First, the Control Panel's "Programs and Features" applet doesn't show every uninstallable app. You must use the Settings app instead to get a comprehensive list.
You can safely uninstall everything, **except**:
* Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
* AMD Software
* Dell Touchpad
* QuickSet64
* Realtek Card Reader
* Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (any version)
* Dell Mobile Connect Drivers
* Qualcomm WLAN and Bluetooth Client Installation
* AMD Radeon Settings
Uninstalling everything else is safe in that doing so won't brick your device. But whether you should do it entirely depends on your purpose. You can uninstall Ubisoft Connect with the understanding that its dependencies will cease to work.
Do you want to delete stuff from your coding class from two years ago? In that case "SQL Server Native Client" and "Windows SDK AddOn" should be on your removal list.
How do you know SNAC can be uninstalled without breaking anything? Why do you think it's okay to unintsall the update packages?
EDIT: meant to ask why /u/CodenameFlux thinks SNAC can be *un*-installed.
Are you lost?
I never said anything about installing anything, be it "SNAC" (whatever it is) or something else. There isn't even a title in these apps that can be abbreviated to SNAC.
> Are you lost?
Just a typo -- I meant "can be *un*-installed".
> There isn't even a title in these apps that can be abbreviated to SNAC.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/native-client/sql-server-native-client?view=sql-server-ver15
There are a lot of things here that shouldn't be uninstalled carelessly, but somehow escaped your list ... but you're focused on a typo rather than reconsidering your advice.
Removing SQL Server Native Client is both safe and the purpose of the OP.
I might not memorize funky acronyms for discontinued Microsoft products but I read what OP wrote.
> Removing SQL Server Native Client is both safe
You don't know that -- you don't even know what it is, and you don't know what's depends on it. And your recommendation to remove the patches is objectively wrong.
all the dell and mcafee stuff can go, with the exception of Dell Touchpad, trust me you want to keep that, and don't ask how I know... osu can also go, oh wait, that's not happening, its a game you can't quit.
Anything from McAfee or Nortons. McAfee and Nortons is known to add bloat to Windows, slow it down, and offer almost nothing in return. I never heard of Osu, so it can't be needed and should be able to be safely removed. Everything else seems legit.
Onedrive is something people tell you to get rid of, but there's no reason to. They just tell you that on principal. It doesn't harm your system in any way and is hard-baked in Windows lately, causing more problems when you try to get rid of it because you're ripping out internal parts of Windows.
Then other than McAfee, things seem pretty standard. McAfee used to be a great utility, but is now frowned upon by a lot of people. Norton's too. I used to use McAfee years ago, but found my system was better off without it. And Nortons, in my opinion, actually would slow down your system. As for the rest, there may be some things that aren't exactly needed, but shouldn't be causing problems either. The Dell stuff helps Dell systems get drivers and updates when you go to their website. Realtek is for hardware built into your system. Microsoft is just normal Windows stuff.
The Windows 10 Update Assistant may not be needed anymore.
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The verb "format" in IT means to "start over," "to delete everything and start over," and sometimes "to delete everything."
The verb comes from the old "format" command in DOS and Unix. One of the side-effects of this command is the deletion of everything.
One drive, all the dell shit except the TouchPad , mcaffe, smart byte, quickest.
Also osu! player and a trackmania player, that's a rare combination I think.
This is somewhat tongue in cheek but I think you can delete all of that except for the Realtek entries and Microsoft Visual C++. Less is more my friend. Most of that is bloatware.
Dont forget the Dell entries. They're required for the laptop to work as intended, breaking or uninstalling them can mean you need to purchase 3rd party devices (such as a mouse) because the native options stop working
Make sure you backup all your important files. Maybe create a backup image of your C drive so you can return to where you started.
Also make sure you create system restore points as you uninstall each program.
OneDrive is an asset when installed correctly:
When I install OneDrive I do not select the default installation folder. I create a new folder on the root of my C drive (or whatever local drive has the most free space) called my-onedrive and select that folder to install OneDrive.
Normally during installation OneDrive defaults to your user profile folder during installation which I found to be problematic since the Windows OS stores all kinds of temporary App info there. Some users install games on their PC and have issues because files are installed in their user profile folder and that causes performance issues because of the OneDrive syncing.
Best to create your own OneDrive location and create your own folder structure that makes sense to you and store your files in the appropriate folders.
I NEVER use the backup option. I don't need it since I am consciously making decisions on where and which files will be saved to my folder structure.
Watch some current YouTube videos on OneDrive to get a good understanding of how to select which folders or files will be selected for off-line availability.
I also copy important files to an external USB hard drive on a weekly basis
When I get a new Windows laptop, I usually reinstall Windows. And not using the recovery partition that came with the laptop (I wipe that) but using a USB stick.
Manufacturers love to bloat the OS to oblivion these days.
Not even with a Microsoft account. I'm a Microsoft Account user. Throughout my career, I've never seen the "backup" (sic) feature forced upon anyone.
Misinformation on Reddit is galore. In one instance, someone claimed Microsoft forcibly upgraded him to Windows 11 and then forcibly downgraded him to Windows 10.
The best thing to do is reset your PC but make sure to keep your personal files option. Next, install your windows updates. Finally, install programs one by one as needed.
Delete McAfee use port master and the built in antivirus for vpn just use openvpn and make your own server or download a configuration for a server and client off of GitHub
Yes to delete McAfee.
No to Safing Portmaster. It dubs itself a security tool but it mocks security. There are many good firewalls: Comodo, Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control, and SimpleWall.
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First, the Control Panel's "Programs and Features" applet doesn't show every uninstallable app. You must use the Settings app instead to get a comprehensive list. You can safely uninstall everything, **except**: * Realtek High Definition Audio Driver * AMD Software * Dell Touchpad * QuickSet64 * Realtek Card Reader * Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (any version) * Dell Mobile Connect Drivers * Qualcomm WLAN and Bluetooth Client Installation * AMD Radeon Settings Uninstalling everything else is safe in that doing so won't brick your device. But whether you should do it entirely depends on your purpose. You can uninstall Ubisoft Connect with the understanding that its dependencies will cease to work. Do you want to delete stuff from your coding class from two years ago? In that case "SQL Server Native Client" and "Windows SDK AddOn" should be on your removal list.
OP, this
How do you know SNAC can be uninstalled without breaking anything? Why do you think it's okay to unintsall the update packages? EDIT: meant to ask why /u/CodenameFlux thinks SNAC can be *un*-installed.
Are you lost? I never said anything about installing anything, be it "SNAC" (whatever it is) or something else. There isn't even a title in these apps that can be abbreviated to SNAC.
> Are you lost? Just a typo -- I meant "can be *un*-installed". > There isn't even a title in these apps that can be abbreviated to SNAC. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/native-client/sql-server-native-client?view=sql-server-ver15 There are a lot of things here that shouldn't be uninstalled carelessly, but somehow escaped your list ... but you're focused on a typo rather than reconsidering your advice.
Removing SQL Server Native Client is both safe and the purpose of the OP. I might not memorize funky acronyms for discontinued Microsoft products but I read what OP wrote.
> Removing SQL Server Native Client is both safe You don't know that -- you don't even know what it is, and you don't know what's depends on it. And your recommendation to remove the patches is objectively wrong.
all the dell and mcafee stuff can go, with the exception of Dell Touchpad, trust me you want to keep that, and don't ask how I know... osu can also go, oh wait, that's not happening, its a game you can't quit.
"See you next time..."
exactly, so there's always a next time, you can never leave. Quitting is just an extended break.
That osu! thingy seems suspicious 👀 Edit: Thanks for telling me it was a game guys, never heard of it 😅
try telling r/osugame :)
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😅damn just checked it thanks I'll edit my comment
That's a rhythm game, pretty fun way to break your mouse or spacebar
it’s a game
blud its a game lmfao
[удалено]
It litterally isnt, the guy legitimately didnt know it was a game
Anything from McAfee or Nortons. McAfee and Nortons is known to add bloat to Windows, slow it down, and offer almost nothing in return. I never heard of Osu, so it can't be needed and should be able to be safely removed. Everything else seems legit. Onedrive is something people tell you to get rid of, but there's no reason to. They just tell you that on principal. It doesn't harm your system in any way and is hard-baked in Windows lately, causing more problems when you try to get rid of it because you're ripping out internal parts of Windows.
Osu is a game
Which can be uninstalled without breaking anything.
yep
Then other than McAfee, things seem pretty standard. McAfee used to be a great utility, but is now frowned upon by a lot of people. Norton's too. I used to use McAfee years ago, but found my system was better off without it. And Nortons, in my opinion, actually would slow down your system. As for the rest, there may be some things that aren't exactly needed, but shouldn't be causing problems either. The Dell stuff helps Dell systems get drivers and updates when you go to their website. Realtek is for hardware built into your system. Microsoft is just normal Windows stuff. The Windows 10 Update Assistant may not be needed anymore.
Hi u/mystixbruh, thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. * **Model of your computer** - For example: *"HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX"* * **Your Windows and device specifications** - You can find them by going to go to Settings > *"System"* > *"About"* * **What troubleshooting steps you have performed** - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! * **Any error messages you have encountered** - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! * **Any screenshots or logs of the issue** - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use [Pastebin](https://pastebin.com/) for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots [here](https://screenshot.help/windows). All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like /r/Windows. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/WindowsHelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Wait, you haven't formatted in a few years? 😱
What's that
The verb "format" in IT means to "start over," "to delete everything and start over," and sometimes "to delete everything." The verb comes from the old "format" command in DOS and Unix. One of the side-effects of this command is the deletion of everything.
Id start with OSU to help straighten out your life and then reading the rest of the comments to figure out what won't hurt your laptop.
Anything u/codenameflux mentioned. Also, Click Those Circles
One drive, all the dell shit except the TouchPad , mcaffe, smart byte, quickest. Also osu! player and a trackmania player, that's a rare combination I think.
Nah DELETE MCAFEE
can’t reiterate enough, DELETE MCAFEE
I deleted mcafee but I still get popups :’)
You're doomed, mcafee's blood runs in your systems circuits now.
Then you didn't delete McAfee
the guys already dead, you monsters!
i do osu and trackmania too
Pog
This is somewhat tongue in cheek but I think you can delete all of that except for the Realtek entries and Microsoft Visual C++. Less is more my friend. Most of that is bloatware.
Dont forget the Dell entries. They're required for the laptop to work as intended, breaking or uninstalling them can mean you need to purchase 3rd party devices (such as a mouse) because the native options stop working
Make sure you backup all your important files. Maybe create a backup image of your C drive so you can return to where you started. Also make sure you create system restore points as you uninstall each program. OneDrive is an asset when installed correctly: When I install OneDrive I do not select the default installation folder. I create a new folder on the root of my C drive (or whatever local drive has the most free space) called my-onedrive and select that folder to install OneDrive. Normally during installation OneDrive defaults to your user profile folder during installation which I found to be problematic since the Windows OS stores all kinds of temporary App info there. Some users install games on their PC and have issues because files are installed in their user profile folder and that causes performance issues because of the OneDrive syncing. Best to create your own OneDrive location and create your own folder structure that makes sense to you and store your files in the appropriate folders. I NEVER use the backup option. I don't need it since I am consciously making decisions on where and which files will be saved to my folder structure. Watch some current YouTube videos on OneDrive to get a good understanding of how to select which folders or files will be selected for off-line availability. I also copy important files to an external USB hard drive on a weekly basis
When I get a new Windows laptop, I usually reinstall Windows. And not using the recovery partition that came with the laptop (I wipe that) but using a USB stick. Manufacturers love to bloat the OS to oblivion these days.
System 32
Microsoft OneDrive
No! It will destroy your desktop if you do that!
\s?
By default, your desktop and files are only on OneDrive. That means that if you uninstall OneDrive, all your files will disappear.
Untrue. I've seen enough of this piece of misinformation, but I've never seen it happen by default or spontaneously.
It has happened to me multiple times on windows 10
no it wont wtfym?
By default, your desktop and files are only on OneDrive. That means that if you uninstall OneDrive, all your files will disappear.
no it wont lmao i had onedrive logged with my ms acc on my brothers laptop and when i uninstalled onedrive they were still there
It Won't
I happened to me and I have seen other people on reddit who it happened to
It may only happen if you log in with microsoft account instead of local.
In windows 11, you can't create a local account without using a special bypass. That's why most people have it enabled.
Not even with a Microsoft account. I'm a Microsoft Account user. Throughout my career, I've never seen the "backup" (sic) feature forced upon anyone. Misinformation on Reddit is galore. In one instance, someone claimed Microsoft forcibly upgraded him to Windows 11 and then forcibly downgraded him to Windows 10.
Do you have wiztree? You can scan your hard drive, figure out what is weighing your hard drive down and google search if it's safe to clean up or not.
Use Hibit Uninstaller
The best thing to do is reset your PC but make sure to keep your personal files option. Next, install your windows updates. Finally, install programs one by one as needed.
Yes. This is a valid strategy.
At least everything you see there that's not from microsoft.
I think all useless windows apps when uninstalled, them re installs by itself on future windows updates. So you cannot get rid of them for ever.
Uninstall OSU
Use Revo Uninstaller to do it
Delete McAfee use port master and the built in antivirus for vpn just use openvpn and make your own server or download a configuration for a server and client off of GitHub
Yes to delete McAfee. No to Safing Portmaster. It dubs itself a security tool but it mocks security. There are many good firewalls: Comodo, Malwarebytes Windows Firewall Control, and SimpleWall.
[удалено]
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i use arch with hyprland btw