How to Remove Hidden Malware and Bloatware (2026 Tools)

Laptops often come with “Bloatware”—unnecessary apps like trial antivirus or manufacturer “helper” tools that slow down your CPU. Worse, “Hidden Malware” can sit in the background stealing data without you knowing.

1. The Easy Way: Windows Settings

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Look for things like “WildTangent Games” or expired antivirus trials and click Uninstall.

2. The Power User Way: Winget

Windows has a built-in tool to remove apps in bulk.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Type winget list to see everything installed.
3. Type winget uninstall "App Name" to force-remove stubborn manufacturer apps.

3. Deep Scanning for Malware

If your laptop is opening random tabs or your fan is always loud, you might have a “miner” or “adware.”

• Run a Full Scan: Use Windows Defender (Scan Options > Full Scan).
• Secondary Scan: Download the free version of Malwarebytes. It specializes in finding the “Potentially Unwanted Programs” (PUPs) that standard antivirus misses.