How to Disable Preinstalled Apps on a Tablet

Why disable preinstalled apps?

Preinstalled apps, often called bloatware, come with your tablet and may include trial software, manufacturer utilities, or duplicate services you never use. These apps can consume storage space, run in the background, drain the battery, and make the device feel sluggish.

Disabling or uninstalling them can free up resources and improve performance, especially on tablets with modest hardware. It also reduces clutter and helps you keep your home screen clean.

If you are unsure whether a preinstalled app is safe to remove, disabling it is a cautious first step. For more on how apps affect your device, see our guide on tablet software bloatware and app management.

How to disable apps on Android

On Android tablets, go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications). You will see a list of all installed apps. Tap the app you want to manage.

If the app accepts uninstallation, you will see an Uninstall button. If it is a system app, you will see Disable instead. Tapping Disable removes the app from your app drawer and prevents it from running or updating, but it does not delete the underlying files.

After disabling, the app no longer appears in your regular app list. To re-enable it, return to Settings > Apps, filter to show disabled apps, and tap Enable.

Android tablets vary in how much bloatware they carry. For models with fewer preinstalled extras, check our best Android tablets guide.

Precautions before uninstalling

Before you remove any app, take a moment to consider what it does. Some preinstalled apps are necessary for the tablet to function correctly, such as the system launcher or critical security components. Disabling or uninstalling these could cause crashes or make other apps misbehave.

A good habit is to check the app's information page in Settings. There you can see how much storage and battery it has used, and what permissions it holds. If an app has never been opened and holds no permissions, it is likely safe to remove. When in doubt, disable instead of uninstall, and see if anything breaks.

How to remove apps on iPadOS

On an iPad, press and hold an app icon until the menu appears, then select Remove App and choose Delete App. You can also manage storage and deletions from Settings > General > iPad Storage, which shows how much space each app uses.

Many built-in apps, such as Mail or Calendar, can be removed if you do not use them. They can be reinstalled from the App Store later.

If you prefer to keep an app but hide it from the Home Screen, you can move it to the App Library. This keeps the app installed but clears up your home pages.

Apple tablets are known for a relatively clean OS, but you can still trim unused apps. For a guide to the best models, see best Apple tablets.

How to uninstall apps on Windows tablets

On a Windows tablet, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll through the list, find the app you want to remove, select it, and click Uninstall.

Most preinstalled Windows apps can be uninstalled normally. Some system components are more deeply integrated, but you can often disable them through the Apps settings or using PowerShell commands if you are comfortable with advanced steps.

Windows tablets give you a familiar desktop environment and full control over installed software. To see current models, refer to our best Windows tablets guide.

Disabling vs. uninstalling

Disabling an app stops it from running and frees memory and battery, but the app remains on your tablet and its data is preserved. This is reversible and is the safest way to deal with system apps that cannot be removed.

Uninstalling an app deletes its files and data, freeing storage space. It is permanent, though you can usually reinstall it from the app store if you change your mind.

As a rule, try disabling first for any preinstalled app you are unsure about. If you are confident you will not use it, uninstall it to reclaim storage. For more tips on reclaiming space, see our guide on freeing up tablet storage.

What about apps you cannot remove?

Some apps are part of the core operating system and cannot be uninstalled or disabled through normal settings. These include system services, launchers, and security utilities.

Even when a button is greyed out, you can often Force Stop the app from its info page or restrict its background activity. This reduces its impact on battery life and performance without disabling it permanently.

For more advanced control, you can explore developer options or use a PC to modify system files, but these steps are not recommended for most users. If bloatware is a major nuisance, consider a tablet with a lighter software load. Our lists of best 10 to 11.9 inch tablets and best 12 inch or larger tablets can help you choose.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Will disabling an app free up storage?

No. Disabling stops the app from running, which frees memory and battery, but it does not delete the app's files, so storage space is not reclaimed. To free storage, uninstall the app instead.

Can I re-enable a disabled app?

Yes. Go to Settings > Apps, filter to show disabled apps, and tap Enable. The app will reappear on your device and can be used normally.

What if an app is not listed as disabled or uninstalled?

Some system apps are protected by the operating system. You can still Force Stop them from the app info page, or restrict their background activity, which reduces their impact without removing them.

Is it safe to disable preinstalled apps?

In general, yes. Disabling is reversible and does not harm the system. Uninstalling user apps is also safe, but uninstalling core system apps can cause instability, so only uninstall apps you are certain you do not need.

How do I hide an app without disabling it?

On Android, you can use a third-party launcher to hide apps from the app drawer. On iPadOS, you can move apps to the App Library. On Windows, you can unpin them from Start.

What are common preinstalled apps I might want to remove?

Trial games, manufacturer support apps, duplicate web browsers, and music or video services you never use are typical candidates. Check each one to see if you have used it recently.