Windows 11 25H2 introduces a more effective way to remove bloatware

Bloatware is a persistent challenge in corporate IT, slowing systems, wasting bandwidth, and frustrating users. Until now, IT teams have used PowerShell scripts or manual removals to clean endpoints, a process that is time-consuming, unreliable, and distracts from high-value projects.

With the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update, Microsoft is finally offering a native solution: a Group Policy setting called “Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages” that removes built-in apps at scale. No scripting required.

What’s new in Windows 11 25H2?

The new policy setting allows administrators to bulk-remove default apps like Xbox, Camera, Notepad, Terminal, and more.

It works natively, so no PowerShell, and no timing hacks. The removal happens during deployment, ensuring new user profiles start with a clean slate. It’s a breakthrough for IT teams that have long sought a streamlined, supported path to debloat OS images.

Why this matters to NZ businesses

Bloatware doesn’t just slow your device, it slows down your business.

1. In retail, sluggish POS terminals delay transactions and frustrate both staff and customers.

2. In education, shared classroom devices become unresponsive due to unnecessary apps running in the background.

3. In field services, bloated images cause longer setup times, impacting productivity in the field.

4. In finance, logistics, and legal, high-performance expectations are undermined by poor device efficiency, wasting time and increasing support demand.

NSP helps integrate this new Group Policy directly into your gold image builds to reduce setup time and improve performance across entire fleets. The result isn’t just speed, it’s a productivity multiplier, especially for industries where time, reliability, and security are critical.

PCWorld confirms that the native policy supports a wide range of default Microsoft apps, including Photos, Sticky Notes, Xbox tools, Copilot, and more

How NSP helps you deploy this

As your MSP, NSP assists with seamless adoption of the new Group Policy by:

• Updating gold images and base builds to include the debloat policy

• Defining an approved list of apps to retain or remove

• Configuring both GPO and Intune/CSP policies for policy enforcement

• Validating deployment outcomes, removing orphaned shortcuts, and ensuring clean Start menus

• Monitoring for performance gains and user feedback, refining the process over time

This extends our baseline IT and security services, helping organisations achieve better performance and tighter governance, quickly and reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this available now?
Currently in Windows 11 Insider Dev and Beta channel builds, it’s planned for general rollout later this year.

2. Can it be used with PowerShell or Intune?
You can deploy modified registry keys via PowerShell or Intune before full CSP support. Microsoft will likely add native Intune settings later.

3. Does it remove everything?
Only Microsoft’s default Store apps. Third-party bloatware is unaffected. Some Start menu shortcuts may linger until refinements arrive.

4. Will it work on all Windows editions?
Group Policy requires Pro or Enterprise editions. Home edition may not support this setting out-of-the-box.

What you can do now

The Windows 11 25H2 Group Policy represents a long-awaited and welcome improvement in enterprise image management. It removes the burden of scripting, improves endpoint efficiency, and supports stronger security and governance.

If your organisation is preparing for a rollout, or simply wants faster, cleaner deployments, contact us. NSP can help integrate this policy into your environment and ensure smooth adoption across your fleet.

Contact NSP to streamline your Windows 11 deployments and eliminate performance bottlenecks.