MeinMMO presents programs that you should uninstall on any gaming PC in 2023. Either they pose security risks or there are simply better alternatives available on the market.
On a gaming PC, you can install a lot of different programs. And here, it can be easy to lose track of what you have installed over time. You should part ways with some programs because they are either outdated or their usefulness is disputed.
How does uninstallation work? In the simplest case, you go through the settings. In Windows 10 and 11, you select the settings and then choose “Add or remove programs.” Here you can select the software from the menu and remove it. The uninstallation process is the same for both versions.
If you are considering switching to Windows 11, then check out the following article:
CCleaner
What kind of software is this? The small software was long considered a popular tool for cleaning PCs. After the takeover by manufacturer Avast, there was a lot of criticism regarding data collection and security issues.
By 2017, trust had been destroyed when the CCleaner distributed malware to millions of users for weeks with a version (via sueddeutsche.de). Since then, many people have advised against the software and recommend safe alternatives.
We would also recommend uninstalling the software. Nowadays, Windows offers simple ways to clean up your PC. You often don’t need any additional tools for this.
You should uninstall CCleaner because …
- Windows offers you free and better options.
- the software has lost trust among many customers.
Adobe Flash Player and Shockwave Player
What kind of software is this? The Flash Player has not been supported since January 2021 and was considered a risk for many computer systems long before the end. The same fate befell the Shockwave Player in 2019, which is also no longer supported.
Basically, we would recommend you uninstall both players. You no longer need them today and minimize security risks on your system. Unless you absolutely want to play old Flash games.
Adobe itself urges “all users to immediately uninstall Flash Player to protect their systems.”
You should uninstall Flash Player and Shockwave Player because …
- the players are known for critical security vulnerabilities.
- they are no longer officially supported by the manufacturer Adobe
Java
What kind of software is this? The Java plugin for browsers faces the same issue as Flash and Shockwave: The software is notorious for its security problems. Many websites have now abandoned content that requires the Java plugin.
You can uninstall the software without worry; most websites should function properly, and you shouldn’t notice the absence.
You should uninstall the Java plugin because …
- the plugin is known for security vulnerabilities.
- many websites have now abandoned Java content.
QuickTime
What kind of software is this? The QuickTime Player was originally developed by Apple for its own systems and was also released for Windows. iTunes up to version 10.4 uses QuickTime on Windows.
However, Apple has not supported the software on Windows for years; there are no security updates or new features (via support.apple.com).
You should uninstall the player. The VLC media player is a free and better alternative that offers the same functions and regular updates.
You should uninstall QuickTime because …
- Apple no longer provides updates for the version on Windows and it is essentially a niche product on Windows.
- you have better and free alternatives under Windows.
Microsoft Silverlight
What kind of software is this? Silverlight is, like Java and Flash, a relic from the past. Silverlight functioned similarly to Flash and played media in the browser. Today, the software is hardly used, and modern browsers no longer support Silverlight. Microsoft ended support for the software in October 2021 (via microsoft.com).
All reasons to part ways with Silverlight. On a freshly installed Windows 11, you will probably no longer find Silverlight.
You should uninstall Silverlight because …
- the software has not been supported since 2021.
- it hardly plays a role in daily life today.
Toolbars and strange browser addons
What kind of software is this? When downloading and installing freeware, toolbars and other browser extensions are often offered and quickly pushed. Sometimes you click too quickly and end up installing annoying toolbars or other stuff on your PC. During the express installation of freeware, such toolbars are often bundled.
The security service provider Malwarebytes explains that toolbars are often the simplest way for malware to infect your computer:
- Some seemingly harmless toolbars read your passwords.
- Other toolbars redirect you to deceptively real-looking websites.
- Many third-party toolbars are now classified as spyware and adware.
You should check if you have installed such stuff and get rid of it. Often, these toolbars are nothing more than pure data leeches.
If you are unsure about the origin, change your passwords as well. Tips and tricks for strong passwords can be found in the following article on MeinMMO.
You should uninstall toolbars because …
- many security services classify them as spyware and adware.
- some of them can spy on passwords or sensitive data.
- they hardly provide any meaningful benefit.
Pre-installed software from manufacturers
What kind of software is this? When you buy a pre-built PC instead of building one yourself, you often get a lot of pre-installed software. Manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, or Dell usually include tools that you probably will never use.
You do not need the software for the smooth use of Windows, as many functions, such as printer settings, photo programs, or galleries, are already integrated into the system.
You should be careful, especially with notebooks, where certain features are specifically updated via utility software. Manufacturers like Lenovo, Acer, and Asus use such software in their systems. Here you should check beforehand whether you actually need the software. Other software is now included in “Windows Update” and is updated from there.
Another tip: At least remove unnecessary programs from the Windows startup. Otherwise, all the software will start every time you turn on your PC. This can be easily done through the task manager, where you can remove programs from startup. The update will still work, but the extensive utility software will not load right at system start.
You should uninstall pre-installed software because …
- many offered functions are already integrated into Windows.
- they often seem overloaded and sluggish and stand no chance against free tools or Windows.
Further tips and features around Windows can be found in the following article here on MeinMMO:
5 features with which the new Windows 11 wants to convince gamers
