14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will still pre-install its typical pack of bloatware on Windows 10 May 2019 Update, or version 1903.
While a few weeks ago it was rumored that Microsoft might actually give up on forcing titles like Candy Crush Saga on devices clean-installing Windows 10 May 2019 Update, it looks like the unwanted apps are still there on both Home and Pro systems.
A test conducted by GHacks reveals that Pro devices comes with two groups of apps in the Start menu and called Productivity and Explore. While some of these apps are not pre-installed, they do download and install once their live tile is clicked. The download takes place through the Microsoft Store.
A folder called Play includes several games, like Candy Crush Friends Saga, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Candy Crush Saga, March of Empires, Gardenscapes, and Seekers Notes.
Bloatware, bloatware everywhere
The apps come pre-loaded regardless of account type, so it doesn’t matter if you set up a local account or log in with a Microsoft account. Domain joined systems are the only ones not getting games, while Enterprise and Education systems are provided with productivity apps.
Microsoft does allow users to remove these pre-loaded apps, and users can remove them directly from the Start menu.
The only improvement from the previous Windows 10 version is that all the pre-loaded games are now grouped into a single folder and not listed separately in the Start menu. This could be the result of Microsoft using a new default layout for the Start menu in Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Users can easily unpin the whole folder by right-clicking it.
Windows 10 May 2019 Update has already reached the RTM stage, and it can be tested by Windows insiders in the Release Preview ring. The public rollout is projected to kick off in late May.