Some applications are necessary for your computer to function properly, while others are not. These can hamper your system's operation at full efficiency or, at worst, pose a security threat. Even software developers, like those at BairesDev, will tell you that when you try to optimize your system performance, not all programs are created the same.
That's why one of the first things to do when you get a new computer is to remove unnecessary applications, such as startup programs, that come with Windows installations. If you don't, they can run in the background and slow down your system. The following list includes some suggestions for those you will probably want to uninstall.
Java
Back then, Java was needed to run rich media content on websites. But, as web technology has advanced and modern web browsers automatically do what Java used to do, it is no longer necessary for this purpose. Additionally, Java is known to have security issues and fail to install updates like newer applications do.
There is nothing wrong with removing Java unless you are running certain programs like LibreOffice or Apache OpenOffice or if you are a developer using specialized software that requires it. If none of these uses apply to you, consider uninstalling Java using the standard uninstall process:
- Click it Start menu and type Control panel.
- When the Control panel opens, click Programs > Programs and Features.
- Find the program you want to uninstall and select it.
- Right click and select Uninstall.
If you want to keep Java on your computer, make sure you have the latest version to avoid privacy and security issues. Do this:
- Open the Start menu and type Java.
- Click on Check for updates. the Java Control Panel opens.
- If an update is available, a Java update available the window appears.
- Click on Update to install the latest version.
Microsoft Silverlight
Like Java, Microsoft Silverlight - released in 2007 - was once used to run Internet applications. It has never gained as much popularity as Java or Adobe Flash, but it is known to have been used by Netflix for quite some time. Like Java, it is no longer needed as modern browsers use HTML5, which includes this functionality. To remove it, use the standard uninstall process described above.
Quick Time
Apple's QuickTime is a media player and is used as the default video player on macOS systems. There is also a Windows version, but Apple stopped supporting it in 2016. This version also has security vulnerabilities and is not safe to use on Windows machines. Although Apple still offers this version on its website, you need to uninstall it. To do this, use the standard uninstall process described above.
If you still need a media player, consider VLC Media Player which plays many media formats, works on all platforms, and is free.
CCleaner
CCleaner is a Windows maintenance utility that was once reliable but is now considered unreliable. There are many reasons for this fall from grace, including forcing updates without user permission, the user's inability to turn off certain features, and the user's difficulty in stopping the update. program. In addition, the program was infected with malware and briefly infected the systems on which it was installed before the infection was detected.
So, if this program is installed on your computer, remove it using the standard uninstall process described above and use Windows built-in cleaning features instead. To get there:
- Click it Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
- Click on System > Storage room.
- Use the available options to free up space on your system.
uTorrent
Like CCleaner, uTorrent was once a trusted tool, but it has become plagued by problems in recent years. Its problems include the presence of ad clutter, unwanted browser extension offerings, and bundling into cryptocurrency mining software. You can remove uTorrent using the standard uninstall process described above.
If you still need a BitTorrent client, consider qBittorrent.
Manufacturer Bloatware
Bloatware is unnecessary software installed on a computer by its manufacturer. Often times, these programs are offered as trials that attempt to trick you into making a purchase after the trial period ends. Security software like McAfee and Norton are good examples. Some manufacturers also include their own software, such as maintenance applications.
Often times, you can simply uninstall these programs using the standard installation process described above. Other times, software is needed for the system to function properly. You will need to research the apps that you are unsure of. If you're still not sure, just leave them alone, but write them down so you can consider getting rid of them later.
In summary
This list is not exhaustive, but if you remove the applications listed here, you will have a good start in making your system run better without unnecessary programs slowing it down. In addition to these suggestions, go through your entire list of apps and delete anything you know you won't use, like games you never play. After that, just enjoy your freshly updated computer.