When your team opens a brand-new laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you expect a clean device ready for work. But what you often get is something completely different: a cluttered machine packed with games, photo tools, music apps, and trial software that no one asked for.
You didn’t install them, you’re not using them, but they’re still there - and they could be putting your business at risk.
Most of these apps are known as bloatware, and they are quietly introducing performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and unnecessary distractions across your team’s devices.
Why Do New Devices Come with So Many Apps?
Manufacturers are often paid by third-party software vendors to pre-install their programs on devices before they ship. These are sometimes labeled as “free trials” or “bonus tools,” but they are just marketing placements. Unfortunately, these pre-installed programs often go unnoticed and unmonitored once the device is in use.
According to PCMag, bloatware not only slows performance but can also introduce security concerns if left unpatched.
The Real Risks of Unused or Pre-Installed Apps
- Security Vulnerabilities
Old or unused applications are often not updated regularly. That makes them easy targets for cybercriminals looking to exploit known weaknesses. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 74 percent of breaches involved a human element or unpatched software. (https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/)
If your team isn't actively using the app, they are likely not updating it. That creates an open door for malware or ransomware attacks.
- Reduced Device Performance
Even when not in use, many of these apps run background processes that consume CPU, RAM, and battery power. This slows down your system and reduces device lifespan.
Field workers, warehouse teams, and mobile staff depend on fast access to essential apps like Procore, AutoCAD, QuickBooks, or inventory software. Any delay caused by background software can interfere with workflows and project deadlines.
- Digital Clutter and User Frustration
Extra apps clutter up desktops, start menus, mobile screens, and notifications. That makes it harder for staff to find the tools they actually need. For teams already balancing complex tasks and deadlines, every distraction hurts productivity.
Construction: Performance Matters on the Job Site
Field crews rely on rugged tablets and laptops to access job-critical tools like PlanGrid, Bluebeam, and Procore. But when devices are cluttered with consumer-level apps or trial software, boot-up times increase and connectivity can lag.
This becomes especially risky when trying to upload change orders, pull down revised drawings, or sync job-site data on unstable networks. The wrong app left unchecked could also open a security hole while using public Wi-Fi in the field.
Manufacturing: When Slow Tech Slows Production
Manufacturing teams often use systems like SCADA, ERP platforms, and barcode scanners throughout their day. These tools are built for precision and speed. Extra apps running in the background can interfere with process controls, delay reporting, or even cause errors during data transfer.
Worse, older pre-installed apps are rarely vetted for compliance with your facility’s internal controls. A slow or compromised device on the shop floor could cascade into missed KPIs or downtime that costs you thousands in productivity.
Non-Profits: Protecting Donor and Member Data
Non-profits face a unique challenge. Many rely on volunteers and part-time staff who access systems like Salesforce, Breeze, ACS Technologies, or QuickBooks Online from personal or shared devices.
If those devices are full of outdated, free apps and games, your organization could unknowingly be exposing sensitive donor data or protected client information. Unsecured apps on mobile devices have been linked to data leaks and even compliance violations. (FTC guidance on mobile app privacy)
How to Clean Up and Secure Your Business Devices
A regular device audit is critical to keeping your tech environment fast, safe, and productive. Here’s where to start:
✅ 1. Identify and Remove Unused Software
Review all installed apps on company-owned devices. Remove games, media players, and tools not essential for business functions.
✅ 2. Harden Devices with IT Policies
Ensure endpoint protection is in place. Use group policies or mobile device management (MDM) software to block installations of unauthorized apps in the future.
✅ 3. Standardize Setup for New Hires
Make clean device deployment part of onboarding. Use standardized images that strip out bloatware and include only approved business software.
✅ 4. Monitor Updates
Make sure essential apps, operating systems, and security tools are patched regularly to prevent vulnerabilities. Unused apps should be removed completely, not just ignored.
myIT.com Can Help You Eliminate Hidden Threats
Your devices should work for you, not against you. At myIT.com, we help North Texas organizations in construction, manufacturing, and non-profit sectors streamline and secure their technology.
Our services include:
- Business-grade device provisioning
- Bloatware and app cleanup
- Endpoint and mobile device management
- Patch management and cybersecurity services
- Ongoing tech support and IT planning
Let’s get your technology working the way it should - fast, secure, and clutter-free.
👉 Schedule a free 10-minute consultation and let’s talk about optimizing your device fleet today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is bloatware and why is it a problem for businesses?
Bloatware refers to pre-installed software or apps that come on new devices but are not essential to business operations. These programs often run in the background, consuming resources and opening security vulnerabilities when not regularly updated. For businesses, especially in construction and manufacturing, this can lead to slower device performance, increased risk of cyberattacks, and user frustration.
- How do I remove pre-installed apps from company devices?
You can remove bloatware manually through your device’s settings, or automate the process using mobile device management (MDM) tools. Many businesses partner with a managed IT service provider like myIT.com to standardize and secure their device setups at scale.
- Can unused apps really be a cybersecurity risk?
Yes. Unused apps that are not updated regularly can become gateways for malware or ransomware. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), attackers often exploit known software vulnerabilities. Removing these apps helps reduce your attack surface. (https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/software-security-practices-help-reduce-risk)
- How often should we audit our company devices?
We recommend auditing devices at least once every six months, or during major transitions like onboarding new staff, purchasing new hardware, or changing software platforms. Regular IT maintenance should also include app reviews, updates, and user access controls.
- What’s the best way to manage mobile devices across multiple job sites?
The best way to manage smartphones and tablets used in the field is with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. MDM software allows IT teams to remotely monitor, update, secure, and wipe devices if needed. It’s especially valuable for construction crews, field workers, and non-profits with distributed teams.
