The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a New Windows PC Without Installing Bloatware

Buying a new Windows PC should feel exciting. You turn it on, complete the setup, install the software you need, and start working. Unfortunately, many new computers arrive with unwanted trial applications, promotional shortcuts, manufacturer utilities, and programs configured to launch automatically.

These applications are not all harmful, and not every preinstalled program is unnecessary. However, software you never use can consume storage, run background processes, display notifications, and make your computer harder to manage.

This guide explains how to prepare a new Windows PC safely, remove applications you do not need, configure startup behavior, install useful software, and establish a reliable backup routine.

Who is this guide for? Students, developers, office users, gamers, and anyone setting up a new or freshly installed Windows 11 computer.

Before you begin: Keep your computer connected to power, use a reliable internet connection when downloading updates or applications, and make sure you have access to your administrator account.

Computer and laptop on a clean workspace during a PC setup

What Is Windows Bloatware?

Bloatware is a commonly used term for unwanted or unnecessary software that comes preinstalled with a computer or operating system.

Depending on the manufacturer and Windows installation, you might find:

  • Antivirus trial applications that request a paid subscription.
  • Promotional applications and games you never intended to install.
  • Manufacturer utilities that duplicate features already available in Windows.
  • Third-party applications configured to start automatically.
  • Applications that you do not recognize or use.

Not every preinstalled application is bloatware. Some manufacturer applications manage firmware updates, keyboard shortcuts, battery charging limits, thermal profiles, touchpads, or special hardware features. Removing those without understanding their purpose can cause problems.

The objective is not to remove everything. It is to keep the software that protects or supports your computer and remove only what you genuinely do not need.

Step 1: Complete the Initial Windows Setup Carefully

When you turn on a new PC for the first time, Windows starts the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). This setup process asks you to select your region, keyboard layout, network connection, account, and other preferences.

Take your time during this stage. Read each screen instead of accepting every optional setting automatically.

  1. Turn on your computer and follow the Windows setup instructions.
  2. Select the correct country or region and keyboard layout.
  3. Connect to a trusted network when required.
  4. Review the account options displayed by your Windows edition and version.
  5. Choose the account type that suits your needs and understand what account synchronization enables.
  6. Review privacy and diagnostic choices before confirming them.

Microsoft account or local account?

A Microsoft account can synchronize certain settings and connect services such as OneDrive and Microsoft Store. A local account keeps sign-in tied to that computer, although individual applications may still request online accounts.

Available account options depend on the Windows edition, version, region, and setup requirements. Do not assume that every computer will display an offline account option or the same network-skipping controls.

Important: You do not need to use unofficial commands or setup bypasses simply to avoid unwanted applications. You can review installed applications after reaching the desktop.

Step 2: Install Windows Updates and Check Your Drivers

Before removing applications or changing advanced settings, make sure Windows and your hardware are properly updated.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Choose Check for updates.
  4. Install applicable updates and restart when requested.
  5. Return to Windows Update and check again if additional updates are offered.

Next, check whether your essential hardware is working correctly:

  • Display resolution and graphics performance.
  • Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Sound and microphone.
  • Touchpad, keyboard, and special function keys.
  • Camera, fingerprint reader, and other built-in hardware.

Windows Update can provide many drivers, but some devices require a driver or utility from the computer manufacturer's official support website.

Download drivers only for your exact computer model. Avoid third-party driver updater applications that promise to update every driver automatically.

Step 3: Remove Applications You Do Not Need

Now you can review the applications installed on your computer. Windows provides a built-in uninstall interface, so you do not need a third-party debloating script for ordinary application removal.

How to uninstall an application:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Open Apps → Installed apps.
  4. Find an application you recognize and no longer need.
  5. Open its options and select Uninstall, if available.
  6. Follow the application's uninstall instructions.

Some applications can also be removed by right-clicking them in the Start menu and selecting Uninstall.

Applications you might consider removing:

  • Games and promotional applications you never use.
  • Expired software trials that you do not intend to renew.
  • Duplicate media players or utilities.
  • Third-party applications installed by the manufacturer that serve no purpose for your workflow.

Applications and components you should not remove blindly:

  • Graphics, audio, chipset, touchpad, and network drivers.
  • Manufacturer utilities required for special hardware functions.
  • Windows security components and system services.
  • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and other application dependencies.
  • Software whose purpose you do not understand.

If you are unsure about an application, search for its exact name and identify its publisher before uninstalling it.

Laptop computer showing a modern desktop workspace

Step 4: Check Your Antivirus and Windows Security

Some computers include a trial version of a third-party antivirus product. You can keep it if you deliberately choose to use it, or uninstall it if you prefer another supported security solution.

Windows includes the Windows Security application, which provides access to Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and other security features.

Check your protection status:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Windows Security.
  3. Open the application.
  4. Review the Virus & threat protection section.
  5. Check that your security provider and protection status are appropriate.

If you uninstall another antivirus application, verify that Microsoft Defender Antivirus or your chosen replacement is active afterward. Windows can automatically manage Defender's status when another antivirus product is installed and enabled.

Running multiple real-time antivirus products simultaneously can cause performance and stability problems. Choose a reputable security solution and keep it updated.

Never disable your firewall or antivirus simply because an application asks you to do so.

Step 5: Install Essential Applications Without Visiting Random Download Websites

A fresh Windows installation is not very useful until you have the software required for your daily work. The safest approach is to use trusted application publishers, official websites, Microsoft Store, or Windows Package Manager (WinGet).

What Is WinGet?

WinGet is Microsoft's Windows Package Manager. It allows users to search for and install supported applications from configured software sources through the command line.

For example, the following command installs Visual Studio Code using its package identifier:

winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -e

WinGet selects an available package and installer for the system. The installation experience depends on the application's package manifest and installer. Some installations can run silently; others may display prompts, request administrator permission, or require a restart.

Useful Applications by User Type

For developers:

  • Visual Studio Code — source code editor.
  • Git — version control system.
  • Python 3.12 — Python programming environment.
  • Node.js LTS — JavaScript runtime and development tools.
  • Windows Terminal — modern terminal application.
  • 7-Zip — file compression and extraction utility.

For students:

  • Google Chrome — web browser.
  • Notion — notes and organization.
  • Zoom — online meetings and classes.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader — PDF viewing.
  • LibreOffice — documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • 7-Zip — file compression and extraction utility.

For home users:

  • Google Chrome — web browsing.
  • VLC Media Player — video and audio playback.
  • Spotify — music streaming.
  • WhatsApp — messaging.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader — PDF viewing.
  • 7-Zip — file compression and extraction utility.

These are examples, not mandatory installations. Install only the applications you actually use. You can find official downloads through the following publishers:

Using the ZabiTech Setup Assistant

The ZabiTech Setup Assistant is a Windows desktop application designed to make installing a selection of common applications easier. It uses WinGet to request application installations instead of downloading every installer to the Desktop and asking users to run each installer manually.

The application provides three predefined profiles:

  • Developer: Visual Studio Code, Git, Python 3.12, Node.js LTS, Windows Terminal, and 7-Zip.
  • Student: Google Chrome, Notion, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat Reader, LibreOffice, and 7-Zip.
  • Home User: Google Chrome, VLC, Spotify, WhatsApp, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and 7-Zip.

Basic workflow:

  1. Download the application from its official project release page.
  2. Open the application on a compatible Windows computer.
  3. Choose the Developer, Student, or Home User profile.
  4. Review the selected applications and remove any you do not want.
  5. Use the review and install option to inspect your selection.
  6. Confirm the installation when prompted.
  7. Allow the application to process the selected installations.
  8. Review the final results to see which applications installed, were already installed, failed, or were not attempted.

The assistant tracks progress across the selected applications. Its activity indicator does not represent an exact download percentage for every installer. Installation time depends on internet speed, package availability, installer behavior, and computer performance.

Where supported, the assistant requests silent installation. However, some installers may still display their own windows, request administrator approval, require additional interaction, or ask for a restart.

If you cancel an installation session, the assistant stops before starting the next application. An installation already in progress may need to finish first.

Important security information: WinGet uses configured package sources and package manifests to identify installers. The source and publisher can vary by application. Always review the application name and publisher, download the assistant only from its official release, and do not ignore a Windows security warning just because a website tells you to.

Download: ZabiTech Setup Assistant for Windows — Release 1.0.0

Only use this download link while the release is available and verified by the project owner. If Windows displays an unexpected security warning, stop and verify the file's publisher and integrity before proceeding.

Step 6: Control Which Applications Start With Windows

Some applications automatically launch when you sign in. A large number of unnecessary startup applications can increase sign-in time and use memory and CPU resources in the background.

You can review them without installing another utility.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Select Startup apps.
  3. Review the applications listed there.
  4. Check their publisher and startup impact.
  5. Right-click an application you do not need at sign-in and select Disable.

For example, a music player or game launcher usually does not need to open every time Windows starts. You can launch it manually when needed.

Do not disable security software, hardware management utilities, or essential synchronization tools without understanding what they do. Disabling a startup entry generally prevents automatic launch; it does not uninstall the application.

Step 7: Review Windows Privacy and Personalization Settings

Windows provides several privacy and personalization options. Review them and choose the settings that match your preferences.

Open Settings → Privacy & security and review the available sections, such as:

  • General privacy settings.
  • Diagnostic and feedback options.
  • Activity history, where available.
  • App permissions for location, camera, microphone, and other resources.

You can also review notifications and recommendations under the relevant System and Personalization settings.

Do not turn off a permission that an application genuinely needs. For example, disabling microphone access may prevent a video meeting application from using your microphone.

Optional: Adjust Visual Effects

If your computer has limited memory or older hardware, reducing some visual effects may make the interface feel more responsive.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Enter sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
  3. Open the Advanced tab.
  4. Under Performance, select Settings.
  5. Review the visual effects options.
  6. Choose a balance between appearance and performance.

Changing visual effects is optional. It does not increase your processor speed or replace a hardware upgrade.

Step 8: Check Windows System Files Only When Needed

Windows includes built-in tools that can detect and repair certain system-file problems. They are useful when Windows is malfunctioning, but running them is not a required performance optimization for every new computer.

If you experience system errors, damaged Windows components, or unexplained Windows malfunctions, you can use DISM and System File Checker.

Run the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the operation to finish. Then run:

sfc /scannow

Do not close the Command Prompt while the verification is running. Read the final message to understand whether Windows found and repaired corrupted files.

If Windows reports that no integrity violations were found, the scan did not detect protected system-file corruption. These commands are diagnostic and repair tools, not guaranteed ways to make a healthy computer faster.

Step 9: Set Up a Backup Before You Need One

A clean Windows installation does not protect your personal files from accidental deletion, hardware failure, malware, or other unexpected problems.

Prepare a simple backup routine for important data, including:

  • Documents and school assignments.
  • Pictures and videos.
  • Important project folders and source code.
  • Personal files and records.
  • Application configuration files that would be difficult to recreate.

You can use an external drive for a separate copy of important files. Windows File History may also be available for backing up selected personal folders to an external or network location.

Cloud synchronization services can be useful, but synchronization is not always the same as an independent backup. If a file is deleted or changed, that change may synchronize to other devices. Keep another backup copy of files that matter.

Test your backup occasionally by opening a few files from the backup location. A backup is only useful if you can restore your data.

Laptop computer prepared for everyday work and file management

Final Windows PC Setup Checklist

Before considering your setup complete, review this checklist:

  • Windows initial setup completed.
  • Windows updates installed.
  • Essential hardware and drivers checked.
  • Unwanted applications reviewed and removed safely.
  • Windows Security protection checked.
  • Essential applications installed from trusted sources.
  • Startup applications reviewed.
  • Privacy and notification settings reviewed.
  • Important personal files backed up.
  • Recovery and account access information kept safely.

The Real Secret to Keeping a Windows PC Fast

A fast and reliable computer is not created by deleting every Microsoft application, disabling random Windows services, or running aggressive debloating scripts.

Good PC maintenance is much simpler:

  • Install software you actually need.
  • Download applications from trusted publishers.
  • Keep Windows and essential drivers updated.
  • Review startup applications occasionally.
  • Keep enough free storage space for normal operation.
  • Maintain reliable backups.
  • Avoid unknown optimization tools and unnecessary system modifications.

Performance depends on your processor, memory, storage, drivers, workload, and software configuration. No setup guide can guarantee a specific boot time or make every computer perform identically. The goal is a clean, secure, organized Windows installation that works reliably for your needs.

If your computer later becomes slow, identify the actual cause before changing system settings. You may find these ZabiTech Community guides useful:

ZabiTech Community — Learn Programming, Build Websites & Master Technology Skills.

Learn, build, and keep improving.