Remove stock Windows 11 apps with open source JunkCtrl
Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system comes with dozens of stock applications for all sorts of tasks. Some apps are used a lot, others occasionally, and then there are apps that may not be used at all.
Some Windows 11 apps can be removed from Settings > Apps or the classic Control Panel, but others are locked and can't be uninstalled. Third-party tools as well as PowerShell commands may be used to remove these from the operating system.
PowerShell works well, but it requires expertise, especially since the removal of apps may have unintended consequences at times. Third-party tools, like O&O AppBuster, take care of that.
Tiny JunkCtrl tool to remove Windows 11 apps
The open source application JunkCtrl is another option. It is a new program that is developed by the creator of programs like BloatyNosy and ThisIsWin11. The app BloatyNosy includes uninstallation functionality as well.
JunkCtrl has a size of less than 100 kilobytes and an archive size of just 31 kilobytes. The program can be run right away, it does not need to be installed. Windows 11 may throw a SmartScreen security warning, which may happen when a program is new.
Using JunkCtrl is straightforward, but the interface may confuse some users. The first screen displays scan options. These are built-in, but may also be extended through plugins. Some plugins, like that for HP Bloatware are listed there already.
A click on the search button scans the system for matching apps. The returned list of apps is not as extensive as that of O&O AppBuster, but it still allows users to check one or multiple apps to have them removed.
The plugin architecture of the open source app opens up possibilities to extend the functionality by adding more signatures to the app.
The app has a list of the most hated apps on Windows 11 as well, which, unsurprisingly lists TikTok, Print3D and Mixed Reality Portal. The application focuses on Microsoft Store apps.
Closing Words
JunkCtrl is a tiny open source tool with a lot of potential. It could use descriptions for apps that it lists to improve usability.
Now You: do you remove stock apps from your devices?
Looks promising.
This in incredible, after uninstalled a ton of bloatware, my CPU usage has decreased from 30% idle to 1% idle. RAM consumption has decreased near to 500Mb and WiFi data consumption has decreased too, mostly 2Mb per hour more or less. It’s incredible the way the bloatware struggles the system. Indeed I noticed that Widgets use a lot of CPU each refreshing the feeds or something. The computer was silent and then the fans started to run like mad helicopters, who were the culprits? Yeah, the Widgets and The Weather!
How do I remove bloatware?
Generally if they have a small footprint on the disk and there is a chance I may change my mind eventually I don’t. Blocking firewall access and switch off auto starts mostly does the trick (Edge requires the same steps for Edge Update or it boomerangs). However, if they are big I work out what can be safely uninstalled and use HiBit Uninstaller. For example, Dell apps create a monster backup without asking whether you want that so I remove all Dell programs other than Dell Update.
Note that HiBit has access to uninstall Windows Apps via the tools menu.
The better is to have more of these. Maybe Microsoft will finally realize that no one wants junk on their computers.
I just use wintoys from microsoft store. It does the same until it gets banned.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/installed_app_view.html
Very useful, however it’s very difficult to know what you’re uninstalling.
Very nice portable software, very easy to understand and also very easy to use! :]
Thanks for intoducing the app. Looks good
“Do you remove stock apps from your devices?”
No, I prefer to let them remain with the system. I recommend Revo Uninstaller for MS App uninstalls. There is a button that lists MS Apps exclusively.
Better yet is the use of PowerShell commands–how to uninstall each or all and how to reinstall all.
https://www.howtogeek.com/224798/how-to-uninstall-windows-10s-built-in-apps-and-how-to-reinstall-them/
Not sure why gHacks would mention a 3 Star program.
It seems to me that in the past, tech articles focused on how to use components of Windows operating systems. From Windows 10 on, we are all intent on getting rid of the ever-increasing number of useless and/or irritating debris that Microsoft insists on dumping into their operating system. Martin has been with us through it all. Thanks for hanging in there with us.
BTW, I miss the old gHACKS.
Or don’t start from gHacks-homepage but from https://www.ghacks.net/latest-posts/
Kalmy, add this filter to uBlock Origin and you will have something resembling the old gHacks back:
http://www.ghacks.net##div.post,a.home-posts,a.home-category-post:not(:has-text(/Martin Brinkmann|Mike Turcotte|Ashwin/))
You also need to delete the empty space between “not” & “(:has-text), then it works with uBlock Origin.
Hmm, the http:// was added without any action by me when I posted this. Delete those characters before adding the filter or it won’t work.