Windows 11 25H2 Update Featuring Debloat Option to Uninstall Default Apps

New Group Policy in Windows 11 25H2 Allows Removal of Default Apps

Microsoft has introduced a game-changing Group Policy in the latest Windows 11 25H2 preview release: “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system.” This feature enables users with Pro and higher editions to automatically uninstall a variety of pre-installed applications during the system setup phase.

Understanding the New Policy

It’s noteworthy that this feature is not accessible through the Settings app and does not apply to Windows 11 Home editions. The functionality specifically targets Microsoft Store applications, excluding any third-party promotional software that may come pre-installed on devices.

The implementation of this policy underscores Microsoft’s aim to streamline the user experience by allowing system administrators—or anyone utilizing Windows 11 Pro and above—to declutter their devices right from the get-go.

Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system / Image: Mauro Huculak

List of Uninstallable Applications

The new Group Policy currently allows for the uninstallation of 25 default applications, which include:

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

Availability and Future Prospects

This policy is present in the 25H2 version of Windows 11, and while it does not appear in the 24H2 release, it is accessible within the latest Insider Preview build for that version. This raises questions about whether the feature will remain exclusive to version 25H2 or if it might also be extended to 24H2 in the future.

App Package Deployment for version 24H2 / Image: Mauro Huculak

Configuration Details

For those looking to enable this policy, you can find it under the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. Once activated, a corresponding RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages Registry key will be created in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx.

Since this feature utilizes the Group Policy Editor, home users will not have access to it, which seems a missed opportunity for Microsoft to enhance usability across all editions.

Implications and Recommendations

It’s important to remember that the policy exclusively removes Microsoft’s default applications, not the promotional apps that can sometimes clutter a new device. While this addition is certainly advantageous for users wishing to streamline their Windows 11 experience, there should ideally be a more universal solution that allows Home edition users to manage installed applications more freely.

A suggestion would be for Microsoft to adopt a post-setup interface where users can select which applications they want from the start, rather than having them pre-installed. This could easily be integrated as a feature in the Microsoft Store, prompting users to make a selection during or shortly after the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

Conclusion

With Windows 11 25H2 on the horizon, which is anticipated to be released in the fall of 2025, there is an opportunity for Microsoft to refine the user experience further. Currently, the only notable change is this new policy, but for those eager to try out what’s coming, the ISO file for Windows 11 25H2 is already available for download, offering paths for early upgrades.

Source & Images