Commonly installed apps on Windows 11, including McAfee and Norton, are often labeled as bloatware, offering little benefit while potentially harming performance and privacy.
Performance and Security Concerns
McAfee and Norton are preinstalled on many devices, but experts criticize their impact on system speed and frequent upsell prompts. Both provide protections similar to the built-in Windows Defender, while distractions and performance costs are high.
Privacy and Utility Issues
ExpressVPN, a widely marketed privacy tool, faces scrutiny post-acquisition. Experts advise choosing transparent and audited services, as modern OS and browsers offer sufficient security measures. Shopping extensions like Honey may infringe on privacy by tracking purchases and pushing affiliate links, offering minimal savings over manual alternatives.
Alternatives and Recommendations
Older tools such as CCleaner have become redundant with built-in Windows features handling cleanup tasks confidently. Software claiming to boost Wi-Fi or enhance PCs for crypto-mining often proves ineffective or malicious. Users are recommended to rely on hardware solutions for network issues and specialized hardware for mining. For managing peripherals, consider alternatives to Razer Synapse, known for performance issues, or NVIDIA's newer app, which may not add value beyond defaults.
