Unnecessary Apps on Your Windows 11 PC—Identify and Remove the Worst Ones

Windows 11 is equipped with a variety of built-in applications, some of which are essential for everyday use, while others may not serve a meaningful purpose for most users. Deleting these unnecessary applications not only liberates valuable storage space but also simplifies your user interface.

10 Mail

Once a favorite among Windows users, the Mail app has been officially retired by Microsoft, with users now redirected to the newer Outlook app upon attempting to open it. If you try to access Mail, you will be prompted to install Outlook instead.

System Error in Mail App — Screenshot by Aman Kumar — no attribution required

With Mail effectively rendered obsolete, users might consider alternatives like Thunderbird, Mailspring, or Fantastical for a comprehensive email experience on Windows.

9 Camera

The Camera app often gets tested just once—the first time you set up your new laptop or webcam—and is quickly forgotten. Even with a good-quality webcam, most people find their smartphones produce superior photos and videos.

Windows Camera App Interface — Author Screenshot by Rishabh Chauhan: Free to use

For those who use their camera for video calls, the app remains largely unnecessary since video conferencing services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams offer preview options within their interfaces. Adjusting webcam settings can be easily done within Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras > Integrated camera.

8 Movies & TV

With streaming services at the forefront of entertainment, the Movies & TV app feels increasingly outdated. For most users who subscribe to various platforms, the option to buy or rent content through this app will likely seem unnecessary.

Movies & TV app interface on Windows — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

In instances where you might consider purchasing or renting a movie, the Entertainment section of the Microsoft Store provides the same selection, showcasing that the Movies & TV app is more of a hindrance than a benefit.

7 Microsoft Solitaire Collection

Once considered a quintessential pastime on Windows PCs, the Solitaire Collection has lost its charm in today’s gaming landscape. Although included in Windows 11, it lacks the allure it once had as numerous online alternatives provide quicker and more diverse gaming options.

Microsoft Solitaire Collection Screenshot — Screenshot by Digvijay Kumar – No attribution

Unless nostalgia or offline play is a priority for you, ditching this classic collection could free up some much-needed space on your device.

6 Maps

As of 2025, the Maps app has officially been discontinued by Microsoft, marking its removal from the Microsoft Store and newly shipped devices. Despite its original purpose to assist users with navigation, its effectiveness on PCs has always been limited.

Windows Maps Interface — Screenshot by author — No attribution required

For navigation or planning routes, Google Maps is reliably available online and can also be set up as a Progressive Web App for quicker access, ensuring that the Maps app feels redundant for most users.

5 Microsoft News

Microsoft News is an app that often goes unnoticed on many PCs. It provides personalized news stories, which may seem helpful if you rely on your computer for news updates.

Microsoft News App Home — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

However, similar news functionality is readily available through the Widgets panel or within Microsoft Edge’s customizable news feed. Thus, keeping Microsoft News installed is unnecessary for most users.

4 Feedback Hub

The Feedback Hub enables users to report issues, suggest features, and share experiences with Microsoft, but very few actually take the time to use it.

Windows 11 Feedback Hub — Image credit – self-captured (Tashreef Shareef)

Unless you are a passionate Windows user dedicated to providing feedback, simply removing it poses no risk and frees up additional space.

3 Microsoft 365 Copilot

Despite its promising name, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app is more flash than functionality. It is marketed as a productivity tool that consolidates content creation and management but offers limited value without a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft 365 Copilot App Display — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

If you don’t hold a subscription, the app lacks significant utility, primarily serving as a shortcut to web-based features already accessible through a browser. Thus, uninstalling it can be a wise choice to optimize space.

2 Sound Recorder

The Sound Recorder app provides basic audio recording capabilities but falls short in quality unless supplemented by high-quality external microphones. For casual audio capture, smartphones generally outperform PCs.

Using the Sound Recorder App — Screenshot by author — No attribution required

If audio recording is your priority, consider more robust software like Audacity, which offers advanced features for editing and managing sound files—options that the basic Sound Recorder simply cannot provide.

1 Weather

The Weather app provides a comprehensive view of current weather conditions and forecasts, including severe weather alerts. However, for many users, this information can be found more readily through web searches or other intuitive weather applications on their smartphones.

Unless you habitually use the app for detailed insights, it tends to duplicate functionalities already incorporated into the taskbar and Widgets panel. Thus, removing this app can further streamline your experience.

Ultimately, you are not obliged to retain every preinstalled application that comes with Windows. Taking a few moments to uninstall unwanted apps can reclaim storage space and render your device more user-friendly.

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