We have a lot of programs on our computers, but do we use them regularly? Most of the software applications on our systems are unnecessary. Some of this software is Windows bloatware, junk that shouldn’t be on your computer, malicious software, or just outdated apps. We have compiled a list of unnecessary Windows apps that you would be better off uninstalling for the better performance of your system. Getting rid of the clutter will improve not only PC performance but also security.

Bogus system cleaners

It might seem that you cannot go wrong with antivirus or antimalware applications. Their purpose is to maintain your operating system and detect potentially dangerous processes. However, what happens if the security software is unreliable? Can it perform suspicious activities or show bogus scan results? That is precisely what happens. 

According to researchers, fake system cleaners still threaten users. Some might not be malicious because it steals data and gains access to a camera or microphone. However, their purpose might be to trick you into thinking that your PC is in danger. The fake applications will show bogus results of system scans. To fix them, they will encourage you to purchase premium versions of programs. 

Adobe Flash Player and Shockwave Player

Since January 2021, Adobe Flash Player is no longer supported. While its content has been blocked on all major browsers, you should refrain from installing any local Flash copies and uninstall any that you may have. That way, you stay safe from any emerging security issues since no updates will be made by Adobe anymore. 

In 2019, Adobe Shockwave Player, a similar runtime plugin, was abandoned. You’ll no longer find the company offering it for download, and the chances of finding a website that needs it are virtually nil. Therefore, take the time to remove both Adobe Flash Player and Shockwave Player, as they are relics from a bygone era. 

uTorrent

UTorrent was once considered a benchmark for all torrenting software until many issues arose that made it untrustworthy. As if the interface being crammed with ads wasn’t bad enough, uTorrent would also feature other software tools that were very irritating indeed. The last straw for many was the software found to be installing crypto miners with its updates. 

It was a waste of the user’s resources that happened in the background, with the company making money in the process. Hence, you might consider other torrenting alternatives or drop this type of software altogether. 

Apart from these unnecessary apps, there are a few that are a risk to your security and privacy. Therefore, we suggest you conduct an audit occasionally and remove apps that intrude into your privacy as they pose serious safety and privacy risks you should be cautious about. 

Manufacturer bloatware

A user may be exposed to higher security risks through web-based bloatware bundled with third-party apps. Such bloatware may exploit the system with malware or adware. Therefore, they may track a user’s online activities. 

Your PC will come pre-installed with many free apps you can do without if you haven’t bought it from Microsoft. Find such apps by going to your apps list and uninstall all bloatware after referring to the ‘Should I Remove It’ website. 

Additionally, some applications can appear on your system without your consent. For instance, smartphone owners frequently deal with this problem. On computers, this might be a minor issue. However, it is always best to review all installed applications. 

Ways to maintain your PC

There are several tips for maintaining your computer in the best condition possible. First, remove unnecessary programs. Then, choose antivirus software you can trust. Pick from reputable PC programs. There are many to choose from now.

Additionally, you might consider the capacities of Windows Defender. Specialists have praised it for being rather successful in protecting devices. However, you can always pick a third-party antivirus tool to protect your activities. 

Another effective strategy to protect yourself from security and privacy threats is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When the data between you and the internet is being transmitted, it passes through an encrypted tunnel. 

It ensures that no third party can decipher the exchanged data, significantly boosting your privacy and security. A VPN for PC also ensures that you remain hidden online by masking your IP address, further strengthening your online security and privacy. Additionally, a computer VPN has other perks, like stopping ISP throttling. In other cases, it can protect your PC from various threats. 

Conclusion

Computers are often loaded with apps that you don’t need. Many apps are outright dangerous to use as you have no control over the data you share on them. Some apps also track user behavior online. It’s best to uninstall them without delay. Online security threats are constantly evolving. It’s best to keep yourself best prepared and do all within your means to protect yourself.