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How To Install Windows Software Without The Bundled Junk

How to Install Windows Software Without the Bundled Junk. 

Decline Bundled Junk Automatically

The simplest way to avoid junk when installing a program is to choose Custom installation and uncheck any bundled offers. However, it’s all too easy to keep clicking Next without noticing these options or to assume they’re legitimate extras such as plugins or skins.

More devious installers make their offers difficult or even impossible to decline, which is how notorious adware OpenCandy became so prevalent a few years ago. Fortunately, there are ways to block these potentially unwanted programs (known as PUPs or PUAs) automatically, in case you miss them yourself.

Reject Junk Offers Using Unchecky

The excellent free tool, Unchecky, automatically unchecks boxes for third-party offers when you install programs. It also warns you when you try to accept one of these offers, assuming that you must have clicked accidentally.

We’ve previously explained how to use Unchecky to skip bundled junkware, but it may not catch everything, so you should still take care when installing. Also, the program hasn’t been updated for a couple of years (although it’s still completely safe to use), which means it may not detect the latest bundleware.

Block PUPs Using Windows Security

Windows 10’s built-in security suite can block the installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that aren’t considered malware, including bundled junk. To activate this protection, you can either type a command into PowerShell or go through Windows Security:

  1. Click Start, Settings, or press Windows-I to open the Settings window.
  2. Select Update, Security, then Windows Security.
  3. Click Turn on under Reputation-based protection.
  4. Click Reputation-based settings and ensure Block apps and Block downloads are both checked under Potentially unwanted app blocking.
  5. You can also click Protection history to see which PUPs Windows Security has blocked.

Download Clean Versions Of Programs

Rather than rejecting bundled offers when you install free software, you can ensure they’re not included in the first place by downloading a “clean” version of the program. Here are the best four ways to source these junk-free downloads.

1. Download From The Developer’s Site

Some free software sites provide their own installers for downloads, which may bundle third-party tools. To avoid this junk, it’s worth going directly to the developer’s own website, where you’re likely to find a choice of download options, potentially including a “clean” version.

For example, the official download page for popular disc-burning program, BurnAware, links to a “free version without optional offers,” below its standard Download buttons.

2. Download The Portable Version

If the developer’s website doesn’t explicitly mention a junk-free download, check for a portable version instead. This will ensure you only get the free software you want because adware and other bundled extras can’t be installed on your system if there’s no installer in the first place (portable “installers” are actually self-extracting archives)

3. Install Clean Software Using Ninite

Ninite lets you download the latest versions of over 100 popular free programs, which have been stripped of toolbars, adware, and other bundled extras. These include web browsers, messaging tools, media players, image editors, security software, and much more, with 64-bit builds automatically selected for 64-bit systems.

Choose all the software you want on the Ninite homepage and click the Get Your Ninite button. Ninite will generate a single EXE file to install your chosen programs, without any unwanted junk. When you want to update the tools you’ve downloaded, just run the Ninite installer again.

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