In the upcoming Windows 11 update, build 25H2, users will see one of the most anticipated changes – the ability to uninstall some system (built-in) programs. Previously, these applications were protected from uninstallation, which caused complaints from users who wanted to have more control over their device. Now Microsoft is gradually opening up access to more flexible software management, making Windows 11 even more convenient and adaptable to everyone’s needs.
And now this version of the Windows 11 update is available for testing to Windows Insider program members in the Dev and Beta channels (builds 26200.5670 and 26120.4520, respectively). Although this update does not introduce any significant changes to the graphical user interface (GUI), it does contain one important innovation – the implementation of the functionality to uninstall system applications directly through the settings, using the standard Programs and Features interface. This allows you to uninstall preinstalled software without the need for PowerShell or third-party utilities, which indicates a gradual liberalization of the system policy for managing OS components. And this addition, if it works adequately, will further consolidate Windows 11 in the list of the most popular operating systems, as we wrote about earlier.
Previously, to uninstall built-in programs, users had to use PowerShell and enter commands that were difficult for most people to understand or resort to third-party utilities to optimize the system. With the introduction of a new feature in Group Policy in Windows 11 called “Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system”, this process has been greatly simplified – now you can uninstall system applications using standard administrative tools of Windows 11.
It is worth noting that this group policy is inactive by default, so none of the built-in programs will be removed automatically. In addition, it should be borne in mind that this feature is not available for Windows 11 Home users, since the Group Policy Editor is included only in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Thus, advanced system administration traditionally remains the prerogative of more expensive versions of the OS.
The question naturally arises: what components did Microsoft allow to be removed? The list includes well-known programs, including: Clipchamp, Windows Media Player, Windows Terminal, Notepad, and a number of other applications… And to be honest, quite often the average user almost never uses these applications.
Microsoft is gradually expanding the ability to manage the system environment for end users, although these changes are not yet available to everyone. The built-in option to uninstall preinstalled applications without additional tools is definitely a positive step toward greater flexibility. At the same time, the use of PowerShell remains relevant for owners of Windows 11 Home edition, especially if you want to manually optimize the system and get rid of unnecessary software. And we will continue to keep you informed about new developments in the world of technology.
