How to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Installing Unwanted Apps

Many Windows 11 users are frustrated to discover that their freshly installed operating system automatically downloads and pins third-party applications—like Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, or random mobile games—directly into their Start Menu. This is a “feature” called Windows Consumer Features, where Microsoft automatically pushes sponsored applications to your device to monetize the operating system. Fortunately, you can completely block Windows 11 from installing this bloatware by modifying the Windows Registry.

Warning: Before You Begin

Modifying the Windows Registry can be dangerous if you delete or change the wrong files. Please follow these instructions carefully. It is highly recommended to create a System Restore point before proceeding.

How to Disable Windows Consumer Features

To stop the automatic installation of these unwanted applications, we need to create a new rule in the Registry Editor.

1. Press the Windows Key on your keyboard, type Registry Editor, and click on the app to open it. Click “Yes” if a User Account Control prompt appears.
2. In the left sidebar of the Registry Editor, navigate precisely through the following folders:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows
3. We need to create a new folder here. Right-click on the Windows folder, select New, and then click Key.
4. Name this new folder exactly: CloudContent and press Enter.
5. Click on your new CloudContent folder so it is highlighted in the left sidebar.
6. Now, right-click anywhere in the empty white space on the right side of the window. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name this new value exactly: DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures and press Enter.
8. Double-click on your new DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures file. A small box will pop up.
9. In the “Value data” box, change the number from 0 to 1.
10. Click OK.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. From this point forward, Windows 11 is strictly forbidden from downloading or suggesting third-party bloatware apps in your Start Menu. Note: This will not uninstall the bloatware apps that were already placed there; you will still need to right-click and uninstall the existing ones manually.