While it’s possible to uninstall bloatware on your laptop, it can be frustrating and time-consuming if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. To avoid the technicalities of removing bloatware from your unit, the best course of action would be to build your PC or buy a laptop without any trace of bloatware.
Top 6 Laptops Without Bloatware
Aside from considering bloatware, we looked into other critical factors that affect overall laptop performance:
Processor (CPU) Storage and RAM Graphics (GPU) Display Portability Ergonomics Camera, Video, and Audio
Check out the 6 best bloatware-free laptops that made our list:
Best On-the-Go Laptop Without Bloatware: Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Go lives up to its name as one of the most portable laptops on the market. Despite its small size measuring 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches, and featherweight design at 1.15 pounds, the Surface Go is jam-packed with valuable and reliable features for work and play while on the go. The Surface Go features a 10-inch FHD PixelSense Display with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 (217 PPI), extremely responsive and intuitive to use. Another great feature that makes the Surface Go perfect is its three view modes: Laptop, Tablet, and Studio. It comes with a built-in kickstand that’ll allow you to work or watch your favorite movies hands-free, anytime and anywhere! The full-range kickstand is easy to use and work from any angle. With magnesium-built and rounded bezels, the Surface Go boasts a truly sleek and modern design. Another critical factor to look at for laptop portability is battery life. The Microsoft Surface Go does well in this area, offering up to 9 hours of battery life for video playback. The Surface Go is a reliable laptop for your everyday tasks such as editing documents and surfing the web. Intel Pentium Gold performance is arguably superior to the Atom and m3 processors in preceding low-cost Windows devices. The Surface Go also comes with 8GB of RAM storage and your choice of either 64GB or 128GB SSD storage. What’s great about the Surface Go is that it’s pre-installed with Windows 10. You can install your preferred Windows apps and switch back to Windows 10 OS without extra fees and unnecessary apps that’ll slow down your laptop. If you want to switch back to Windows 10 S mode, you’ll need to reset the laptop. To steer clear of bloatware on the Surface Go, all you have to do is stay in Windows 10 OS. If portability is your top priority, the Microsoft Surface Go is the best laptop without bloatware.
Best Traditional Laptop Without Bloatware: Microsoft Surface Pro 3
If you’re looking for a laptop that elegantly combines performance and speed, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 doesn’t disappoint. The Surface 3 is a reliable laptop for intensive work tasks such as design, video editing, and more with a sleek design and powerful specs. Unlike the other Microsoft Surface models on this list, the Surface 3 has multiple convertible modes and a rotating feature. It’s designed to be a traditional laptop with a modern and elegant design coupled with only the most practical features. For laptop users looking for a fuss-free and powerful traditional laptop, the Surface 3 is your best bet. You have a choice between a storage capacity of 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB SSD, 16GB RAM with 512GB or 1TB SSD, or 32GB RAM with 1TB SSD. This is great for professionals looking to upgrade their Surface 3 for more intensive programs. The Surface 3 is also relatively portable at 2.79 pounds. Another great thing about the Surface Pro 3 is that it offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life which is difficult to find in laptops at its price range. If you’re looking for the overall best laptop without bloatware, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is an excellent choice for its powerful features and incredible speed.
Best Professional Laptop Without Bloatware: Microsoft Surface Book 2
If you’re a professional, the last thing you want is a laptop that slows you down because of bloatware. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 15"(Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1 TB, RAM), Silver is the perfect fit for software-heavy professions like engineers, architects, and designers who need a powerful laptop to keep up with highly intensive tasks. This high-end Microsoft laptop comes with four modes (laptop, tablet, studio, view), making it one of the most versatile systems on the market. It’s also equipped with the latest and most powerful processors and motherboards to deliver the best performance for professionals. The Microsoft Surface 2 is equipped with an Intel Quad-Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM for your intensive multitasking needs. It also comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphic card that can handle heavy software and games without any lags. Another versatile feature of the Surface Go is having a choice between two different PixelSense touchscreen options, depending on your preferred screen size: 15-inch (3240 x 2160) or 13.5-inch (3000 x 2000). You also have a choice between 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB SSD storage, depending on your needs. The Surface 2 also comes with a wide selection of USB and connectivity features, including USB-A and USB-C ports that are hard to find in other models. At 4.2 pounds, this laptop is a little on the heavy side. However, it does offer up to 17 hours of battery life which is great if you frequently travel for work or school. Considering its powerful processors and features, it’s definitely not the cheapest laptop on our list. However, it’s one of the most affordable laptops of its caliber. If you have the budget to get a high-end laptop for your professional and multi-tasking needs, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 is the best laptop without bloatware.
Best Affordable Hybrid Laptop Without Bloatware: Microsoft Surface Pro 6
One of the great reasons why the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 trumps the other laptops on the market is because its performance is made even greater thanks to its bloatware-free design. You won’t find any unnecessary software that’ll slow down your productivity. The laptop is equipped with Windows 10 Home, so you can still enjoy your handpicked Windows features without slowing down the system. Backed with Intel Core i3/i5/i7, 8GB/16GB RAM, and up to 128GB of SSD and 1TB cloud storage, it’s a reliable laptop for multitasking without the risk of any lags and delays. While we can’t deny that it’s one of the most expensive laptops on our list, users get a chance to take advantage of the Surface Pro 6’s three modes: laptop, tablet, and studio. The device kickstand is easy to manipulate, and it works perfectly with the Microsoft Surface Pen. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels and 267ppi. This is great for designers and gamers looking for bright and crisp image quality. Despite its lightweight design (1.7 pounds) and ultra-slim body measuring 12.74 x 9.09 x 1.91 inches, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 comes with a wide selection of connectivity ports, including USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, a headphones jack, DisplayPort, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port. Aside from that, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. This tablet laptop is one of the most responsive devices you’ll find on the market. It’s equipped with an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. With an average battery life of 13.5 hours, it trumps even the latest models of the Microsoft Surface series. If you’re looking for a Microsoft laptop tablet that provides ultimate performance, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 promises incredible features for students, professionals, and gamers.
Best Hybrid Laptop Without Bloatware: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
There were quite a few skeptics about the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 after it was noticed that the model is similar to its predecessor the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. However, the Microsoft Pro 7 is an excellent update of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 –– coming in with updated internals is a welcome change. The most significant change for the Surface Pro 7 is the introduction of a USB C port, replacing the outdated miniDisplay port of older Microsoft Surface models. Aside from allowing users to connect to a wide selection of drives, displays, and ethernet adapters, USB-C ports are also useful for power and display accessories. However, it’s disappointing that the Surface Pro 7 isn’t compatible with Thunderbold 3. Most users will be happy with the USB C and USB A ports, though. While the design of the Microsoft 7 isn’t much different from the 2017 Surface Pro 5, not many people are complaining because of the sleek lines and durable magnesium body. The device comes with Microsoft’s trademark kickstand back that offers unparalleled versatility for laptop, tablet, and studio modes. The Surface Pro 7 retains its crisp and functional display, but having been released in 2020, its large bezels are somewhat outdated compared to its rivals in the market. Get the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Type Cover - Platinum comes with a detachable lightweight keyboard to use the Surface Pro 7 as a laptop. With the 310 gram keyboard, the Surface Pro 7 is just at 1.085 kg, lighter than the Macbook Air and Surface Laptop 3. Another great thing about this laptop is that you can choose between i3, i5, or i7 processors. While i3 processors are great for light everyday tasks, professionals will appreciate the fast capabilities offered by i5 or i7 processors. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the best tablet-laptop without bloatware. While more expensive than most, the Surface Pro 7 offers great functionalities and a solid design.
Best Business Laptop Without Bloatware: Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition i7
The only laptop on our list that isn’t from Microsoft, the Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition i7 has zero traces of bloatware. Equipped with Windows 10 Home, the Huawei Signature Edition is an excellent counterpart for Android. The only additional program by Huawei is PC Manager and nothing else. It allows users to connect their laptop directly to a smartphone, an incredibly useful feature. The software will enable you to browse your smartphone image gallery, share files via Huawei Share or via Bluetooth. You can also activate hotspot mode on your smartphone from your laptop, so it’s easy to connect online. The program also allows you to check for system updates quickly. With its lightweight and compact design, the Huawei Matebook X Pro is one of the best laptops for businesses. The Matebook X’s features offer great overall performance, making it a high-end ultrabook. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor that can reach a maximum speed of 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost. It also comes backed with an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card that’s great for gaming or watching movies. Coupled with a 13.9-inch 3K touchscreen (3000 x2000) bezel-less display, the Huawei MateBook X Pro offers an immersive viewing experience. With such a thin and lightweight design at a 91% screen-to-body ratio, the laptop has a clever design of placing the laptop’s webcam from the top of the display to a pop-out in the keyboard. While the viewing angle is odd for some, it’s a minor flaw when you’re in conference calls or video meetings. Another plus is that the Matebook X Pro comes with multiple ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, USB-A, and two USB-C ports that can technically support Thunderbolt 3. As for the battery, the Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition i7 can support up to 12 hours of video playback, which is why it’s recommended for students, businesses, professionals who want a hardworking and portable compact laptop.
Final Verdict – Best Laptop Without Bloatware
There you have it –– the 6 best laptops without bloatware! Aside from considering bloatware to improve system performance, there are other factors to consider that will enhance your user experience:
Processor Storage and RAM Graphics Display Portability Ergonomics
To help you out, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the 6 best laptops without bloatware: The best laptop without bloatware will still depend on your individual needs and preferences. From our research and trials, one bloatware-free laptop stood out: The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is the best laptop without bloatware. With its powerful processor, versatile design, and fast storage the Microsoft Surface Book 2 offers high-end productivity features that ensure optimal performance. If you’ve got a limited budget, the Surface Pro 3 is the next best laptop without bloatware. This traditional laptop is sleek and compact, while still offering flexible options for upgrades when needed. Which bloatware-free laptop will you go after? We’re excited to know!
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware is a type of software that is preinstalled in laptops, computers, tablets, or smartphones. Programs are called “bloatware” because they’re not particularly useful or sought after by users. However, they are installed on devices by manufacturers, taking up a significant amount of storage space. Bloatware is applications, features, or software that is essentially unnecessary but takes up storage space and slows down your system. It tends to gobble up a system’s resources and memory, and not many consumers have been appreciative to find that their laptops come with inefficient “digital crap.” Funnily enough, bloatware has also been called “crapware” or “shovelware” by many frustrated consumers.
Why do laptops come with Bloatware?
Software companies pay manufacturers to preinstall programs. Prime examples of bloatware are obscure gaming portals or Norton antivirus. Laptop manufacturers don’t pre-install this software because they’re the best in the industry. Instead of providing users with a “clean” laptop with optimal performance, laptop manufacturers are paid by software companies to “shovel” often-useless software into the system. Bloatware is typically a trial version that urges laptop users to purchase paid software. This tactic is beneficial for software companies to lure inexperienced users in purchasing complete versions of the trial bloatware, mediocre games or programs, and inefficient search engines. Links can also pop up on browsers and toolbars, encouraging consumers to visit lousy search engines.
Why is Bloatware bad?
Unfortunately, running bloatware programs in the background has a tendency of slowing down computers without users even knowing it, by:
Reducing available storage space and memory Slowing down boot-up Cluttering up your system tray
According to a study, laptops without bloatware are 40% faster on average than laptops that are pre-installed with useless software. Another study found that bloatware increases boot-up times by one minute. Your browser or toolbars can also be loaded with annoying pop-ups, urging you to purchase paid copies of trial software. What’s worse, some trial antivirus software can be scary to the untrained eye –– warning laptop users that they’re at risk if they don’t purchase the entire program right away.
Should I remove Bloatware from my laptop?
While most bloatware doesn’t do any particular harm to your system, taking up space and system resources can make your daily tasks and user experience more inefficient and unproductive than you’d think. Some functionalities and applications that you need for work or school might suddenly become unavailable to you since your resources are already eaten up by bloatware. Bloatware apps can do more harm than good when it comes to security and privacy, especially with the numerous pop-ups you could mindlessly click. Dell, Asus, HP, Acer, and Lenovo laptops loaded with crapware are more likely to get hacked, compromising your laptop.
How do I remove Bloatware from my laptop?
There are various ways to remove bloatware from a new laptop. You can either:
Install software to remove all bloatware at once Manually remove unnecessary software one at a time
Automatically Uninstall All Bloatware
If you want to remove all bloatware on your laptop, you’ll need to install “decrapify” or clean-up programs. These programs scan laptops to find standard bloatware found in Asus, Dell, HP, and Toshiba laptops. What’s great with these programs is that you’ll remove all bloatware with just a couple of clicks. However, if you want to handpick the bloatware you want to remove, you can try to remove bloatware from your laptop manually.
Manually Uninstall Bloatware
If you’re not too keen on downloading and installing third-party utilities, you can manually uninstall each bloatware on your laptop. A word to the wise, though, this process can get extremely tedious. First off, you should know the specific programs you want to install and the ones you want to keep. Preinstalled bloatware differ from laptop to laptop, depending on unit brands and models. With an in-depth Google search, you should find a detailed explanation of what each program has to offer. You can also try looking for a user guide to:
The specific bloatware on your laptop What each bloatware does and how to use them Bloatware you should remove
To find bloatware on your Windows laptop, navigate the Control Panel and check the programs under the add/remove subpanel. Here you’ll find a list of the bloatware installed on your laptop –– you can then handpick which ones you want to get rid of. The downside of going with an Apple laptop is that some Mac models have bloatware that is impossible to delete. However, you can still remove some pre-installed applications. If you own a Mac, it’s possible to get rid of bloatware applications and files with the integrated installer under the Apps panel on the main menu. Launch the Applications folder and right-click the software you want to uninstall. Click on the lock icon. Then you’ll be required to type in the system password. If you don’t have admin rights to the pre-installed software, you won’t be able to delete it.
How to avoid Laptop Bloatware?
The steps to removing bloatware on your laptop can be tedious and time-consuming. To ensure that you have a bloatware-free system, the best course of action would be :
Build your own PC Shop for a bloatware-free notebook or laptop
If you’re looking for an efficient desktop PC for work, building your own laptop gives you complete control of what’s installed onto your hard drive. If you’re wary about building a PC by yourself, try approaching your local computer shop about assembling a unit for you. Make sure to point out that you don’t want any additional software and services loaded into the system without your permission. However, if you want a laptop or notebook, you don’t have the option of building your own unit. For starters, don’t buy laptops from retailers. You should buy laptops directly from a manufacturer. While it’s likely that you’ll get the manufacturer’s bloatware, you won’t have to deal with retailer bloatware on top of that. Thankfully, there are also laptop brands that release models with zero bloatware. The top brands and models to look into for the least bloatware are:
Microsoft Signature Edition from Microsoft Toshiba Pro series from Toshiba Asus
The Microsoft Signature Edition PCs and laptops are the best known bloatware-free units out of these three options.
What laptops to avoid (with bloatware)?
Now that you know the best laptops without bloatware, it’s also great to know the brands to avoid from now on. It’s important to note that bloatware varies not just from manufacturer to manufacturer but also from model to model. The more free space a unit has, the more a manufacturer or retailer is eager to fill them up with unwanted third-party programs. According to PCWorld, the worst culprit for bloatware is Lenovo. A few years back, Lenovo got in the middle of a scandal for preloading a software called Superfish. Superfish displayed unwanted ads on user PCs and laptops. Not only that, but it also made units more vulnerable to hackers by hijacking HTTPS connections. However, Lenovo pledged to limit its pre-installed software to the operating system, Lenovo apps, security tools, and necessary software to ensure that hardware runs properly. HP follows Lenovo as the next brand to watch out for bloatware. HP now allows users to check individual laptop specifications and applications on the HP Shopping website to ensure transparency of their products. According to the HP Vice President of Product Management for the Consumer PC and Solutions Mike Nash, HP is now working closely with Microsoft to maximize laptop performance by minimizing pre-loaded software. The next brand with the most bloatware is Dell. However, Dell started addressing customer feedback by reducing pre-loaded software on PCs and laptops. According to a Dell spokesman, they’ll ensure to pre-load applications that won’t compromise system security.
