How to Remove Bloatware from a New Windows PC
By Site Editor · Updated September 5, 2026 · 8 min read
New PCs often come loaded with trial software and manufacturer apps that slow things down. Here is how to identify and safely remove them.
Frequently asked questions
Why does VLC show a black screen but audio plays?
This almost always points to a video output or hardware decoding conflict. Try changing the video output module in Tools → Preferences → Video, or disable hardware-accelerated decoding in Input/Codecs → Hardware-accelerated decoding → Disable.
Can VLC play MKV, HEVC and AV1 files?
VLC plays MKV and HEVC natively. AV1 support depends on your VLC version — update to the latest release for the best codec coverage.
Is there a VLC alternative worth trying?
MPV is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. PotPlayer is another popular option on Windows with broad format support out of the box.