Setting up new XPS 15 - remove bloatware?

Now I see I misunderstood your question, at least by a bit.

I'm not entirely sure what comes on a 2016 Dell, I will early next week when the one I just ordered arrives. From the packing list of my order I have already guessed that I would definitely remove the Office trial, McAffee AV. I would have to check out Cyberlink Media Suite Essentials to see what my dad thinks of it (the computer is for him), in the past I removed it I believe, because I didn't find myself using it...though it may have changed....some of the features were upgrades and I never used the free ones.

In my previous experience though, I tended to consider anything that is trial-ware as something I would remove; there could be exceptions to that I suppose, but of course that would mean I would be willing to buy the software at the end of the trial and I've never had that happen.

I personally also remove any of the Dell utilities, though for my father I will likely leave the system update utility to update drivers. I tend to update the system myself on my own and prefer not having the process running. I also tend to get answers to my questions here on the forums, so I remove anything related to Dell service (I forget what they call it, but some utility that allows you to more easily connect with Dell if you are having a problem).

If I remember I will come back and make a better list once I get my fathers desktop next Tuesday (or so).

For me personally though, I honestly tend to reinstall the OS and the Dell drivers and not have any of their pre-installed software. Same with any company, not just Dell. I've never found anything useful, and what is put on there only slows down my system. But as the other poster mentioned, one man's bloatware is another man's treasure.

A friend says a good measure is to wait a month and whatever begins nagging you to pay for it (meaning it's trial ware) gets uninstalled unless he's willing to buy it, and anything he hasn't used by then even if free gets uninstalled if most cases too. He says if he's not going to use it by then he figures it's only slowing down his computer, especially if it's loaded at startup.

Hi:

I recently purchased an XPS laptop from Dell, and I agree with all that has been said above. I just wanted to address some Dell services that came pre-installed:

Dell Customer Connect v 1.3.2.0
Upon being installed, the software adds a Windows Service (DCCService.exe) which is designed to run continuously in the background. Dell Customer Connect is a remote access software application that allows Dell Technicians, with your approval, to remote into your system to help troubleshoot any issues you may be having.  It's not something that the technicians can do without your active approval.   Usually you have to use directions from the technician, to set up the connection.

Dell Foundation Services (DFSSvce.exe)
According to Dell, DFS is "an application we started installing in the factory to provide specific services facilitating customer serviceability, messaging and support functions.  The future intent is to centralize features from other Dell applications providing a more seamless, easy user experience." All I know is that it runs in the background, and other users have uninstalled it without any consequences.
Ref: en.community.dell.com/.../19616427

Dell Digital Delivery Service (DELIVERYSERVICE.exe)
Dell Digital Delivery is a service which enables you to purchase software at the time you order your computer and then download and install it automatically once you receive the computer and connect to the internet. I notice that it is running  in the background with a delayed startup.

Dell Update Service (DELLUPSERVICE.exe)
Dell Update is a software program designed to update Dell PC software included with the user's PC. Ir runs in the background with a delayed startup.
It is not a Windows OS file.

Dell Help and Support (MDLCSvc.exe)
MDLC stands for My Dell Learning Center. It installs a lot of files and runs in the background with a delayed startup.
One of the installed files is Dell.Tribbles.Agent.Plugins.SelfUpdate.dll is the auto-update component of the program which is designed to check for software updates and notify and apply them when new versions are discovered. I personally don't like software automatically updated from a vendor, and all I know about Tribbles is they caused a lot of Trouble on a certain Starship ...

Product Registration (PRSvc.exe)
This service runs in the background, with a delayed startup. I imagine it allows you to register your Dell product.

Dell SupportAssist
Associated with Remote monitoring and automated, proactive support.
Dell SupportAssist enables proactive automated support for enterprise devices, and proactive and predictive automated support for PCs and tablets. Designed to reduce your troubleshooting effort, accelerate resolution and ensure maximum uptime.

My opinion is that none of these programs/services are necessary. You can either uninstall them in Control Panel>Programs & Features, or alternatively just stop the service and change the startup from "Automatic" to "Manual" - this prevents them from running in the background, yet allows you to start them manually at a later date, should you find it necessary.

Here's a link I found that has some info on Cyberlink Media Suite, looks slightly dated but should give you an idea of what it is all about. There might even be some posts here on the forums about it you could search for too. I believe it's mainly there because Windows doesn't have a built in way to watch DVD's, so it would give you that ability. There are other features, but I don't recall what they were, or which ones were only available if you upgraded to the premium version.

You'll have to copy and paste the link unfortunately.

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>