removing bloatware

[zbook65]

just got a new HP zbook laptop and it has come with lots of HP bloatware so what can i safely uninstall? HP client security manager, HP Collabration keyboard, HP Colabration keyboard for cisco ucc, HP Colabration keyboard for skype for business, HP connection optomizer, HP devise access manager, HP dock audio, HP documentation, HP hotkey support, HP jumpstart bridge, HP jumpstart launch, HP MAC address manager, HP notifications, HP support assistant, HP support solutions framework, HP sure click, HP sure recover, HP sure run. TIA.

[Dragon-Fur]

@zbook65 

My opinion...

Essentially you have to make these decisions yourself.

Why?

One person's "bloat" might be another person's "favorite software".

"Bloat" is subjective.  Some software you enjoy might be on my "OMG, get rid of it" list.

Many members on this community - and a few Experts - might have strong feelings about "bloat".  Others of us are more likely to check those titles for which we have questions and then decide on software individually. 

Each of us uses our tech differently - all of us have different skill sets - everyone has opinions on what is garbage and what is gold.

For example, 

• I am never (in this life) likely to play any form of "Candy" anything - games and "play" software have been disabled or removed from my Zbook 17 G3 years ago.  Tiny little software, just "not wanted".

• HP Support Assistant and its companion software HP Solutions Framework are not mandatory software - this "HP driver update" software, if you have the skill level necessary, can be largely replaced using the Softpaq Download Manager (SDM).  Having said that, however, this is one of those packages that not only depends on how you intend to use the tool (if at all), but also your level of expertise.  You do not NEED the software - it is not mandatory.  If you are uncomfortable with SDM, though, HPSA may be something you want to use.  Personally I leave HPSA (and supporting Framework software) on the system for the purpose of supporting other people who use the software.  Tiny software - no trouble to adjust settings to Notify, remove excess tray or pop-up notifications, and let the software  "sit there" until I start the program.

Our community (and the how-to files for each of the software packages) can help you understand the software (how to use, what it does).  We cannot tell you which software best fits your needs, your skill set, and your situation.

In many cases the questions about a particular software / program have been asked over and over again - after reading a couple of articles "what other people say" about a software, you can more easily decide whether you want to keep the software on your computer.

One thing you can do, especially since the computer is so new, is to get an approximate (or exact) size measurement of the software you are intending to remove (or are considering removing).  If the amount of space is small in comparison to the amount of disk space you purchased with your computer, you can perhaps leave the software on the system until you have completed a check of the various programs. 

Next, look up the software (if you cannot find help for it on your computer, search the Internet).  Use the information you find to decide whether a software is a "keep" or a "release" (remove).

Under no circumstances that I can imagine should you remove software from the computer without first backing up the data you have now.  For some purposes, a simple "Restore Point" may be enough - for other actions, a more complete recovery plan should be developed.

References

Driver Management for Business class computers (SDM)

 Business Systems - Client Management Solutions (software management)

Softpaq Download Manager - HP Software installations / updates / management

Business class computers support a robust, comprehensive software tool for updating and

managing HP Software and Drivers:  Softpaq Download Manager (SDM)

SDM will find-install-update needed HP software and drivers for your business class machine, including, when applicable, the fussy BIOS update.

 HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM)

4.4.0

sp87158

04/20/2018

Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10)

sp87158.exe

sp87158.html

How-to and Instructions:

HP Notebook PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager

Once the SDM software is installed, the Help document can be accessed within the software or on disk:

• Open SDM software, Click the Blue Question mark “?”in the upper left of the main SDM window.
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP SoftPaq Download Manager > Select language appropriate .chm file

HP Support Assistant - Website / Download / Information

HP Support Assistant

Additional information is available in your computer's Website Support pages, too. 

Need or want more information?  Search for additional solutions...

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Device

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type

HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, more

HP ZBook 17 G5 Mobile Workstation

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