Science & Tech

Microsoft’s Windows 10 Refresh Tool May Be The Solution To Your Junkware Problems: Here’s How

Published on: October 17, 2016 at 4:50 AM ET
By Erika Miranda

Microsoft rolled out a Windows 10 update last week that included a new nifty tool that can help users solve their storage pile-up problem caused by junkware.

After it was introduced for free earlier this year, Windows 10 received a lot of hate particularly from those who were deeply in love with previous versions of the operating system.

In fact, Microsoft even got sued for automatically updating Windows users’ PCs to Windows 10 and paid $10,000 in damage costs.

Aside from that, many are unimpressed with the sluggish performance of the operating system itself, prompting the tech company to roll out several updates in less than half a year.

Now, it appears as though Microsoft may have a shot at redeeming Windows 10 through the most recent update which added the new Refresh Tool that makes cleaning junkware easier, thus improving PC performance.

The Refresh Tool And Junkware

There are a lot of free trials for applications and software in the market today. Considering that it is now easier to introduce them to a wider market thanks to speedy Internet connections, app makers are doing everything they can to earn as much patronage as possible.

Unfortunately, many of these free trials do not stick as companies later require payment for license and use of their apps after a certain period, something that does not sit well with consumers especially if they are unimpressed with the app.

With this premise in mind, PC owners are left with the grueling task of uninstalling free wares one-by-one which not only takes time, but is ineffective when the goal is to make their units perform better.

Fortunately, the most recent Windows 10 update included what they call a Refresh Tool which allows PC owners to start fresh and remove all trash that they do not need from their computers.

According to Microsoft, the tool works by reinstalling a “clean” copy of Windows 10 —whichever version you had previously—and remove apps that have been installed or were pre-installed when you bought your PC, including Microsoft Office.

Of course, you get to keep your personal files which will not be affected unless you act on them.

How To Use The Refresh Tool

To use the Windows 10 Refresh Tool, simply follow these instructions :

  1. Open the Start Menu by clicking at the Windows logo at the left-hand bottom corner of the Task Bar.
  2. From there, go to Settings and choose the Update & Security category.
  3. A window will then pop-up where you can select the link under “More recovery options” located on the right pane of the window.
  4. From there, you will be redirected to a webpage that has complete information on the Refresh Tool, including what you are required to have and important points to remember when using the tool.
  5. At the bottom left of the page, you will see a button that says “Download tool now” which would launch a download sequence. After downloading, you will be prompted to install the tool.
  6. After doing so, you will see another window that includes two options in dealing with personal data. You can choose to either keep personal files only or keep nothing.
  7. When you have chosen what to do with your files and clicked the Start button on the window, your PC will then download Windows 10, which is approximately 3GB.
  8. After the download, you will then be redirected to the Lock screen where you are prompted to sign-in. From there, you next task would be reinstalling apps you needed (minus the junkware) and setting up any customizations you made prior to using the Refresh Tool.
  9. Voila! Your Windows 10 is now clean and is as good as new.

To lessen your tasks and the burden your PC suffers from junkware, make sure to use the Refresh Tool right after purchasing a new Windows computer in order to remove any pre-installed apps from the PC’s manufacturer that you may not need.

[Featured Image by ymgerman/iStock]

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