What Is Crapware?
So, for the purposes of this guide, we’ll be talking about both kinds of unwanted software.
Luckily, removing them isn’t too hard, and you have a few choices.
Start it up and wait for it to generate a list of the programs on your rig.
Select a program you want to remove and tap the “Uninstall” button.
Repeat step 3 until all the unwanted software has been removed.
Note that you shouldn’t just run rampant and uninstall anything that doesn’t look familiar.
Heck, it might even be something worthwhile.
Then, it’ll get rid of everything in one fell swoop:
Download and install Decrap.
Start Decrap and let it perform its initial setup.
It will ask if you want to run it in automatic modeI recommend leaving this box unchecked.
It will then scan your system for currently installed software.
Once it gives you a list of programs, go through and check the programs you want to remove.
You’ll probably want to leave “Drivers” and “Windows Related Software” unchecked.
Click Next and create a System Restore Point when asked.
Decrap will ask you if you want to automatically install everything, or do it yourself.
This is up to you.
Let Decrap run through the unisntallation process.
When you’re done, you should have a much cleaner PC!
Once again, if you don’t know what something is, Google it before you remove it.
We have afull guide to reinstalling Windows here, so check that post out for the step-by-step.
Installing Windows is easy, but you’ll probably have to reinstall some drivers and other software too.
It’s up to you whether that’s worth your time and energy.
Often, companies will bundle toolbars or other junk with their free programs.
This allows them to offer those programs to you for free, while still making money.
It’s quite simple:
Download AdwCleanerand double-hit the icon to fire off the programno need to install it.
choose the Scan button to scan your rig.
When it’s finished scanning, go through each tab (Services, Folders, Files, etc.)
and check anything you want to clean.
Once you’re sure you’ve selected everything you want to remove, tap the Clean button.
Many people choose to boycott these programs entirely, and only download truly free or open-source software.
As long as that program gives you achoiceto implement the crapware or ignore itand most doboycotting isn’t necessary.
Watch for checkboxes on the download page.
Adobe, for example, offers you the chance to decline installing McAfee on its download page.
Other apps may offer an installer with crapware, but a portable version without it.
Carefully read each page of the installation wizard before you click Next.
Always choose the Custom Install option.
Custom install with almost always offer you the opportunity to decline crapware.
Sometimes they’ll hide it on an otherwise unrelated page of the installer.
Read every checkbox and uncheck anything that wants you to install something you didn’t ask for.
Don’t Click Every “Agree”.
Watch Out for Multiple Offers.
Good luck and safe downloading!
Images frominxti(Shutterstock) andRobert F. Balazik(Shutterstock), andJulien GONG Min.
