind that every new PC or laptop might come
pre-installed with applications that you do not intend to use at all --
there's no need to worry, but just keep in mind that it's a good idea to
have a look through the list and remove the apps that aren't necessary
or not install unnecessary stuff that you do not intend to use. Also, if
you've been using your PC for a while, it's a good idea to have a look
through the list as well -- you can be almost certain that you will find
something that's been used years ago and you have no use for!

## Summary

The reasons why bloatware ends up on our computers are numerous -- in
many cases, it's the result of us downloading stuff that we don't use
anymore (think about the things you've downloaded 5-6 years ago -- do
you use them all?), but in some cases, bloatware ends up on our PCs
because those who create bloatware might pay wholesalers of computers to
install it.

To remove bloatware, either have a look through the list of applications
and programs that are installed on your computer and remove those apps
that you don't use, or sweep your computer with reputable anti-malware
scanners like the one provided by Malwarebytes. Finally, keep mindful of
the apps installed on your PC and remove them as soon as you're done
using them if you're sure you won't need to use them ever again.

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