Title: How to Prevent Bloatware Installation on Your New ASUS Laptop
If you’ve recently purchased an ASUS TUF laptop and opted for a clean installation of Windows 10, you may have encountered an unexpected annoyance: the automatic installation of bloatware. Many users, including myself, are frustrated by the intrusion of manufacturer Software on a system that was meant to start fresh. Here’s my experience and some strategies to keep those unwanted applications at bay.
The Clean Installation Dilemma
Upon acquiring my new ASUS TUF laptop, I decided to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 after conducting a brief test. Knowing that Windows Update can bring in more than just necessary drivers, I proactively disabled automatic downloads for manufacturer apps. Unfortunately, my efforts came too late; certain ASUS Software managed to install itself during the update process.
Determined to get it right, I executed another clean install while completely offline. This time, I also disabled a registry key associated with silent app installations and paused Windows Update for a week. I meticulously downloaded all essential drivers directly from AMD and other reputable sources to ensure Windows wouldn’t have a reason to pull in any additional Software.
The Frustrating Discovery
Just before reconnecting to Wi-Fi, I was pleased to see a clean process list. However, within moments of going online, I was dismayed to find numerous ASUS services and the Armoury Crate application running in the background. To add insult to injury, the MyASUS app was automatically installed via the Microsoft Store!
Taking a Stand Against Bloatware
The aggressive installation of bloatware feels like a breach of trust. Many users believe that they should have control over what gets installed on their devices, especially on a brand-new laptop. It’s frustrating that there seems to be no BIOS option available on ASUS models to prevent this behavior, unlike what some reports have suggested for ASUS motherboards.
Solutions to Consider
If you’re in a similar predicament and want to prevent or limit bloatware installations, here are some strategies you might consider:
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Disconnect from the Internet: Always perform your initial setup and driver installation with an internet connection disabled. This can prevent automatic downloads during the setup phase.
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Use Group Policy: If you’re familiar with Windows’ Group Policy Editor, you can adjust settings to limit certain installations and updates.
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Registry Tweaks: Explore further registry modifications that can help block unsolicited app installations.
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