Get OOSU10, it's a free tool that lets you manage all the junk in Win10 and educates you about it too. I've disabled Cortana, web search, all ads, involuntary program installation, forced updates, all telemetry data and so much more with that in minutes.

E: Thanks for my first gold! I try to promote this any time I can, it's a lifesaver.

E2: Link

FAQ:

• I'm not good with computers, will I brick my machine?

That's fine, everything has a simple on-off button with a detailed description of what each change does and a disclaimer on any potential side effects. It even has one-button presets if you don't want to read.

• What if I don't want to disable X?

The tool has dozens of different inputs, you get to choose exactly what stays and what goes. No blanket bans here.

• Can I still update my PC if I disable forced updates?

Yes! Combined with setting your connection as metered, the update process will become similar to Win7. My computer gives me a notification when it can't automatically download updates, I give it the go-ahead to download, and update on shutdown when I choose to. No timers or nag dialogs.

• Is it a virus?

Nope! It doesn't even require installation, it's under a megabyte and it's developed by a reputable German software corp.

• Will Win10 revert the changes over time?

~~Not in my experience. I've had my setup going since the app came out with zero changes.~~ E3: Possibly! I just installed the latest major update and some of the settings had changed. Therefore it's good to check the tool after each major update.

My solution was to create "KILLALLHEATHENS.bat" which would delete the download folder for the Windows 10 updates once a day.

EDIT: Ok guys there seems to be a lot of demand for this, so I'll put some instructions here, but first I'd like to mention that regularly scheduled updates are important, I only created this due to the update process trapping my computer in installation hell for hours every time I rebooted, and also a shoutout to u/TrucksAndCigars, who likely has a better solution here made by qualified people. Only continue if you trust the wisdom of a 1337 scriptkiddy highschool junior from r/Jokes.

The following tutorial is created by a total n00b

1. Open Notepad

2. Insert the following text

set folder="C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download" cd /d %folder% for /F "delims=" %%i in ('dir /b') do (rmdir "%%i" /s/q || del "%%i" /s/q)

1. Save as a .bat file

2. Right click computer, and select manage

3. Select the task scheduler under the "System Tools" dropdown

4. Select "Create Task"

5. Fill out the "General" page as desired

6. Go to the trigger page and add a trigger to start the process as frequently as desired.

7. Select actions and click "add action" and "start a program"

8. Select your batch file, save the task, and enjoy your spooky homebrew h4x

Get ShutUp10

It's a handy little tool, which allows you to disable all the spyware on Win10. It even comes with three easy presets (recommend, limited recommended and all options), but you have full control over what you want to disable.

I've never ever deliberately tried to search the web from within the Windows start menu, and you probably shouldn't, either. Typing in a local file's name that has someone's name in it, or a confidential subject? You're sending off that data to Bing for autocompletion.

Use ShutUp10 to disable those results, and preferably Cortana as well.

Try ShutUp 10 if you like

>O&O ShutUp10 means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 you wish to use, and you decide when the passing on of your data goes too far. Using a very simple interface, you decide how Windows 10 should respect your privacy by deciding which unwanted functions should be deactivated.

ShutUp10 is a good way to disable most of the hidden stuff.

You will have to restart several times tho, run the program again and check if settings are applied. This is NOT a problem with the program itsefl, but rather how those things get disabled in windows itself.

You can use a combination of ShutUp10 and Windows Privacy Dashboard for disabling Telemetry and Windows Error Reporting, deleting and re-setting Advertising ID, blocking all known MS telemetry servers, turning off biometry, restricting access to hardware, removing Skype, Bing, Live and all Metro bloatware, and many more.

After that Windows would be a pretty private OS. Just don't forget Windows updates may reset some of your privacy settings, so don't forget to re-apply it. At least WPD has a command-line interface, so that you could automate it.

I've used O&O Shutup10 for more than a year now and I'm surprised I never saw it get mentioned in threads like this one. It's a great software that let's you block every annoying aspect of windows 10, forced updates, adds in Explorer and the start menu and a lot of data-collection to Microsoft. I really can't recommend this enough!

1st : Turn off built-in spyware using apps e.g O&O ShutUp 10 (link).

2nd : For most stable experience, always start with installing driver from the one you get at motherboard manufacturer's website. These drivers are often not the newest, but fully-tested and very stable. The only driver you would need to frequently update is GPU drivers, which often comes with optimization for new games.

Note : Exclusive for AMD Ryzen users, after installing AMD Chipset Driver, go to Control Panel -> Power Options and make sure you use Windows Balanced instead of "AMD Ryzen Balanced" power plan. AMD Ryzen Balanced power plan has now been deprecated. (source)

3rd : Activate "Deferred" Windows Update. Deferred windows update prevents you from installing unstable, bleeding edge windows patches that often problematic, sometimes even bricking your whole PC if you're unlucky.

4th : Install AIO Visual C++ Runtime Installer (link). Some apps that requires visual c++ runtime sometimes forget to proactively installs it in advance, and simply throwing error codes to our face whenever we tried to run it. Not anymore!

Might I suggest O&O Shut Up 10 for everyone? You can use it to stop all the unwanted updates, auto updates, turn off all the tracking bullshit, keep it from installing programs without your consent, and lets you actually control your own computer like it should be. Just set the switches to what you want on or off (heed the warnings too, there are some things you want left on, but it will let you know which ones that is). After this is done, reboot the machine and viola! You have your own computer back.

NOTE: do NOT use this to never update again. Updates are still VERY important for device security, but this will allow you to manually do it, and keep it from randomly rebooting on you. Always back up your computer before making changes as this is changing registry switches and system files and this can cause issues, though I have had 0 problems so far (been using it for about a year now.)

Y'all need to know how to control your PC's better. I've had windows 10 since it came out and litterally the only problem I ever had was an unsupported driver on my 7 year old laptop. My new PC has never had a problem. Never interrupts me, never restarts on it's own, never anything.

Heres a great comprehensive guide by /u/scorthyn to make it less annoying and faster.

And this is a fantastic utility for anyone that wants control over their data and control updates and a few other things.

I realize that one shouldn't have to do any of this, but it solves almost every problem I ever see people having. Takes like 20 minutes.

There's O&O Shut Up that's been updated to support W11 and seems to be fairly popular. However, I do have a problem recommending things like this since many aren't open source and they collect data.

While OOSU doesn't specifically say it collects data for this particular freeware, they do collect data from their other offerings, so it should be assumed they may be collecting with this application as well.

To prevent that, you could use something like Glasswire (paid) to block OOSU from any outgoing network connections to ensure it's not doing anything fishy.

Bad links. LTSC is the best non bloated version and I recommend shutting any other junk off with these.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

I would recommend disabling all the Windows 10 spyware.

https://www.ghacks.net/2015/08/14/comparison-of-windows-10-privacy-tools/

O&O ShutUp10 seems best to me for unexperienced users:

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

I don't have win10 but I often hear people talk about O&O Shutup10 which can be used to disable some or most of win10's telemetry spyware/keylogging and disable Cortana and other apps.

With less tasks running, it should help your system feel less bloated. That being said, I don't know if Win10 will re-enable these things during monthly, or major updates. I thought I read something on how changes would be made in your registry to revert some things. Hope that helps.

Edit: Short guide on what the program looks like.

Are you talking about just the crap that comes with Windows (like if you install from an official ISO)? If so ShutUP10 will give you options to disable all that junk.

It won't get rid of crap installed by OEM manufacturers though (useless AV etc).

Sadly, this happens all the freaking time with Windows 10. Windows 10 is programmed to download crapware such as these two titles automatically from the Windows Store when you first create a user account on your PC. There is no way to fully prevent this behavior unless you are running the expensive Enterprise edition of Windows 10. However, as far as my considerable experience with Windows 10 indicates, this should only happen once. To get rid of this junk, simply right-click each item and click Uninstall. (All apps installed this way are specially designed to uninstall cleanly.)

For future reference (or if this problem ever reoccurs, which it should not), I would recommend using a program called O&O ShutUp10. This is a completely free Windows 10 configuration tool designed to help users take back control of the numerous ad-slinging and data-slurping "features" of Windows 10. I will caution you to not just blindly check everything; this is a very powerful program, and it is possible to break a Windows PC via incorrect changes. To fix your specific problem, I would recommend searching for "Disable automatic installation of Windows Store Apps" and flipping that switch, and that switch only, to enabled. (Feel free to browse the other settings in the app and configuring them to taste, but this is the only change that is required to stop Candy Crush et al from reappearing.)

If you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Hope this helps!

Plenty of free GUI programs and scripts out there that'll kill much more than listed. OneDrive, Cortana, Defender, Updates, all spying stuff, you name it...

Ultimate Windows Tweaker - General customizations for Windows and some bloatware killing

O&O Shut Up 10 - can kill a bunch more Windows processes with this compared to the Tweaker listed above.

Or for a good script to kill all the bloat and tracking... Make Windows 10 Great Again Just copy and paste that into notepad then save as a bat file and run. Few more scripts out there like this, but they all accomplish basically the same stuff.

For setting up miner rigs I use a combination of all these listed above. For my use case I kill a lot more stuff, but it's simple enough to pick and choose what stays and goes, and a lot easier than digging into gpedit and such to find each tweak.

O&O ShutUp 10 will do it for you. It'll handle a bunch of privacy settings and its reversible. Very easy to use.

Thanks for your service. I have a family member who had a similar role in a different branch of the service about the same time as you.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

There's something called "Shutup10” that will allow you to disable windows 10 features : https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

There are other similar programs afaik, some may work better than the rest, but I've been using Shutup10 to turn off Cortana, Xbox stuff, etc.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

This will help you do that and so much more. I cannot use Windows 10 without it. It literally only toggles native controls, and you can delete it once you have everything set the way you want. Until an update changes your settings without asking again

What about ‚O&O Shut Up 10‘?

„Some services protocol your entire keyboard entries, share your WLAN access data with your facebook contacts or connect your computer without asking permission to a public – and potentially unprotected – network.“ Reference: O&O Shut Up10

„Using a very simple interface, you decide how Windows 10 should respect your privacy by deciding which unwanted functions should be deactivated.“ Reference: O&O Shut Up 10

As far as I know, it is using group policy settings to disable those things You mentioned.

As others have said, there are tools to make it better. I use O&O ShutUp10. It's just a list of on/off switches most of which are either self-explanatory or have great tooltips describing them, so it's super easy to use, requires no installation (it just runs from wherever you put it, like the Downloads folder), plus I give it bonus points for the spot-on name.

Or you could install the following addons (or similar) for your browser:

uBlock Origin

Noscript

Decentraleyes

Privacy Badger

I haven't seen an ad on Youtube ever. I didn't even know Youtube ran ads until about a year ago when I used someone else computer for a bit.

I also suggest installing Shutup10 and Spybot S&D.

For more control add this to your hosts file.

Dude Windows 10 fixed everything that was wrong with 8, and the slap in the face that is 8.1.

Before the downvotes start pouring in, if you have 7, stick with it. Nothing wrong with 7. 8 is an atrocity that should've never left their phones.

Edit: how to fix 10

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

​

Helps to keep some data away from the big boys.

Latest version is supporting win10 1903 as well.

If you already have windows 10 installed and set up you can also use the shutup10 tool to disable all the telemetry and spyware.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

It will ask you to create a restore point. But you should do that on your own before downloading this.

Another popular tool that is on steam is wpd. But I haven’t used it. Just an FYI that it exists.

Download ShutUp10. Usually people use it to turn off telemetry, but I don't see why you can't use it to turn it back on. It will ask you to create a restore point as soon as you choose an option to turn on/off.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

I moved from Chrome a long time ago and have zero regrets. I use Firefox now and highly recommend you take advantage of Firefox Multi-Account Containers. You can set a container for your google services and set them to only open in that container so google isn't tracking your other activity (well, not as much anyway).

You can disable a lot of the win 10 telemetry with tools like O&O Shutup 10 (dumb name but does the job) https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10.

I'd also second KeePass XC and store your card info encrypted in there.

Also if you're running Win 10 Pro enable drive encryption (bitlocker) or download VeraCrypt.

+haladóként windows helyett linux, vagy router szinten IP alapján letiltani a jelentgetést, bár windows frissítéshez fel kell oldani ideiglenesen a korlátozást. Van még pár egyéb elvileg nagyjából működő W10-gyomláló progi (asszem legutóbb az O&O-ét használtam.)

Esetleg egy PiHole, de az szintén advanced, ugyanakkor egyben több dologra jó, és kevésbé pontos, mint egy böngészőbeli adblocker.

DuckDuckGo képkeresője valójában átnevezett Bing képkereső, ez legutóbb a tankos lányos esetnél is kiderült. Szóval remélem szereted a kínai kormányzati filtereket.

If I remember correctly, tool in the Tron Suite that does this is the tool "O&O ShutUp", so you will want to go through the Tron resource folders and locate this tool to manage these settings manually. Just keep in mind that these update deferrals and such are aimed a preventing Windows 10 from going through constant update processes, during which it typically resets the telemetry settings.

I don't mean to be flippant... but you've only just now realized this?

I'd recommend looking into something like Shutup10 for bulk settings changing and Classic Shell to get the old search menu without ads.

I can help here! I'm in mobile and don't know how to format links into text! https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

This nifty program will disable all those dumb little features on windows that waste your time, as well as tell you which ones you can turn off, but probably shouldn't. It's got an extremely easy-to-use UI thats toggle on/off and gives you a proper definition of what each feature does! Very easy, can use and be done with in maybe a minute flat.

OR:

1. https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 to disable all the bullshit.

2. Download MSMG Toolkit V8.2 and create a stripped down version of windows 10 with all the bloatware in it, worked perfectly fine updating to 1803 on one of my rigs and have had 0 issues.

Check out ShutUp10. It will help disable a number of intrusive and unwanted Windows10 processes without harming your system. It also has a good description of what each particular option does.

It could stop those P2P updates u seem to have. (I know you mentioned you disabled them.)

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

I checked my screen and compared it to yours and the only thing that's different is although i have mine set to off as well, the bullet point next to "PCs on my local network" is not filled on mine.

It may be that even though you have it set to "Off," it's recognizing it as on b/c an option below "Off" is checked/activated. A forum thread I found here suggests that selecting "Off" should have worked.

Shutup10 would help with that. I use it and have the option to Disable windows updates via p2p.

I avoided the "optional" upgrade to 10 like the plague. Desktop is still running 7 Pro.

The laptop, however, was a different story. I had no choice in the matter.

If you have to use W10, something like Shutup10 makes it a bit more bearable to use. Doesn't fix the annoying UI fuckery, but it does at least help combat the spying.

(edit: -with, because words are hard)

For those of us who are stuck using Windows 10 (in my case, for many different reasons I won't bore you with), there's ShutUp10.

Unfortunately it requires some annoying steps (this is because of Microsoft, not the author of ShutUp10):

• Make a system restore point
• Use ShutUp10 to turn off all the adware & spy settings crap (it does a really good job of putting them all in one place and performing triage on them)
• reboot
• Use ShutUp10 again to turn off the one or two settings Windows 10 will have inevitably fucking turned back on during the reboot
• Reboot again
• Check it in ShutUp10 one more time, just to be sure

PITA, but it only takes about 5-10 minutes if you have an SSD.

This usually takes care of it until the next "big creator's update" from Microsoft.

It's still a good idea to keep ShutUp10 updated and to run it every now and then just to make sure Windows hasn't turned telemetry or something else back on without telling you.

Before someone starts in on me: I know Windows is the devil and yes, I hate it too. But this is practical damage control advice for those who need it.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10/update

Apply only recommended settings from the Actions Menu and reboot.

Enjoy Cortana having been entirely neutralized along with 90% of the entire windows 10 default spyware suite.

Par for the course with Windows 10 - you are the product being sold now - all your data, everything you type, everything you wisper to Cortana, every website you visit, it's all being sold to the highest bidder so this "cloud OS" garbage concept can "win"

Get Shut Up 10 and turn off all the embedded crapware in Windows 10: https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Remember to run it again any time you do an update, cause Microsoft just re-enables and sometimes renames the spy services.

If it's your laptop, and assuming Windows 10 as the operating system, what I'd recommend is to use something like O&O Shutup 10 to disable at least most of the Windows telemetry. Yes, even if you disable what they let you, there's still crap that phones home. This can be turned off in the "enterprise" edition because, guess what, companies don't like it when you spy on them, but these things cannot be turned off normally in your home edition. Since Windows Home and Enterprise use the same rules, they can be turned off - the switches are just not installed.

There are also a few things that Win10 doesn't want you to simply uninstall, but there are ways to get rid of that junk too.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10. Lets you shut off just about any silly bloatware feature of Windows 10 with a click, including Windows Defender. Sometimes major feature updates revert settings... just re-download the latest version of the tool and re-apply your settings.

W10 Privacy is the one I use. Has tons of possible options, which luckily are color coded, depending on if they're safe, not recommended or "definitely will break shit". There are also tool-tips explaining what each option does, just hover your mouse cursor over each one.

There are others. Out of those Shutup Win10 is one I've also heard mentioned on reddit, but haven't used it myself. It looks to have a simpler UI, maybe with less options.

PSA: Be absolutely sure what you're doing when you use any of these. You can screw up Windows Update, the Windows Store or be left with images opening up in paint if you remove the default image viewing app. At least until you enable the old Windows Picture Viewer or install a 3rd party gallery tool.

You can try with O&O ShutUp10.

From the latest changelog: >Compatibility with Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607 Redstone 1)

>* Cortana can no longer be deactivated over Windows settings: O&O ShutUp10 can still do this ;-)

Yes. Please read the documentation before running Tron.

Stage 4 item 4 on the Details of every action Tron takes list linked in the sidebar:

> If the system is running Windows 10, Tron does a more in-depth disabling of the Windows telemetry features, including automatically applying all the immunizations from the Spybot Anti-Beacon and O&O ShutUp10 tools.

If you're planning on staying with Windows for the time being, I would suggest using W10Privacy or O&O ShutUp10. Note: I would recommend just running one. They are supposed to accomplish the same task and sometimes interfere with each other. Just make sure to run it after each major Windows update (usually the updates that force you to restart Windows to apply them).

You can use of these methods: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-permanently-disable-windows-defender-windows-10

I use OOS10 among other tools to 'debloat' Windows 10, it includes the ability to disable Windows Defender.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

I've been using O&O Shutup 10 for the past 2 years. It's one of the easiest ways to disable most of the telemetry and "anti-features".

You'll want to run it after every Windows Update to make sure the update doesn't revert any of your settings.

Ugh, tell me about it. You used to be able to get rid of all of this shit with a single click in O&O ShutUp10, but now you have to right click each tile individually and select either unpin or remove. At this rate I guess I should be glad that MS gives you the option to remove them at all.

It's a shame that MS has chosen to defile Windows 10 like this. Besides the ads and tracking, it's by far the best version of Windows ever.

if you really want to turn off updates, consider a tool like shutUp10, it will keep up with changes to the update mechanism. Another option is to leave updates on but use a shutdown blocker to choose when to apply them.

There is nothing inherent to mining that would cause a 7002 event.

Just disable the Customer Experience Improvement Program.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-opt-out-customer-experience-improvement-program-windows-10

Alternatively I think OO Shutup10 disables it. Which is something you should run on any Win10 machine, I use the middle settings (recommended?).

The best options by far is to disable stuff natively, but we all know how fond Microsoft is of spreading the options all over the OS. So the only third-party privacy tool for Windows 10 I half recommend is ShutUp10 and their "Recommended" option. And that's only if you're already aware of what the various settings can impact in Windows 10.

I didn't update via a push notification, I used a Windows 10 Home install USB I had from a build I did for a friend. I just did a fresh install from that, used MY W7 Pro key, and it recognized it no problem. You can do the same thing at this link.

I was skeptical about upgrading, but I'm very glad I did. Everything runs much smoother, and I've had no issues. Also, check out ShutUp10 so everything in W10 runs nice and smooth and won't get any Microsoft spying bullshit.

I run 10 Pro to give a little control of updates as you can defer them.

I use a powershell scrip to tweak the worst offenders as i like detailed control, but you can use this program on recommended settings and it will do most of it for you.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Or

This is one of the better scripts for telementry removal

https://gist.github.com/alirobe/7f3b34ad89a159e6daa1 Use with caution read and switch off all the things you dont need to fix first as it can do major stuff

Dont say i didnt warn you...

No solution is perfect because MS are always moving the goalposts with updates so i would recheck it every month to be sure

7/8/8.1 are no solution either as the telemetry exists within them now since about a year ago.

Linux is fine for some people but limits the stuff you can do, im a gamer and i want to be able to play blockbuster games so not an option, i also code in windows environment so another no no. Its ok if all you do is surf the web and read email.

You have to choose the level you want to pitch at but bear in mind privacy will be a non stop battle, which you will have to get used to. not just with MS but with everything from no on as your privacy is under threat always.

This is a myth. They just renamed local search to "Cortana" for a consistent experience. You can still turn off the internet connected parts. The easiest way to do it is with Shutup10

Also: O&O ShutUp10 to remove/disable all the privacy-invasive features from Win10 (make sure to check back after every update, as I'm sure some features will be "accidentally" re-enabled)

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT SOMETHING DOES, DON'T TOUCH IT!!!

• more telemetry
• more spyware
• tens of useless apps being installed by default
• zero privacy

these can be solved for the most part by ticking off all the privacy-related stuff in Settings, as well as running some quick little utilities, such as privacy.sexy or ShutUp10 as well as going to "Optional Features" and disabling things you don't need. granted, all this stuff being enabled by default is dumb but it's not difficult to disable at all

• annoying update schedule

you can disable updates through those tools as well as gpedit. i've also heard that turning on metered connections is another workaround to stop updates

Go to Ninite and install:

• Chrome (browser)
• 7-Zip (zip utility)
• Everything (much better search utility)
• VLC (media player)
• Audacity (audio editor)
• HandBrake (video converter based on FFMPEG)
• TeraCopy (copy utility)
• WinDirStat (drive space visualizer)
• Classic Start (better Start menu)
• GIMP (image editor)
• IrfanView (image viewer)
• CutePDF (PDF reader)
• FileZilla (FTP client and server)
• Notepad++ (text editor)
• PuTTY (terminal program)

Then get

• O&O ShutUp10(turns off Windows 10 "features")
• AnyDesk or TeamViewer (remote access)
• Angry IP Scanner (scans IP ranges for active devices)
• Virtual Clone Drive (mount ISO files)
• NewTek NDI Tools
• Ross Dashboard
• AJA Mini Config
• Decimator UCP
• Simple IP Config(fast way to change static IPs)
• Elgato Stream Deck and Bitfocus Companion (if you have a Stream Deck)
• ALL the Blackmagic drivers

I think that about covers it.

Try Shutup10: https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

It doesn't even need to be installed, it's just a portable .exe that edits registry values to turn off Windows "features" that you hate. Lets you easily get rid of Cortana and Skype, change update settings, privacy settings, and a hundred other things.

Warning: this is for power users, be careful with it. I would advise reading the description on each item carefully and only messing with the ones that are recommended (they have a green check mark). Also, some of the things you can do here will be un-done when Windows updates. So it's possible that after a major update Cortana will show up again. But you can simply use this tool to turn her off again.

Instead of having to look through the dark corners of Windows 10's settings to find all of the privacy settings, O&O Shutup provides a centralized menu. After installing updates, you run the program and it will detect any changes Microsoft makes to your preferences. Additionally, it automates the creation of restore points prior to making any changes and you can save a configuration file of your preferences for portability or in case you had to reinstall the program.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

​

Edit: Bizarrely half of my comment disappeared when I submitted it.

I wouldnt say that. Tried Overwatch and WoW. None run. Its always better to run games directly. Also not all games from Steam run on Ubuntu.

I recommend Win10 with "o&o shutup". Its free and basicly a 1-click thing. But you can do many things with this.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

This is more for privacy but it turns off some services and tracking

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Note . Some of default suggestions are disable camera and sensors too (privacy) but this would make the windows hello stop working. And you would need to use password.

So toggle few at a time . And remember.

In my experience, Cortana is the cause of problems when searching from the Start Menu. I have disabled most, if not all, of Cortana because it is completely irrelevant for how I use my computer. As a result, searching from the Start Menu works perfectly fine for me.

Edit: There are a number of ways to disable and/or limit Cortana, some that are more drastic than others and prone to unintended side-effects. The method I use is via O&O ShutUp10.

use classic windows bar mod http://www.classicshell.net/ and while you are at it you can just as well download anti spyware https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 & https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/

I managed to turn it properly off through some combo of O&O ShutUp 10 and Winaero Tweaker. Still, it's sad that it gets a little tougher every release.

Somewhere in between 'Don't worry about it, microsoft is a benevolent god' and 'switch to Linix!' is an actual answer to this question:

shutup10 is the standard tool to trim back telemetry. Just be careful about going beyond their recommended settings.

There are about a dozen feature-rich "anti-tracking" Win10 tools out and about now. Here's a decent one; it's what I'm currently using. ShutUp10

You can also disable things like Windows Defender and such with group policy edits, but honestly if you're looking for a simple fix to just about every tracking issue I'd just download a free utility like the one I linked to.

It's virtually the same as 2019 except it works better on newer hardware and all the telemetry for both can be shut off with 3 simple apps.

https://github.com/Wohlstand/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

https://wpd.app/

https://www.ghacks.net/2015/06/23/how-to-disable-web-search-in-windows-10s-start-menu/ Uses Group Policies which worked for me, a long time ago. But nowadays, I use O&O ShutUp10 as I can just have a file with my settings and apply all of them at once after a reinstallation.

I hate to tell you this, but 22000.194 is the final RTM version. It was released last night (UK also)

Regarding removing and disabling unwanted apps and services. Their is a little tool called O&O Shutup10 which does all of that for you with one click and without the need to install anything. Latest version supports Win 11. Simply download and run the .exe file

Regarding the driver issues you are having it may take some time for Samsung to update their site with new ones suitable for Win 11. I did manage to locate drivers on Github for Win 10, they should work but I can't possibly comment on why they appear slower for you just now. Anyway you can get the Win 10 drivers from here.

Hope this helps

Yes you can cut windows down and you should be able to remove most of it if all your using it for is Autocad/Adobe. Just keep in mind it will be a broken install and some stuff can't really be enabled after they are removed. You could try using the ltsc version too but Ltsc requires an upgraded windows license. Or if all you're using it for is Autocad/Adobe, you could just stick with 7 too but you might be locked into that version of it.

https://github.com/Sycnex/Windows10Debloater https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-10-service-configurations/

It is not difficult. I recommend making the iso's yourself or grabbing them from a trustworthy website. Once installed an activator will get you licensed up.

I recommend using something like https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 to further tweak windows to your liking: disable telemetery, advanced options etc.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

that can help but sometimes it'll try to update again after six months and actually reset those settings(like malware) as it updates.

It has detailed descriptions for all the extra settings so make sure to read anything you turn off and should be easy to avoid breaking anything. You may need to re-enable some of it if for some reason you are trying to run a game from the Windows store.

I install Windows and update it. This process also installs base drivers for everything Windows can detect and identify.

Then, I go through the motherboard driver page and make sure things like wifi drivers that I need are updated.

There's a program called Shut Up Ten that changes a lot of undesirable Windows 10 telemetry settings.

I also use Ninite.com to download the free software that every modern gaming machine will have - Chrome, Firefox, VLC, Discord, 7zip, Spotify, Steam, and Greenshot. I also use FileZilla and Notepad++. Just check the boxes and then download.

If I'm using an NVidia driver, I use a little program called Tiny Nvidia Update Checker which downloads & installs the barebones versions of the Nvidia drivers. (7zip helps here)

Then I go through and start checking the hardware - XMP, temps, etc. I use prime95 and CPU-Z and HWMonitor to make sure everything is crunching properly.

Windows 10 unfortunately will chew mechanical drives alive. Slower mid-low end laptop drives even more. I would start by looking around on google for steps to lean down windows safe services to disable etc.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 can help disable a lot of tracking and telemetry which can lessen the strain as well.

Never got any replies but I found this program that seems to be well regarded which lists out hundreds of Windows services and gives you a simple on/off switch for each one

Running it hasn’t caused me any slowdown or weird notifications or anything

Misread the title lol.

Anyway, I used this tool to disable some things in Win10(assuming this is your OS) that you wouldn't be able to disable normally.

As for antivirus software, windows defender is on par if not better against 3rd party software. As long as you're not going into some shady websites or downloading attachments from random emails you'll be fine with it.

Hey, I found this in the pcmr subreddit a while ago but this tool help you take back your privacy back from Microsoft. Shutup10 Just make a system restore point, hit apply all recommended settings and restart the pc.

Uninstall windows apps. https://www.oo-software.com/en/ooappbuster

Set privacy options. https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Block outgoing conections. https://www.henrypp.org/product/simplewall

Le titre aurait du etre "Témoignage de Julie, "transcriber" pour Cortana"

Mais bon, si cette interview vous a rendu parano vis à vis de Cortana, vous pouvez toujours utiliser SU10 pour limiter Cortana au strict minimum.

It's about tweaking it and shutting off all telemetry and updates with MS. My POS runs really smooth with it. Try these on full blast and reboot.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

WPD to debloat; OOSU10 & W10Privacy to close 'telemetry' (spying) ports - each one does things a little differently, so if you're really concerned about tying down your system, the three together can lock stuff down reasonably tight. As always, use with caution; locking down the mic too far can block Discord from using it at all, etc.

That goddamn Candy Crush and for-pay Solitaire...

Step 1: Install Window without using Microsoft Account and without allowing it to connect to the internet.
Step 2: Run ShutUp10
Step 3: Remove all the "waiting for download" tiles from Start.
Step 4: Connect network.

These 2 do everything you need. Just look at all the settings/utiliites/options before using. Takes 2 minutes.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Shut Up 10: https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Start 10: https://www.stardock.com/products/start10/

Every Windows 10 installation of mine is running these two. It’s much better as a result!

Use KMSAuto Net 1.5.3

https://plus.google.com/+XanBuRzUm/posts/EhQ5hh2fbhH

Use these to shut off updates.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Use these to disable updates for real. Check all settings/options/utilities as they give you many choices. Very safe. I've used them on dozens of machines.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

2 of them actually. Both are portable and non-install. I've used them on dozens of machines. Personally I have them both on 100%. Check all settings/utilities/options as it gives you many options before using.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Just get Windows 10, if you have an Android then Windows 10 is the LEAST of your privacy related problems.

But if it bothers you, there are programs like ShutUp10 that will do the trick.

I use these to totally control 10. They work great. Used on dozens of machines. Check all settings/utilities/options before using as they give you many options.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Did you try O&O ShutUp10? This program can disable Cortana, ads in the Start menu, and hundreds of other annoying Windows 10 "features". It is also updated with every new Windows 10 release to ensure that all of its fixes continue to work. It's 100% free and works like a charm; I recommend it to anyone who wants to degunkify Windows 10.

You won't be private on any newer Windows OS. I use these apps and they work great. Check all settings/utilities/options before using as it gives you many options.

https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases/tag/2.2.2.2

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

1. If you have no plans to use any Windows App that's bundled, use the following command in Powershell to remove all of them at once. Do be careful, because if you still use apps like Calendar or Weather, it uninstalls those as well.

> Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Remove-AppxPackage

1. Set up a privacy filter using ShutUp10. The settings menu doesn't block all invasive privacy "features". Like you'll notice that if you disabled sending information under settings, you'll actually find under ShutUp10 that there's actually 2 more settings just like it that are still enabled.

2. Download Ninite.

3. Download XTU for undervolting.

That's about it. If you need an uninstaller that cleans up residue junk (registries, leftover folders, etc.), I use Iobit Uninstaller. It's free with virtually no limitations, although there is a pro version available.

In that case, use https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 that /u/tplgigo mentioned and you should be all set! Just make sure to re-enable the settings after you do install updates as often times Windows will reset them to the defaults.

People like to jump on the bandwagon to hate things.

I would recommend OOSU10, a program that helps you disable unwanted features in Windows 10. So a good portion of the crap like Cortana, ads on the start bar, and such - you can disable all that.

You’re probably joking but I wanted to mention a free program that does this as well as blocking other annoying ‘features’. I learned about it on reddit a while back. https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Privacy issues that you can very quickly resolve with: O&O ShutUp and accompanied by Unified Hosts Update. Windows 10 is a superior operating system in all regards. It's not worth passing up because of easily disabled telemetry and user data.

If you miss the Win7 style Start Menu, you can also use Classic Shell.

Several seem to be listed throughout the thread but did not see this one. I think it works well, no ads and the settings can be saved in a config file. I run it after every update just to be sure nothing secret happened I'm unaware of.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Also, check this thread on it for more info.

https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/3i766c/shut_up_windows_10_here_is_a_free_musthave_tool/

Whenever I install Windows 10 I install this as well and go through every single option to disable all the things I don't want.

Doesn't take long and I at least feel "safe".

Or just download ShutUp10, a free tool that lets you turn off auto-updates, as well as telemetry and other privacy issues. You don't even need to install it; just run it from your downloads folder or pop it onto a thumb drive and run it on any computer you like.

I didn't have to touch the group policies or regedit, and I haven't received an "updates are available" message in months.

You can use ShutUp10 to block the windows update processes.

That should keep it from being able to update to creators but I think you might miss out on security updates if you do.