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Bloatware is still a big problem on new Windows 8 and 8.1 PCs.
Software companies pay computer manufacturers to include this stuff.
It’s installedto make the PC manufacturer moneyat the cost of making the Windows computer worse for actual users.
It’s essentially a quick, streamlined way of reinstalling Windows.
However, Microsoft allows computer manufacturers to customize their Refresh images.
When you Refresh your machine, you’ll just get back to the factory-provided system complete with bloatware.
It’s possible that some computer manufacturers aren’t building bloatware into their refresh images in this way.
Manufacturers can install their own refresh images in the same way.
Microsoft doesn’t lock down the Refresh feature.
Desktop Bloatware is Still Around, Even on Tablets!
Microsoft considers tablets to be PCs, and PC manufacturers love installing their bloatware.
One of the nice things about Microsoft’s Surface PCs is that they’re free of the typical bloatware.
Microsoft won’t take money from Norton to include nagging software that worsens the experience.
Microsoft is also continuing their Signature program.
For example, Amazon may pay a computer manufacturer to include the Amazon Kindle app from the Windows Store.
(The manufacturer may also just receive a cut of book sales for including it.
The manufacturer will then drop in the Amazon Kindle app from the Windows Store by default.
Microsoft’s Windows RTcan’t run Microsoft desktop software, so it’s immune to traditional bloatware.
Unfortunately, bloatware is still a big problem for Windows PCs.
Windows 8 tries to do some things to address bloatware, but it ultimately comes up short.
