Debloat-Windows-10/README.md

# Debloat Windows 10

**Note about Creators Update:** These scripts have *not* been tested with the
Creators Update. Anything may happen, be prepared. I'll look into relevant
changes and recent issues when the update is released / pushed on to everyone.

This project collects Powershell scripts which help to *debloat* Windows 10,
tweak common settings and install basic software components.

I test these scripts on a Windows 10 Professional 64-Bit (English) virtual
machine. Please let me know if you encounter any issues. Home Edition and
different languages are not supported. These scripts are intended for
tech-savvy administrators, who know what they are doing and just want to
automate this phase of their setup. If this profile does not fit you, I
recommend using a different (more interactive) tool -- and there are a lot of
them out there.

**There is no undo**, I recommend only using these scripts on a fresh
installation (including Windows Updates). Test everything after running them
before doing anything else. Also there is no guarantee that everything will
work after future updates since I cannot predict what Microsoft will do next.

## Interactivity

The scripts are designed to run without any user-interaction. Modify them
beforehand. If you want a more interactive approach check out
[DisableWinTracking](https://github.com/10se1ucgo/DisableWinTracking) from
[10se1ucgo](https://github.com/10se1ucgo).

## Download Latest Version

Code located in the `master` branch is always considered under development, but
you'll probably want the most recent version anyway.

- [Download [zip]](https://github.com/W4RH4WK/Debloat-Windows-10/archive/master.zip)

## Execution

Enable execution of PowerShell scripts:

    PS> Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Unblock PowerShell scripts and modules within this directory:

    PS > ls -Recurse *.ps1 | Unblock-File
    PS > ls -Recurse *.psm1 | Unblock-File

## Usage

1. Install all available updates for your system.
2. Edit the scripts to fit your need.
3. Run the scripts from a PowerShell with administrator priviledges (Explorer
   `Files > Open Windows PowerShell > Open Windows PowerShell as
   administrator`)
4. `PS > Restart-Computer`
5. Run `disable-windows-defender.ps1` one more time.
6. `PS > Restart-Computer`

## Startmenu

In the past I included small fixes to make the startmenu more usable, like
removing default tiles, disabling web search and so on. This is no longer the
case since I am that fed up with it. This fucking menu breaks for apparently
know reason, is slow, is a pain to configure / script and even shows ads out of
the box!

Please replace it with something better, either use [Classic Shell] or [Start
is Back], but stop using that shit.

[Classic Shell]: <http://www.classicshell.net/>
[Start is Back]: <http://startisback.com/>

## Known Issues

### Startmenu Search

After running the scripts, the startmenu search-box may no longer work on newly
created accounts. It seems like there is an issue with account initilization
that is triggered when disabling the GeoLocation service. Following workaround
has been discovered by BK from Atlanta:

1. Delete registry key `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lfsvc\TriggerInfo\3`
2. Re-enable GeoLocation service (set startup type to `Automatic`)
3. Reboot
4. Login with the account having the stated issue
5. Start Cortana and set your preferences accordingly (web search and whatnot)

You may now disable the GeoLocation service again, the search box should remain
functional.

### Sysprep will hang

If you are deploying images with MDT and running these scripts, the sysprep
step will hang unless `dmwappushserivce` is active.

### XBox Wireless Adapter

Apprently running the stock `remove-default-apps` script will cause XBox
Wireless Adapters to stop functioning. I suspenc one should not remove the XBox
App when wanting to use one. But I haven't confirmed this yet, and there is a
workaround to re-enable it afterwards. See
[#78](https://github.com/W4RH4WK/Debloat-Windows-10/issues/78).

### Issues with Skype

Some of the domains blocked by adding them to the hosts-file are required for
Skype. I highly disencourage using Skype, however some people may not have
the option to use an alternative. See the
[#79](https://github.com/W4RH4WK/Debloat-Windows-10/issues/79).

### Fingerprint Reader / Facial Detection not Working

Ensure *Windows Biometric Service* is running. See
[#189](https://github.com/W4RH4WK/Debloat-Windows-10/issues/189).

## Liability

**All scripts are provided as is and you use them at your own risk.**

## Contribute

I would be happy to extend the collection of scripts. Just open an issue or
send me a pull request.

### Thanks To

- [10se1ucgo](https://github.com/10se1ucgo)
- [Plumebit](https://github.com/Plumebit)
- [aramboi](https://github.com/aramboi)
- [maci0](https://github.com/maci0)
- [narutards](https://github.com/narutards)
- [tumpio](https://github.com/tumpio)

## License

    "THE BEER-WARE LICENSE" (Revision 42):

    As long as you retain this notice you can do whatever you want with this
    stuff. If we meet some day, and you think this stuff is worth it, you can
    buy us a beer in return.

    This project is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
    ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
    FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.