pctweak: every tweak, with its source
Free beta, version 0.1.0. This list is made from the app's own catalog files, so it is exactly what the app can change: 126 settings in 5 areas.
What the app sends anywhere: nothing. It needs no account and works offline. It only goes online if you press "Check for updates".
Every change can be put back. Before it changes a setting, the app saves the exact value that was there, and undo puts that value back. One button puts back everything it ever changed. The few changes that cannot be fully undone are marked below and ask first.
Each setting has a verdict and a Microsoft source. Proven 99, Situational 15, Risky 6, Outdated 1, Unverified 5. "Unverified" means we have not been able to prove it yet, and the app says so.
Beta: what has not been tested. The app has been run on clean Windows 11 Home and Pro test machines (build 26300) and on one real PC. It has not been run on Windows 10, on Enterprise or Education, on languages other than English, or beside other tweak tools or antivirus. Some settings apply only to some editions; the app skips the ones that do not fit your PC and says why. The beta installer is not signed yet, so Windows may warn that the publisher is unknown.
Areas: Debloat · Performance · Privacy · Services · System
Debloat 32 settings
| Setting | Verdict | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block OneDrive from taking over your folders OneDrive no longer offers to move Documents, Pictures and Desktop into OneDrive, and that move is blocked. The Manage backup command is disabled. Folders already moved keep their files in OneDrive. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/use-group-policy |
| Hide Microsoft Rewards in Edge Microsoft account users no longer see the Microsoft Rewards experience in Edge search, on the new tab page and in earn markets. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/showmicrosoftrewards |
| Hide Spotlight collection as a desktop choice Spotlight collection (Microsoft's daily desktop images) no longer shows as an option in Personalization settings. It is then unavailable on the desktop. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Hide the Acrobat button in Edge PDF viewer The Adobe Acrobat subscription button is no longer shown in the Edge built-in PDF viewer. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/showacrobatsubscriptionbutton |
| Hide the Recommended section in Start The Start menu no longer shows the section with recommended files and apps (recent files and recently added apps). Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start |
| Hide the Widgets board and its taskbar button You can no longer open the Widgets board, and its entry point no longer appears on the taskbar. Restart the PC | Situational | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-newsandinterests |
| Hide the default top-site tiles in Edge The default top-site tiles are hidden on the Edge new tab page. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/newtabpagehidedefaulttopsites |
| Remove Clipchamp Removes the Clipchamp video editor for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Feedback Hub Removes the Feedback Hub app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Microsoft News Removes the Microsoft News app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Microsoft Solitaire Collection Removes the Microsoft Solitaire Collection game for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Microsoft Teams Removes the Microsoft Teams app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Microsoft To Do Removes the Microsoft To Do app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove Microsoft content from the Edge new tab Edge no longer shows Microsoft feeds and content on the new tab page. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/newtabpagecontentenabled |
| Remove Weather Removes the MSN Weather app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove the Microsoft 365 (Office) hub app Removes the Microsoft 365 (Office) hub app for your account, with Windows' own Remove-AppxPackage. It is on the list of preinstalled apps Microsoft lets organisations remove by policy. Other accounts on this PC keep it. No restart · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/policy-based-inbox-app-removal/policy-based-inbox-app-removal learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/appx/remove-appxpackage |
| Remove the Recently added list from Start The Start menu no longer shows the Recently added list of installed apps. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start |
| Remove website recommendations from Start Personalized website recommendations are removed from the Recommended section of the Start menu. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start |
| Skip the Edge first-run screens The first-run experience and splash screen are not shown the first time Edge is opened. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/hidefirstrunexperience |
| Stop Edge asking to be your default Edge no longer asks you to make it the default browser or to make Bing the default search engine. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/defaultbrowsersettingscampaignenabled |
| Stop Edge recommendations and notifications Edge stops showing recommendations, feature tips and notifications. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/showrecommendationsenabled |
| Stop Edge running after its last window closes Edge no longer keeps running in the background after you close its last window. Background mode is turned off. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/backgroundmodeenabled |
| Stop Edge starting in the background at sign-in Edge processes no longer start when you sign in to Windows. Startup boost is turned off. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/startupboostenabled |
| Stop OneDrive syncing personal accounts The OneDrive app can no longer sync personal (Microsoft account) OneDrive accounts. People already syncing get a message that syncing has stopped, but files already synced stay on the computer. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/use-group-policy |
| Stop Windows Tips from appearing Windows Tips (also called soft landing) stop appearing on the device. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop suggested apps in Windows Ink Workspace Suggested apps are no longer allowed to appear in the Windows Ink Workspace. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsinkworkspace |
| Stop the Edge sidebar from showing The Edge sidebar is never shown. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/hubssidebarenabled |
| Stop third-party suggestions in Windows Spotlight Windows Spotlight stops suggesting apps and content from third-party publishers. This covers the lock screen, suggested apps in Start and Windows tips. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop widgets showing on the lock screen Widgets no longer appear on the lock screen. Restart the PC | Situational | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-newsandinterests |
| Turn off Edge shopping features on stores Edge no longer automatically offers price comparison, coupons, rebates and express checkout on retail sites. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployedge/microsoft-edge-browser-policies/edgeshoppingassistantenabled |
| Turn off Microsoft suggestions in Settings The Settings app stops showing Microsoft suggestions. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Turn off Windows Media Player Legacy Turns off the old Windows Media Player, an optional Windows feature, with Windows' own DISM. Microsoft recommends the Media Player app instead. Turning it back on uses the files Windows keeps. Takes effect after a restart. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-media-player-81718e0d-cfce-25b1-aee3-94596b658287 learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/dism/disable-windowsoptionalfeature |
Performance 12 settings
| Setting | Verdict | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set processor boost to Aggressive on plugged in power On AC power, the processor boost mode is set to Aggressive, so Windows picks the maximum boost performance when conditions allow boosting above the normal level. This is a hidden power setting. No restart | Unverified | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/options-for-perf-state-engine-perfboostmode learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/powersetting/nf-powersetting-powerwriteacvalueindex |
| Stop Windows extending the screen off timeout Windows no longer lengthens the display off timeout on its own, so the display off time stays as you set it. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/display-settings-adaptive-display-idle-timeout learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/display-settings |
| Stop Windows powering down the disk Windows no longer powers down the disk after a period of inactivity. This applies on both power and battery. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/disk-settings-disk-idle-timeout learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/disk-settings |
| Stop alerts when a new app can open your files No notification is shown when a newly installed app can open a file type or protocol you use. This policy is for Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Stop scheduled tasks waking the PC from sleep Scheduled tasks can no longer wake the PC from sleep. For example, the PC might no longer wake by itself to install updates. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings-automatically-wake-for-tasks learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings |
| Stop sleep also saving memory to hibernate file Hybrid sleep is turned off, so sleep does not also save the memory to the hibernate file. This applies on both power and battery. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings-hybrid-sleep learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings |
| Stop the PC sleeping when plugged in The PC no longer goes to sleep after inactivity while it is plugged in. The battery setting is left alone. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings-sleep-idle-timeout learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings |
| Turn off File Explorer control and window animations Common control and window animations in File Explorer are turned off for the signed in user. Microsoft says disabling animations can improve usability for some users with visual disabilities. This policy is for Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-explorer |
| Turn off away mode Away mode is not used, even when programs request it. This applies on both power and battery. No restart | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings-allow-away-mode learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/sleep-settings |
| Turn off window animations Window animations such as those for restoring, minimizing and maximizing windows are turned off for the signed in user. This policy is for Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-dwm |
| Turn on Storage Sense so it cleans files automatically Storage Sense is turned on for the whole PC and can automatically clean some of your files to free up disk space. You cannot turn it off while this is set, but you can change how often it runs. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-storage |
| Use performance idle timeouts for devices Devices that work with the Windows kernel power manager use the performance idle timeouts instead of the conservation idle timeouts. This applies on both power and battery. No restart | Unverified | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/no-subgroup-settings-device-idle-policy learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/power-settings/no-subgroup-settings |
Privacy 59 settings
| Setting | Verdict | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep web results out of Windows search Tells Windows search not to look on the web or show web results. Microsoft notes that on current Windows 10 and 11 further steps, such as a firewall rule, are needed, so these two settings alone may not stop web results. Restart the PC | Unverified | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Limit diagnostic data sent to Microsoft Limits the diagnostic data Windows sends to Microsoft to the required level only. Microsoft describes this as the minimum needed to keep Windows secure, up to date and performing as expected. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-system learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Remove Recall from this PC Makes Recall unavailable, so it cannot be turned on. Microsoft says the Recall files are removed from the device and any snapshots already saved are deleted. Removing Recall needs a restart. Restart the PC · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Situational | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsai learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-recall |
| Stop Clipboard syncing to your other devices Stops Clipboard contents from syncing to your other devices through your Microsoft account. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-privacy |
| Stop Messaging cloud sync for your account Turns off Messaging cloud sync for your user account. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Recall saving snapshots of your screen Stops Windows from saving snapshots for Recall. Any snapshots already saved on the PC are deleted when this is turned on, and turning it off again cannot bring them back. Microsoft lists this for Windows 11 24H2 with update KB5055627 and later. Restart the PC · Cannot be fully undone; the app asks first | Situational | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsai learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-recall |
| Stop Spotlight notifications in Action Center Stops Windows Spotlight notifications from showing in the Action Center. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop Windows Messaging syncing your messages Turns off Message Sync so Windows Messaging no longer syncs your messages. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows asking for feedback Stops the feedback pop-ups that Windows shows through its Feedback app. Microsoft lists this for Pro, Enterprise, Education and IoT Enterprise. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop Windows collecting your typing and inking Turns off Windows' collection of your typing and handwriting data. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows downloading fonts on demand Stops Windows from downloading fonts on demand from an online font provider. Fonts included in Windows but not stored on the device will not be downloaded. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows fetching OneSettings configuration updates Stops Windows from downloading configuration updates from the OneSettings service. Apps using this service may stop working. Restart the PC | Risky | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows fetching device names and icons online Stops Windows from retrieving device metadata, such as device names and icons, from the Internet. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows fetching notifications over the network Stops Windows from fetching notifications and live tile content over the network. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows publishing and roaming your activities Stops apps and Windows from publishing your activities and roaming them across your devices. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows search using your location Stops Windows search from using your location. Microsoft lists this for Pro, Enterprise and Education. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-search |
| Stop Windows sending crash and error reports Turns off Windows Error Reporting, so reports are not collected or sent to Microsoft when software stops working or fails. Solution information is also no longer available in Security and Maintenance in Control Panel. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-errorreporting |
| Stop Windows storing your clipboard history Stops Windows from storing a history of what you copied to the clipboard. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop Windows syncing your settings across devices Turns off the Sync your settings feature so your settings are no longer synced across devices. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows tracking which apps you open Stops Windows from keeping track of which apps you launch to shape Start and search results. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop Windows uploading your activity history Stops Windows from uploading your user activities to the cloud. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing Tasks Blocks every Windows app from accessing Tasks. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing and sending email Blocks every Windows app from accessing and sending email. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing your calendar Blocks every Windows app from accessing your calendar. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing your call history Blocks every Windows app from accessing your call history. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing your contacts Blocks every Windows app from accessing your contacts. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from accessing your notifications Blocks every Windows app from accessing your notifications. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from controlling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Blocks every Windows app from controlling radios such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from making phone calls Blocks every Windows app from making phone calls. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from reading or sending messages Blocks every Windows app from reading or sending text and MMS messages. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from running in the background Blocks every Windows app from running in the background. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from using the camera Blocks every Windows app from using the camera. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from using the microphone Blocks every Windows app from using the microphone. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from using your location Blocks every Windows app from using the device's location. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop all apps from using your trusted devices Blocks every Windows app from using your trusted devices, which means hardware you already connected or that came with your PC. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps from activating with your voice Blocks apps from activating with voice, both while you use the PC and while it is locked. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps from reading other apps' diagnostic info Blocks every Windows app from reading diagnostic information about other apps. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps from reading your account info Blocks every Windows app from reading your name, picture and other account info. Apps can no longer ask for it. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps from using your motion data Blocks Windows and all apps from using your motion data and collecting motion history. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps syncing with unpaired wireless devices Blocks apps from automatically sharing and syncing info with wireless devices that are not paired with your PC, tablet or phone. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop apps using your advertising ID Stops apps from using your Windows advertising ID. Microsoft's page pairs this with a second setting that this switch leaves out. Restart the PC | Unverified | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop browser settings syncing through Windows Stops the browser group, including history and favorites, from syncing through Windows Sync your settings. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop other devices opening apps here over Bluetooth Stops apps on your other devices from using Bluetooth to open apps and continue experiences on this device. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Stop sending extra error report data to Microsoft Automatically declines any request from Microsoft for additional data in response to an error report, without telling you. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-errorreporting |
| Stop sharing your activity history Stops Windows from publishing your user activities. Microsoft lists two related settings alongside this one, and this switch changes only the one named, and the change takes effect immediately. No restart | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-privacy |
| Stop the Windows welcome pages after updates Stops the Windows Spotlight welcome experience, which introduces new features after updates and changes to Windows and its apps. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop tips tailored from your diagnostic data Stops Windows using diagnostic data from this PC to customise the lock screen, Windows tips and Microsoft consumer features. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Stop websites reading your language list Stops websites from reading your language list to show locally relevant content. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Switch to default content instead of account content Turns off cloud consumer account state content in all Windows experiences. They show the default fallback content instead. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Switch to default content instead of cloud content Turns off cloud optimized content in all Windows experiences. They show the default fallback content instead. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Turn off AI search in the Settings app Turns off the agentic search experience in the Settings app. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsai |
| Turn off Click to Do Turns off Click to Do, which takes a screenshot of the screen and analyzes it to suggest actions. Restart the PC | Situational | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-windowsai learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-click-to-do |
| Turn off Cortana Turns off Cortana. Restart the PC | Outdated | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/end-of-support-for-cortana-d025b39f-ee5b-4836-a954-0ab646ee1efa |
| Turn off Find My Device Turns off Find My Device, so the device can no longer be located through your account. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences Turns off Microsoft consumer experiences in Windows. Microsoft does not list Windows 11 Pro for this setting, so it may have no effect on a Pro PC. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Turn off all Windows Spotlight features Turns off Windows Spotlight on the lock screen, Windows Tips, Microsoft consumer features and other related features at once. Restart the PC | Situational | Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience |
| Turn off location for the whole device Turns location off for this device, so no app can get the device's location. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Turn off online speech recognition Turns off dictation of your voice and speaking to Cortana and other apps. Your voice input is no longer sent to Microsoft Speech services. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/manage-connections-from-windows-operating-system-components-to-microsoft-services |
| Turn off search highlights in Start and search Turns off search highlights in the Start menu search box and in search home. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-search |
Services 9 settings
| Setting | Verdict | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop Internet Connection Sharing The Internet Connection Sharing service (SharedAccess) is set not to start, so your connection is no longer shared with other devices on the network. It is required for WiFi hotspots and both ends of Miracast projection. Restart the PC | Risky | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service (DiagTrack) is set not to start. This service supports in-application and connected user experiences, and those features stop. The source guide is written for Windows 10 version 2004. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows-server/it-pro/windows-server-2019/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-vdi-recommendations-2004 |
| Stop the Downloaded Maps Manager service The Downloaded Maps Manager service (MapsBroker) is set not to start. Apps can no longer access downloaded maps, and apps that rely on it break. Restart the PC | Risky | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the Game recording and broadcast service The GameDVR and Broadcast user service (BcastDVRUserService) template is set not to start. Game recordings and live broadcasts stop working. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows-server/it-pro/windows-server-2019/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-vdi-recommendations-2004 |
| Stop the Phone Service The Phone Service (PhoneSvc) is set not to start. It manages the telephony state on the device and is used by modern VoIP apps, so those apps may stop working. Restart the PC | Risky | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the Wallet service The WalletService is set not to start. It hosts objects used by wallet clients. Restart the PC | Proven | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the Xbox Live Auth Manager service The Xbox Live Auth Manager (XblAuthManager) is set not to start, so Xbox Live sign in and authorization services stop. Some applications may not operate correctly. Restart the PC | Risky | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the Xbox Live Game Save service The Xbox Live Game Save service (XblGameSave) is set not to start. Game save data will not upload to or download from Xbox Live. Restart the PC | Risky | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server |
| Stop the text messaging service The MessagingService template is set not to start. It is the per-user service for text messaging and related functionality, so those stop working. Restart the PC | Unverified | Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows-server/it-pro/windows-server-2019/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-vdi-recommendations-2004 |
System 14 settings
| Setting | Verdict | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask before deleting files in File Explorer File Explorer shows a confirmation box whenever a file is deleted or moved to the Recycle Bin. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Hide cloud-based recent files in File Explorer File Explorer stops requesting cloud file metadata. Recent, Recommended and Favorites files based on your account activity no longer appear on the homepage or other views. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-fileexplorer |
| Hide recent files list in Open dialogs Open dialog boxes in programs that use the standard dialog no longer show the drop-down list of recently used files. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Hide text snippets in File Explorer Content view File Explorer no longer shows text snippets in Content view mode. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Hide the Task View button on the taskbar The Task View button is hidden from the taskbar. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start |
| Keep all notification area icons showing The notification area stays expanded and shows all of the icons that use it, instead of hiding the ones you do not use. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-startmenu |
| Stop File Explorer caching thumbnail pictures File Explorer no longer caches thumbnail pictures on this PC. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Stop File Explorer search suggestions and history File Explorer no longer shows suggestion pop-ups as you type in its search box. It also stops showing recent search entries. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-windowsexplorer |
| Stop Windows Update adding drivers to monthly updates Windows Update no longer includes drivers in the quality (monthly) updates. Drivers can still come from other sources. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update |
| Stop account notices in the Start user tile Windows no longer sends account notifications to the user tile in Start. These include prompts to re-authenticate, back up or manage cloud storage. No restart | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-notifications |
| Stop feature advertisement balloons Balloon notifications that Windows marks as feature advertisements are no longer shown. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-taskbar |
| Stop mirroring notifications to other devices Notifications from apps and the system on this PC are no longer mirrored to your other devices. No restart | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-notifications |
| Stop new tray icons jumping onto the taskbar Newly added notification icons are no longer temporarily moved onto the taskbar. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-taskbar |
| Stop notification balloons from popping up No notification balloons are shown to you. Notifications still reach the notification center. Restart the PC | Proven | Pro, Enterprise, Education | learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-admx-taskbar |
Setting names and descriptions are our own words. Facts come from Microsoft's own documentation, linked on each row.