Windows 11, despite its array of features, has garnered a reputation for being somewhat bloated. Users often find themselves grappling with applications that not only occupy valuable RAM but do so without their explicit consent. Some applications can consume hundreds of megabytes, which, when aggregated, can significantly detract from the resources available for essential processes. Below, we explore a few applications that might be worth uninstalling to enhance system performance.
MSN Weather is the poster child
It can use a ridiculous amount of RAM
Checking the weather should ideally be a lightweight task, consuming only a couple of hundred megabytes of RAM at most. However, users have recently discovered that the MSN Weather app can exceed 1GB of RAM mere seconds after launching. This is particularly alarming for those who might keep the app open throughout the day, unwittingly allowing it to consume a significant portion of their system’s memory. The app’s excessive resource usage can be attributed to its nature as a WebView2-hosted application, effectively running a mini web browser within itself.
The Widgets Board is another major resource hog
Another web-powered resource hog
The Widgets Board, accessible via the taskbar or the Windows+W shortcut, presents users with a plethora of information, including news stories, sports results, and weather updates. While it can be a convenient feature, it can also consume several hundred megabytes of RAM, depending on the content displayed and the system’s specifications. Although some users appreciate the feature for its utility, those who rarely utilize it might consider disabling it to free up system resources.
Outlook is a browser wearing an email app’s costume
Email shouldn’t need so much RAM
Outlook, at first glance, appears to be a straightforward email application. However, its reliance on the WebView2 framework means it is poorly optimized for RAM usage. Unlike traditional email clients that could operate on less than 100MB of RAM, Outlook can consume hundreds of megabytes, especially since it remains active in the background, syncing notifications even when minimized. This behavior can lead to unnecessary memory consumption, making it a candidate for uninstallation for those who seek efficiency.
Closing Edge doesn’t always close Edge
Edge likes to stick around
Microsoft Edge, often met with mixed feelings from users, has a tendency to persist in the background even after being closed. This behavior is partly due to a feature known as Startup Boost, designed to enhance the browser’s launch speed. While this may be beneficial for frequent users, others may find it frustrating. Fortunately, disabling this background activity is a straightforward process for those who wish to reclaim their system’s resources.
OneDrive is the first thing I get rid of on a fresh Windows install
OneDrive never really stops working
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, is notorious for its background RAM consumption. Users have reported instances of memory leaks, where the app can unexpectedly consume gigabytes of RAM. For those who do not utilize OneDrive, uninstalling it immediately upon setting up a new Windows machine can be a wise decision, preventing unnecessary resource drain from the outset.
Not every RAM-consuming process is actually a problem
While applications naturally require RAM to function, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary usage and wasteful consumption. For machines equipped with only 8GB of RAM, every megabyte is precious. Therefore, users are encouraged to evaluate and uninstall any default Windows applications that do not align with their usage patterns, ensuring optimal performance and resource management.
