After using a computer for a long time, you often feel that the system is full of software that is of no use at all. This time Microsoft finally gives users the opportunity to clean up by themselves. This can be regarded as a change that can make people feel comfortable.
Core features of the new version
In the test channel, Windows 11 25H2 version provides a key update. Users and system administrators can now use the Group Policy Editor. To uninstall some pre-installed Microsoft Store apps graphically, the name of this setting is "Remove default Microsoft Store app packages from the system."
Previously, to uninstall those pre-installed software, you generally had to rely on PowerShell commands or third-party tools, and there was a certain threshold for the operation. Microsoft has integrated this function into system management tools, which greatly reduces the difficulty of operation for ordinary users. This reflects that Microsoft is beginning to consider more users' actual needs for system control.
Remove specific scope of app
The list of applications that can be removed includes many programs set up within the system, including versions released by the app store such as "Movies and TV", "Terminal", and "Notepad". It should be noted that not all core components can be uninstalled. For example, the resource manager or settings application are not included in this uninstallable range.
This feature is mainly targeted at modern applications that are installed and updated through the Microsoft Store channel. For enterprise IT administrators who rely on traditional control panels or group policies for batch deployment, being able to configure these settings in advance can ensure that the newly deployed computer system is more streamlined and meets the company's unified requirements.
Practical steps for operational setup
To enable this feature, you need to open the Local Group Policy Editor. Users can find the corresponding policy settings in the "Administrative Templates" branch under "Computer Configuration". After double-clicking to open it, select "Enabled" and a list of all uninstallable applications will be listed below.
Based on their own needs, users can check the applications in the list that they want to remove from the current computer. After completing the selection operation and clicking "OK", the corresponding policy will take effect, and the system will handle the uninstallation process associated with it. The entire process is completed under the graphical interface, and there is no need to manually enter any command line code.
The technical implementation principle behind
When the user enables and selects the application to be deleted in the group policy, the system will generate a corresponding entry in the registry. The specific path is under HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftPolicyManagercurrentdeviceAppx . The removal status of each application is recorded and managed with a separate subkey.
In this way, policy configurations can be exported and backed up like other system settings. IT administrators can apply configured policy files to many computers in the domain to achieve large-scale unified deployment and management, improving operation and maintenance efficiency in the enterprise environment.
Market background of user needs
Many computer users have long referred to software that is pre-installed on the system and cannot be easily uninstalled as "bloated software." These applications not only occupy disk space, but sometimes run in the background, thus consuming system resources. There are various third-party uninstall tools made by enthusiasts circulating on the Internet, which exactly reflects this widespread user pain point.
Microsoft's initiative to provide an official solution this time will be regarded as a positive response to user feedback. Although this feature is still in the testing stage, it means that Microsoft has made a noteworthy concession in terms of system customization permissions, giving users more control over their "own computers."
Functional limitations and future prospects
To be clear, this new strategy currently only works for modern app packages installed through app stores. Corresponding to traditional components or services at a deeper system level, it is still helpless. In addition, the policy is disabled by default, requiring users to actively find and enable it. Ordinary home users may still find the operation complicated.
The perfection of this function will be determined by whether Microsoft finally provides a wider range of applications that can be uninstalled in the official version. If Microsoft can continue to increase the list and further simplify the activation process, such as including an intuitive "one-click cleanup" option in the system settings, then its practical significance for ordinary users will be greatly improved. It recognizes your facial features to determine whether you are over 18 and decides whether to show you certain content.
Will you immediately start trying to use this new functionality now, or do you think that its appearance is too late and its effects are quite limited? You are sincerely welcome to share your unique insights in the comment area. If you find that this article has certain practical value, don't forget to like it and forward it to more friends.
