Windows 11 Debloating: A False Promise

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 called 'Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system' which allows users to remove pre-installed apps. However, this feature is only available on Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, not Pro or Home.

The policy presents a checklist of inbox apps and removes the ones you tick, but it doesn't actually uninstall them. On a Pro machine, the policy configures cleanly, writes correct registry data, but has no effect on any user account.

For individual users, there are better ways to remove unwanted apps. Settings > Apps > Installed apps allows users to uninstall most inbox apps directly, and PowerShell can handle the rest. Additionally, third-party tools such as Win11Debloat provide an easy way to remove unnecessary apps.