Microsoft tests new tool to remove OEM crapware

[JMH]

Windows 10 already includes ways to clear out applications and data to repair misbehaving systems or prepare them to be sold, courtesy of the Refresh and Reset features added in Windows 8. Microsoft is now adding a third option: a new refresh tool.

Currently available only for Windows Insiders, the new tool fetches a copy of Windows online and performs a clean installation. The only option is whether or not you want to preserve your personal data. Any other software that's installed will be blown away, including the various applications and utilities that OEMs continue to bundle with their systems.

The tool is currently in preview and has some quirks; it installs a preview build from the fast track, but Microsoft notes that the new tool can sometimes install a version older than the one currently installed. When this kind of version mismatch occurs, the option to preserve your files is removed.

Microsoft tests new tool to remove OEM crapware | Ars Technica

 

[JMH]

Microsoft pushes new Windows 10 tool to kill PC bloatware

(Image: ZDNet)

It seems even Microsoft is getting sick of bloatware.

The software giant has built a tool designed to "refresh" systems with a new copy of Windows 10, which takes aim at preinstalled junk apps, the security flaw-ridden apps that come bundled with almost every new consumer PC.

The tool was first released in May, but is now included as part of Microsoft's second "fast-ring" test build of Windows 10 Anniversary Update this week.

ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has more on what's inside the new test build.

Microsoft pushes new Windows 1 tool to kill PC bloatware | ZDNet