Easily Uninstall Microsoft Apps in Windows 11 25H2 Update

Streamlining App Management in Windows 11: A New Approach

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is known for bundling various system and branded applications. While some, like Snipping Tool, prove invaluable for tasks such as taking screenshots, many users find certain pre-installed apps like Xbox unnecessary. Fortunately, enhancements are underway to simplify the process of removing these unwanted applications.

Recently, Windows Latest explored the latest development build, 26200.5670 (25H2), which introduces significant changes to app management. Special thanks to Tero for uncovering a new system policy designed to facilitate the removal of default Microsoft Store packages from the operating system.

Configuring Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system

New Policy Overview

The policy, aptly called Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system, can be found within the Administrative Templates section. Unlike the standard enable/disable options, it provides a comprehensive method for app removal. Below is a detailed list of the apps subject to removal under this policy:

Feedback Hub
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft Clipchamp
Microsoft News
Microsoft Photos **
Microsoft Solitaire Collection
Microsoft Sticky Notes
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft To Do
MSN Weather
Outlook for Windows
Paint
Quick Assist
Snipping Tool
Windows Calculator
Windows Camera **
Windows Media Player **
Windows Notepad **
Windows Sound Recorder
Windows Terminal
Xbox Gaming App
Xbox Gaming Overlay *
Xbox Identity Provider *
Xbox Speech To Text Overlay *
Xbox TCUI *

Understanding App Designations

In the list provided, applications marked with a single asterisk (*) indicate headless apps that operate without a user interface, predominantly linked to Xbox gaming services. Their removal is generally harmless and recommended since they serve minimal purpose to most users. Conversely, the applications marked with a double asterisk (**) are essential for key operating system functionalities, such as viewing images, creating text files, using the camera, and playing media. Although removing these apps won’t crash the OS, users will need alternatives for these tasks.

To utilize this new policy, simply enable it, select the apps you wish to uninstall, and apply the changes. It’s promising to see options for apps like Teams and Weather available for removal. However, notably absent is the ability to uninstall Microsoft Edge, which is deeply integrated into the system at this time.

A Closer Look: App Management Before and After

The screenshots below illustrate the app list prior to applying the new policy, showcasing all default applications included in Windows:

Following the policy implementation, you can see the updated app list, but it appears unchanged:

Installed app list after applying removal policy

Unfortunately, the anticipated changes did not materialize, indicating that the policy may still require additional refinement before it functions as intended.

Looking Ahead

This new policy ushers in a promising change, streamlining the tedious task of uninstalling multiple apps individually. However, it raises an essential question: why isn’t there a multi-select uninstall feature within the Windows Settings? Such functionality could significantly enhance user experience by allowing the simultaneous removal of several applications.

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