What Is Bloatware and How Can You Deal with It?

I don’t think any modern device comes in as “fresh,” meaning without preinstalled apps and programs. They usually come with programs we didn’t ask for or even use throughout our time using them. These digital hitchhikers are known as bloatware, and they can turn your sleek device into a snail—not literally, but just a slow device.  

What is bloatware? 

To cut a long story short, it is pre-installed apps on your devices that the manufacturer placed in. Some can be useful, but many are unnecessary and can take up storage space. However, some can pose security risks if you aren't careful. 

Be aware that not all bloatware is created equal. There are some common ones that you might encounter: 

From Eternal Family Official GIPHY

• Trialware: As indicated in the name, trial versions of the software are pre-installed, encouraging users to buy the full version for a limited time. Sometimes, they even give you unnecessary notifications. 

• Manufacturer’s apps: Device makers love to include their apps—photo editors, cloud storage solutions, or even their version of the app store. While some might be handy, others just duplicate what you already have. An excellent example of this is Samsung’s Internet browser, an app that is quickly glossed over. 

• Carrier apps: If you’ve bought your phone through a carrier, you might notice a suite of apps like their music player or navigation tool. Most of these apps are redundant and can usually be replaced by better alternatives.

• Games and entertainment apps: It’s common to find games or streaming apps pre-installed on your device. While they might seem fun initially, they can quickly become a burden, especially if you don’t use them.

From Xbox Official GIPHY

So, how do you deal with it? Just remember CAU—sound it out like a bird. Check, assess, and uninstall. First, whenever you grab your new device, check everything on your app list before downloading your preferred programs. Here, you will be able to determine all pre-installed apps. The next step comes in the assessment. When you see the list of pre-installed apps, you should assess what you will need and what you won’t. Once that is done, you can just simply uninstall. Get it out of sight and out of mind. 

On the other hand, if you are keen to clean things up, a reliable factory reset should do the trick. Just remember to back up your data first. Data is important, which is why equipping yourself with a robust network security system is vital. If you don’t know where to look, you can check out the GRYPHON Guardian Mesh Security Router, available in the Next Upgrade Shop, which can transform your home’s network system, keeping you and your family’s data safe.