Pre installed software vs Bloatware

Hi , I have just bought new HP Elitebook x360 1030 G2 , it comes with 1607 windows 10 build , I noticed alot of HP software apps are pre-installed about 15 application ( for security purpose , jump start , remote control , Hot keys ,,,, )
and I have read about windows 10 pro Signature edition that it;s free off Bloatware and faster and more productive my questions are :

My laptop is i7 7600 U , Ram 16 GB DDR4 , Will these Bloatware affect its velocity and performance ?
and How Can I make Clean windows installation without missing any of drivers and needed application to operate my system properly ( I mean Multi gestures work , Function keys , Finger print , Light sensor .... )

last , I have made Image recovery on external USB drive using HP Image REcovery creator program , If I made clean installation for the Windows , Am I still able to restore the Factory Image ?


Thank you !

dalchina said:

Hi,
1. If you do a clean install, you will be free of bloatware, of course, and the normal drivers required provided by MS. But, the iso you would download will be the Creator's Build (1703) unless you specifically download an Anniversary build.
2. If you clean install you can then get whatever HP utilities you want from their site- provided they are compatible with the CU. Go and have a look at what's there.
3. If you clean install (with the Creator's build, say) provided you keep the manufacturer's recovery partition (= Anniversary build- 1607- + HP utilities and any trial ware) that will still be there. But how useful would it then be?

Note: disk imaging- we recommend Macrium Reflect (free) - to be used routinely. So many advantages of disk imaging. Of course there are other programs too- the most important thing is to use one and potentially save yourself a lot of pain.

thank you , but I really don;t understand how to use macrium , it has many options , what is the difference between secure image and disk image ? I mean with Macrium free Can I make bootable image usb drive when my system goes wrong I just put my usb drive and start installing this image ?

omaer97 said:

last , I have made Image recovery on external USB drive using HP Image REcovery creator program , If I made clean installation for the Windows , Am I still able to restore the Factory Image ?


Thank you !

The answer to that question should be yes. I say should be, because that is one purpose of creating the recovery flash drive with HP's software - it should have the capability to completely reformat the HDD or SSD and restore a factory fresh software load.

When I get a new computer, before I do a Microsoft vanilla (clean) install of Windows 10, I export the drivers from the computer onto the USB flash drive. In command prompt (admin) or powershell (admin) the command is:

dism /online /export-driver /destination:F:\Drivers

Change the path in red to a folder on an external storage device you have created to hold the drivers. But - this will only export the drivers for the hardware devices - not any utility software such as for hot keys.

There is also this option that is supposed to get you to a vanilla Windows 10 state, and will leave your hardware drivers installed:

NavyLCDR said:

The answer to that question should be yes. I say should be, because that is one purpose of creating the recovery flash drive with HP's software - it should have the capability to completely reformat the HDD or SSD and restore a factory fresh software load.

When I get a new computer, before I do a Microsoft vanilla (clean) install of Windows 10, I export the drivers from the computer onto the USB flash drive. In command prompt (admin) or powershell (admin) the command is:

dism /online /export-driver /destination:F:\Drivers

Change the path in red to a folder on an external storage device you have created to hold the drivers. But - this will only export the drivers for the hardware devices - not any utility software such as for hot keys.

There is also this option that is supposed to get you to a vanilla Windows 10 state, and will leave your hardware drivers installed:

I have exported all drivers using the command to an external usb drive , but how can I install these drivers after making clean windows install ? and Should these drivers be installed once I install windows 10 ? Automatically without need for this usb ?

omaer97 said:

I have exported all drivers using the command to an external usb drive , but how can I install these drivers after making clean windows install ? and Should these drivers be installed once I install windows 10 ? Automatically without need for this usb ?

Rule of thumb:

Let the Windows installation and update process install whatever drivers it wants.

Use the PC in your normal manner for days/weeks. If something doesn't operate to your satisfaction, consider Plan B, which might include other drivers.

ignatzatsonic said:

Rule of thumb:

Let the Windows installation and update process install whatever drivers it wants.

Use the PC in your normal manner for days/weeks. If something doesn't operate to your satisfaction, consider Plan B, which might include other drivers.

Would you recommend making clean windows install 1703 build or continue with my pre-installed factory windows 10 with the pre-installed software ?

omaer97 said:

Would you recommend making clean windows install 1703 build or continue with my pre-installed factory windows 10 with the pre-installed software ?

Geeks, like most of us here, would tell you to clean install.

Mostly because we are geeks and enjoy (??) fiddling with these infernal machines. Not because of any significant improvement in performance or a better experience somehow.

If you are happy with the current state of affairs and have no big issues, why bother with a clean install? Maybe you like some of that stuff HP included. You might not notice the difference if you did do a clean install--just that you would probably have more drive space and less clutter--but so what?? Are you cramped for space? Are you bored? Do you wanna clean install just for the experience and the knowledge you might gain? Mebbe you are part Geek?

I would certainly get myself in a position where I COULD do a clean install if I wanted to--downloading the ISO, getting it onto a bootable USB drive, confirming that thing will at least boot your PC as if you were going to do a clean install.

It's a personal decision.

This is all vastly over complex to no purpose.
The bloatware won't affect your performance on that machine.

I would just consider each bit of bloatware, pre-installed application, and maybe uninstall it.

Keep all your drivers intact and things like function key application etc which you have mentioned.

That's all that needs doing. Keeps your laptop working with minimal effort.

The HP recovery creator just makes a copy of your recovery partition on external media. You can restore the Laptop to the original bought condition with that should you need to replace an HDD or something. Stash that away somewhere.

By all means know how to use something like Macrium for an image, but that is something separate to move on to later.