Last updated November 17, 2020 (for Win10-Initial-Setup-Script Disassembler0 v3.10, 2020-07-15 & Windows 2004 / 20H1 / May 2020 / 19041)
The Win10-Initial-Setup-Script is a powerful (and potentially dangerous) script that can easily help customize your Windows 10 experience. You know those little things you change every single time you reinstall windows? Well, this script can be set up so it will automatically turn on and off about 200 settings, so you don’t have to. Let’s get started:
First, go here: and download the latest version.
They are just a few tiny files. Unzip it, and you will see these files:
Default.cmd
Default.preset
LICENSE
README.md
Win10.ps1
Win10.psm1
Because the included documentation is totally absent, we’re going to go through each line, discuss what it does, and then you can see if you want to enable or disable it. (Do not just accept our recommendations without careful thought and consideration) – You’ve been warned.
WARNING! This is ONLY for the most advanced users. We tried to give you as much information as possible, but you should NOT listen to us and google each one to verify what it is and if you want it or not! We will not provide any support whatsoever. This is the only line-by-line guided tour on the whole internet of the Win10-Initial-Setup-Script. (You’ve been warned twice now)
We figure something is better than nothing. And the script is a lot less dangerous now that each line has been explained.
Q. Can’t I just copy the suggested preferences or the script author’s preferences and run them?
A. NO! 100% probability it will change something you like, and you aren’t going to be able to easily figure what changed, and you will be sad and cry. Go through the whole document! You’ve been warned thrice now.
However, you can always just change it back by reversing that line in the script)
So, the file we are going to be playing with is “Default.preset” Open it with your favorite text editor on one side of your screen, and this page on the other.
In the file, a hash (#) before a command DISables that line/command. It can be confusing because this means there are double negatives. And if you disable (#) a Disable command, that doesn’t necessarily mean enable either. (the verdict matches the command line, leave it alone means don’t change anything)
Default.preset:
RequireAdmin
Privacy Tweaks ###
DisableTelemetry # EnableTelemetry
This is all kinds of data collection from Microsoft.
Verdict: Yes, disable it. (as shown above, this lack of a # before the line, enabled the disables telemetry command)
DisableWiFiSense # EnableWiFiSense
Pitch: “Wi-Fi Sense is a feature in Windows 10 that saves you from the hassle of manually connecting your device to an open Wi-Fi hotspot and to those managed by your Facebook, Skype, and Outlook contacts. Wi-Fi Sense does this by sharing the secret passkeys that your contacts use to connect to the wireless networks, or by sharing your passkeys with your contacts to allow them to connect to your wireless network.”
Verdict: Nobody uses this but a few of MS employees. Disable it.
DisableSmartScreen # EnableSmartScreen
The SmartScreen filter built into Windows automatically scans applications, files, downloads, and websites, blocking known-dangerous content and warning you before you run unknown applications. Disable if you think you are smarter.
DisableWebSearch # EnableWebSearch
When you are searching your own computer, this disabled web results from popping up. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Disable.
DisableAppSuggestions # EnableAppSuggestions
When you are searching your own computer, this disabled Windows Store Downloadable apps results from popping up. Microsoft, We know what we’re looking for. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Disable.
DisableActivityHistory # EnableActivityHistory
On Windows 10, Timeline is an experience that debuts with the April 2018 Update, and it introduces a new way to resume activities you were working in the past, but it’s not a standalone feature. Instead, it’s an extension of Task View that allows you to see and resume a web page you were reading (using Microsoft Edge), finish working in a Word document, or pick up an app where you left off in addition to switching between running apps and work with virtual desktops.
Timeline works by tracking the stuff you do on your computer and then organizing them into a list within Task View. Using this feature, you can resume activities originated on the same or from another computer, or pick up documents you started on your Android or iOS device as long as they’re connected with the same Microsoft account.
Verdict: Disable
DisableBackgroundApps # EnableBackgroundApps
On Windows 10, apps you install using the Store have been designed to run in the background to take advantage of the OS features, including the ability to download data, show toast notifications, and fetch information to display up-to-date updates in their Live tiles in the Start menu.
Verdict: Disable.
DisableSensors # EnableSensors
From what we can gather, these are like the sensors in your cell phone that tell the screen to auto-rotate. Useless for a PC. Your choice for a laptop or tablet.
Verdict: Disable.
DisableLocationTracking # EnableLocationTracking
If you don’t like the idea of your Windows 10 PC knowing your location all the time, you can quickly adjust your settings to turn it off.
Verdict: Disable
DisableMapUpdates # EnableMapUpdates
Windows Maps updates. Windows has maps?
Verdict: Disable
DisableFeedback # EnableFeedback
Windows 10 feedback app. If you use it, keep it. Otherwise, disable.
Verdict: Disable
DisableTailoredExperiences # EnableTailoredExperiences
Microsoft uses data to personalized recommendations, tips, and offers to tailor Windows for the user’s needs and make it work better for them.
Verdict: Disable
DisableAdvertisingID # EnableAdvertisingID
Targeted “Smart” ads, no brainer:
Verdict: Disable
DisableWebLangList # EnableWebLangList
We don’t know. Enable a Web Language List? We don’t think we need that.
Verdict: Disable
DisableCortana # EnableCortana
The annoying talking bar thing. If you like it keep it.
Verdict: Disable
DisableBiometrics # EnableBiometrics
Finger Print Sensors (and the like) on laptops. Love them there. We don’t have it on our PC’s though.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableCamera # EnableCamera
What it sounds like. (If you DisableCamera and DisableMicrophone it will break document cameras like IPEVO and will not load!)
Verdict: Keep
# DisableMicrophone # EnableMicrophone
What it sounds like. (If you DisableCamera and DisableMicrophone it will break document cameras like IPEVO and will not load!)
Verdict: Keep
DisableErrorReporting # EnableErrorReporting
Sending error reports back to the mothership.
Verdict: Disable
SetP2PUpdateLocal # SetP2PUpdateInternet # SetP2PUpdateDisable
“Windows 10 computers and devices can connect to each other and get updates not only from Microsoft’s dedicated servers but also from other Windows 10 devices that have already downloaded parts of the updates.” This would save bandwidth if you have multiple computers in the same network.
Verdict: Enable.
DisableDiagTrack # EnableDiagTrack
“The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, originally called Diagnostics Tracking or DiagTracK is a service in Windows that runs automatically and sends data to Microsoft. This service manages transmission and of diagnostic and usage information to “improve the experience and quality of the Windows platform.” As far as we can tell, this service can safely be disabled to disable the telemetry and even speed up Windows.”
Verdict: Disable
DisableWAPPush # EnableWAPPush
“WAP Push Message Routing Service. WAP Push messages are specially formatted SMS messages that display an alert message to the user, and give the user the option of connecting directly to a particular URL via the mobile phone’s WAP browser.”
Verdict: Disable
# EnableClearRecentFiles # DisableClearRecentFiles
Clears the list of recent files opened in the Start Menu. Find the list handy? Keep it.
Verdict: Leave alone.
# DisableRecentFiles # EnableRecentFiles
Disables the list maintained of the list of recent files opened in the Start Menu. Personally, find it handy? Keep it.
Verdict: Leave alone.
### UWP Privacy Tweaks ###
DisableUWPBackgroundApps # EnableUWPBackgroundApps
# DisableUWPVoiceActivation # EnableUWPVoiceActivation
# DisableUWPNotifications # EnableUWPNotifications
# DisableUWPAccountInfo # EnableUWPAccountInfo
# DisableUWPContacts # EnableUWPContacts
# DisableUWPCalendar # EnableUWPCalendar
# DisableUWPPhoneCalls # EnableUWPPhoneCalls
# DisableUWPCallHistory # EnableUWPCallHistory
# DisableUWPEmail # EnableUWPEmail
# DisableUWPTasks # EnableUWPTasks
# DisableUWPMessaging # EnableUWPMessaging
# DisableUWPRadios # EnableUWPRadios
# DisableUWPOtherDevices # EnableUWPOtherDevices
# DisableUWPDiagInfo # EnableUWPDiagInfo
# DisableUWPFileSystem # EnableUWPFileSystem
DisableUWPSwapFile # EnableUWPSwapFile
Security Tweaks ###
SetUACLow # SetUACHigh
You know that annoying “allow” for every stupid thing? This is the first thing we turned off in any windows install. Now the script can do it. Thanks.
Verdict: setUASlow (yes)
EnableSharingMappedDrives # DisableSharingMappedDrives
Share your desktop’s hard drives over the network to your other Windows PCs.
Verdict: Enable if you have other computers on the network that you want to share files with via mapped drives.
DisableAdminShares # EnableAdminShares
“By default, Windows creates some hidden shared folders. These folders are identified by a dollar sign ($) at the end of the share name and so they are hidden. Hidden shares are those that not listed when you look at the network shares on a computer in File Explorer’s Network node, or using the net view command. Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and even Vista and XP create hidden administrative shares that administrators, programs, and services can use to manage the computer environment on the network.”
Verdict: Disable
# DisableFirewall # EnableFirewall
Leave the firewall enabled unless you have another one.
# HideDefenderTrayIcon # ShowDefenderTrayIcon
Do you want the icon to show?
Verdict: Let the icon be shown.
# DisableDefender # EnableDefender
Windows Security.
Verdict: Leave it alone
# DisableDefenderCloud # EnableDefenderCloud
Uses the cloud to detect threats.
Verdict: Leave it alone
# EnableCtrldFolderAccess # DisableCtrldFolderAccess
“Controlled folder access” is an intrusion-prevention feature that’s part of the Windows Defender Exploit Guard. “Controlled folder access is designed primarily to prevent ransomware from encrypting and taking your data hostage, but it also protects files from unwanted changes from other malicious programs.” You have to Opt IN to get this feature. Enabling it adds another layer of protection. You may think you want that layer, but in reality, you will no longer be able to save files onto your computer via word, notepad, etc. It’s a pain to whitelist everything. Do not turn this on!
Verdict: Leave it alone.
EnableCIMemoryIntegrity # DisableCIMemoryIntegrity
“Memory integrity is a feature, part of core isolation, which helps prevent attempts to inject and run malware in high-security processes by making kernel memory pages executable only when they pass integrity check.” Sounds good to me.
Verdict: Enable
# EnableDefenderAppGuard # DisableDefenderAppGuard
“Windows 10’s “Windows Defender Application Guard” feature runs the Microsoft Edge browser in an isolated, virtualized container. Even if a malicious website exploited a flaw in Edge, it couldn’t compromise your PC. Application Guard is disabled by default.”
If you use IE, enable it.
Verdict: Disable
# HideAccountProtectionWarn # ShowAccountProtectionWarn
“If you choose to hide the Account protection area, it will no longer appear on the home page of the Windows Defender Security Center app, and its icon will not be shown on the navigation bar on the side of the app.”
Verdict: We’re going to keep it.
# DisableDownloadBlocking # EnableDownloadBlocking
“The metadata which is added to the downloaded file is called “zone information”. It is an invisible file stored as an alternate data stream in the same downloaded file to indicate that the file came from a network. Every time File Explorer opens the file, it reads the attached zone info and checks if it came from “outside”. In that case, Windows Smart screen warning appears:
Verdict: Leave it alone.
DisableScriptHost # EnableScriptHost
“Numerous spam campaigns are pushing various crypto-ransomware families (and backdoors) via .zip file attachments. And such .zip files typically contain a JScript (.js/.jse) file that, if clicked, will be run via Windows Script Host.”
verdict: Disable it (enable the Disabled Script Hosts)
EnableDotNetStrongCrypto # DisableDotNetStrongCrypto
This enabling strong cryptography for all .Net applications. Do it!
Verdict: Enable it.
# EnableMeltdownCompatFlag # DisableMeltdownCompatFlag
Verdict: Leave it alone.
EnableF8BootMenu # DisableF8BootMenu
Do you miss that F8 advanced startup menu in windows? So do I!
Verdict: Enable it!
# DisableBootRecovery # EnableBootRecovery
If your computer crashes or fails to boot twice, it will run Automatic Repair. This actually fixes things sometimes. Therefore we recommend you leave it alone.
Verdict: Leave it alone
# DisableRecoveryAndReset # EnableRecoveryAndReset
System restore can be helpful sometimes. Leave it alone.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
SetDEPOptOut # SetDEPOptIn
Data Execution Prevention (DEP) prevents code from running in memory that is not authorized.
Verdict: Opt-out.
Network Tweaks ###
SetCurrentNetworkPrivate # SetCurrentNetworkPublic
As expected, this sets your network as private. Have a laptop? Set it to public. Have a desktop, set it to private.
Verdict: enable
SetUnknownNetworksPrivate # SetUnknownNetworksPublic
If you are laptopping around and sign into unknown networks, you want the firewall to have a certain set of rules. I’d set it as private for sure.
Verdict: Enable
# DisableNetDevicesAutoInst # EnableNetDevicesAutoInst
Disables the automatic installation of network devices.
Verdict: Leave it.
# DisableHomeGroups
We have always found homegroups annoying. but we will leave them enabled:
Verdict: leave it alone.
# DisableSMB1 # EnableSMB1
“Server Message Block (SMB) is a networking file share protocol included in Windows 10 that provides the ability to read and write files and perform other service requests to network devices. you’ll be using SMB to connect to devices that don’t run Windows, such as a router with file-sharing capabilities, Network-Attached Storage (NAS), or other computers running Linux.”
Verdict: Leave it if you want to share files on the network.
# DisableSMBServer # EnableSMBServer
Server Message Block (SMB)
Verdict: leave it
# DisableNetBIOS # EnableNetBIOS
” NetBIOS Frames (NBF) that allows applications and computers on a local area network (LAN) to communicate with network hardware and to transmit data across the network”
Verdict: Leave it alone
# DisableLLMNR # EnableLLMNR
The Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution is a protocol based on the Domain Name System packet format that allows both IPv4 and IPv6 hosts to perform name resolution for hosts on the same local link. It is included in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Verdict: Leave it alone
# DisableLLDP # EnableLLDP
Verdict: leave it
# DisableLLTD # EnableLLTD
Verdict: leave it
# DisableMSNetClient # EnableMSNetClient
Verdict: leave it
# DisableQoS # EnableQoS
Verdict: leave it
# DisableIPv4 # EnableIPv4
Verdict: leave it
# DisableIPv6 # EnableIPv6
Verdict: leave it
# DisableNCSIProbe # EnableNCSIProbe
Disabling this has the potential side effect of causing an inaccurate network status
Verdict: leave it
# DisableConnectionSharing # EnableConnectionSharing
“Its purpose is to cause the RD Client to not use an existing connection that it [the RD Client running on the PC] already has open.”
Verdict: leave it
DisableRemoteAssistance # EnableRemoteAssistance
“Remote Assistance lets you—or someone who you trust—gain access to your computer remotely.”
Verdict: leave it
DisableRemoteDesktop # EnableRemoteDesktop
Hackers often abuse Remote Desktop Protocol to attack and hijack PCs.
Verdict: Disable it.
Service Tweaks ###
# DisableUpdateMSRT # EnableUpdateMSRT
This disables Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# DisableUpdateDriver # EnableUpdateDriver
This prevents Windows update from updating drivers. Personal choice.
Verdict: We’re leaving it alone.
EnableUpdateMSProducts # DisableUpdateMSProducts
This prevents Windows update from updating windows products. Personal choice.
Verdict: We’re leaving it alone.
# DisableUpdateAutoDownload # EnableUpdateAutoDownload
I’m assuming this will auto-download updates.
Verdict: We’re leaving it alone.
DisableUpdateRestart # EnableUpdateRestart
This disables automatic restart after an update.
Verdict: Disable
DisableMaintenanceWakeUp # EnableMaintenanceWakeUp
This prevents the computer from waking up a computer out of active hours.
Verdict: Disable
DisableAutoRestartSignOn # EnableAutoRestartSignOn
After you install some windows updates and reset, this will automatically sign you in.
Verdict: User Preference.
DisableSharedExperiences # EnableSharedExperiences
“This feature allows you to share web links, messages, app data, etc., with other Windows 10 PCs or linked Android phones.”
Verdict: Disable
EnableClipboardHistory # DisableClipboardHistory
Press “Windowskey + V” right now. Did you know it can have a Clipboard history? We love it. We’re enabling it.
Verdict: Enable.
# DisableAutoplay # EnableAutoplay
When you put in a memory card or external drive, you can make it autoplay or open up or something. We like this feature and use it a lot. Saves a few clicks, so we are keeping it enabled.
Verdict: Enable.
DisableAutorun # EnableAutorun
This will automatically start playing like a DVD if you put it in. We hate this.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableRestorePoints # EnableRestorePoints
These restore points can actually help going back to a time when your computer wasn’t messed up by doing something weird like running this script. Or installing malware. Keep it.
Verdict: leave it.
# EnableStorageSense DisableStorageSense
“Storage Sense can automatically delete unnecessary files to maintain a healthy level of free disk space.” We never have that problem. I’m disabling it.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableDefragmentation # EnableDefragmentation
Autodefrag? Sure. We will leave it alone.
Verdict: leave it on auto.
# DisableSuperfetch # EnableSuperfetch
“Superfetch caches data so that it can be immediately available to your application.” It does so by pre-loading programs you frequently use into RAM so that they don’t have to be called from the hard drive every time you run them. We like that.
Verdict: leave it.
# DisableIndexing # EnableIndexing
I manually disable indexing on my SSD as we never need to search for anything on it. We leave it on the media HDD. We don’t know how to do this via command line, so we’re leaving it.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
# DisableSwapFile # EnableSwapFile
You better leave yours alone.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
# DisableRecycleBin # EnableRecycleBin
Why would you want to disable the recycle bin?
Verdict: Leave it alone
EnableNTFSLongPaths # DisableNTFSLongPaths
This will remove the limit of 260 symbols for NTFS file name length. We have some long file names.
Verdict: Disable.
DisableNTFSLastAccess # EnableNTFSLastAccess
Windows updates EACH AND EVERY SINGLE file with the “last access update time” when they were last opened by any application. This is taking up valuable resources! WORTHLESS to us.
Verdict: Disable.
# SetBIOSTimeUTC # SetBIOSTimeLocal
Change time to local or Zulu time? leave it!
Verdict: leave it alone.
# EnableHibernation DisableHibernation
I never ever use this feature.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableSleepButton # EnableSleepButton
Sleep is fine. I’ll keep it.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# DisableSleepTimeout # EnableSleepTimeout
I actually use this a lot. I’m keeping it. If you want to shut down your computer is 30 minutes, you can make a .bat file, “shutdown /s /t 1800” (1800 seconds = 30 min) and your computer will shut down in 30 min. Nice.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# DisableFastStartup # EnableFastStartup
“With fast startup enabled, choosing to shut down your PC might look like you’re completely shutting things down, but in reality, your PC is entering a mix between a shutdown and hibernation. A hibernation file is indeed used, although it is smaller than usual. Why? You’re logged off before the file is created, meaning your session is not recorded. The speed boost comes from the Windows kernel being saved on your hard drive and loaded when booting.”
It’s harmless and can speed things up for your HDD only users.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# DisableAutoRebootOnCrash # EnableAutoRebootOnCrash
This will just restart your computer in a crash. If you disable this, the computer will remain at the BSOD. Since you can go right into the event viewer and get the info, I would just leave it alone.
Verdict: leave it.
UI Tweaks ###
DisableActionCenter # EnableActionCenter
This is that annoying side pop-up on the right-hand side of the screen displaying useless info from apps.
Verdict: Disable
DisableLockScreen # EnableLockScreen
This is that annoying lock screen that slows down windows from starting up.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableLockScreenRS1 # EnableLockScreenRS1
I think this is the lock screen that shows up if you press “WindowsKey + L” after you have logged into windows. We better leave it.
Verdict: leave it.
# HideShutdownFromLockScreen # ShowShutdownOnLockScreen
Hides the shutdown icons from lock screens. Good if you don’t want people to be able to shut down the computer from the lock screen.
Verdict: Disable
DisableAeroShake # EnableAeroShake
I hate this, ever move around a window and move it a bit and it minimizes EVERYTHING? Disable that.
Verdict: Disable
DisableAccessibilityKeys # EnableAccessibilityKeys
Every kit your CRTL key a dozen times and have these pop up? Hate that. Disable.
Verdict: Disable
ShowTaskManagerDetails # HideTaskManagerDetails
I love the details in the task manager. Enable that by default!
Verdict: Enable
ShowFileOperationsDetails # HideFileOperationsDetails
When you copy a file you can click on “More details” and it goes form this:
To this:
We know you do, and so do we. Now it’s the default!
Verdict: Enable
# EnableFileDeleteConfirm # DisableFileDeleteConfirm
Are you SURE your fat fingers meant to delete this file? Yeah, we better leave that.
Verdict: leave it.
HideTaskbarSearch # ShowTaskbarSearchIcon # ShowTaskbarSearchBox
This hides or shows the Search Bar in the Task bar. Personal preference. Since you can go into the Start and just start typing, we like to hide it.
Verdict: Hide it.
HideTaskView # ShowTaskView
That would be this button in the taskbar: If you like it, keep it.
Verdict: hide it.
#ShowSmallTaskbarIcons # ShowLargeTaskbarIcons
Big or small icons in the taskbar. Personal Preference.
Verdict: If you like how windows comes installed, leave it.
#SetTaskbarCombineWhenFull SetTaskbarCombineNever # SetTaskbarCombineAlways
Should the taskbar combine icons when full? Personal preference. we never want them to combine.
Verdict: set to personal preference.
HideTaskbarPeopleIcon # ShowTaskbarPeopleIcon
Useless people icon in the taskbar.
Verdict: Disable
#ShowTrayIcons HideTrayIcons
I like most of my tray icons hidden.
Verdict: hide…
# ShowSecondsInTaskbar # HideSecondsFromTaskbar
Shows the seconds in the clock. Really? Do you need to know what time it is to the seconds? No, you don’t. By default it’s hidden. So you can just leave it.
Verdict: Leave it.
DisableSearchAppInStore # EnableSearchAppInStore
This disables when you search for an app or something, it will remove the ‘Look for an app in the Store’ feature.
Verdict: Disable
DisableNewAppPrompt # EnableNewAppPrompt
Windows will nag you if you have a “new app that can open this type of file” – then show which new default app can play that file type. Annoying. Disable.
Verdict: Disable
# HideRecentlyAddedApps # ShowRecentlyAddedApps
Personal preference. We like seeing newly added apps up top. (default)
Verdict: Leave it if you like to see new apps up top the start menu.
SetControlPanelSmallIcons # SetControlPanelLargeIcons # SetControlPanelCategories
Control panel small icons, yes, please! One less thing to change at the start of windows.
Verdict: set small icons.
DisableShortcutInName # EnableShortcutInName
When you make a shortcut, it will be default say “XXXXXX – shortcut” which gets long and is annoying. Disable this.
Verdict: Disable
HideShortcutArrow # ShowShortcutArrow
When you make a shortcut, it will show a little shortcut icon on the icon corner. Disable this.
Verdict: Disable
SetVisualFXPerformance # SetVisualFXAppearance
These are the little animations when you open explorer and move stuff around. We like them. Personal preference.
Verdict: set for performance or appearance.
# EnableTitleBarColor # DisableTitleBarColor
I’m not sure.
Verdict: Leave alone
# EnableDarkTheme # DisableDarkTheme
Google Dark Theme. It’s disabled by default. You want it, enable it.
Verdict: Leave alone
# AddENKeyboard # RemoveENKeyboard
Do you really need to add another keyboard? No. Leave it.
Verdict: leave it.
EnableNumlock # DisableNumlock
Enable or disable number lock.
Verdict: Enable.
# DisableEnhPointerPrecision # EnableEnhPointerPrecision
This is enabled by default.
Personal preference.
Verdict: Leaving it alone.
SetSoundSchemeNone # SetSoundSchemeDefault
Always one of the first things to do, get rid of the theme sounds. Personal Preference.
Verdict: set sounds = none.
DisableStartupSound # EnableStartupSound
The startup sound is disabled by default. Personal preference.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableChangingSoundScheme # EnableChangingSoundScheme
This lets you disable people from changing the sound scheme.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# EnableVerboseStatus # DisableVerboseStatus
This gives one highly detailed status messages when starting up and shutting down. Could be useful for troubleshooting.
Verdict: leave it alone.
DisableF1HelpKey # EnableF1HelpKey
Don’t you hate it when you miss the ESC button and hit F1 instead and it pops up some help message? We do!
Verdict: Disable.
Explorer UI Tweaks ###
ShowExplorerTitleFullPath # HideExplorerTitleFullPath
Absolute must. Enabled full path in the title bar.
Verdict: Enable
ShowKnownExtensions # HideKnownExtensions
Absolute must. Displays extensions for associated files.
Verdict: Enable
# ShowHiddenFiles # HideHiddenFiles
Personal preference.
Verdict: Show or hide. Hidden is the default.
# ShowSuperHiddenFiles # HideSuperHiddenFiles
Personal preference.
Verdict: Show or hide. Hidden is the default.
# ShowEmptyDrives # HideEmptyDrives
Personal preference.
Verdict: Show or hide. Hidden is the default.
ShowFolderMergeConflicts # HideFolderMergeConflicts
If you copy a file/folder to a destination that already has that file/folder. Do you want it to notify you that you are going to replace that file? YES you should!
Verdict: Show!
# EnableNavPaneExpand # DisableNavPaneExpand
When you click on a Quick Access “shortcut” this will jump all the way down to the source folder. Very annoying. You will have to do a LOT of scrolling up. Do not enable it.
Verdict: Leave Alone
# EnableFldrSeparateProcess DisableFldrSeparateProcess
This launches a new explorer window when you go into a new folder. One folder is good enough for me.
Verdict: Disable
# EnableRestoreFldrWindows DisableRestoreFldrWindows
This re-opens folders at login. Personal preference:
Verdict: Disable
# ShowEncCompFilesColor HideEncCompFilesColor
This shows encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
Verdict: hide
# DisableSharingWizard EnableSharingWizard
This runs you through a wizard when sharing a folder.
Verdict: Enable.
HideSelectCheckboxes # ShowSelectCheckboxes
Use checkboxes to select things.
We dislike this.
Verdict: Disable
HideSyncNotifications # ShowSyncNotifications
Hiding this will disable Microsoft’s Ads for OneDrive and Office365
Verdict: Hide
# HideRecentShortcuts ShowRecentShortcuts
This will show or hid recently and frequently used files/programs. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Enabled by default.
SetExplorerThisPC #SetExplorerQuickAccess
This will open Windows Explorer at “This PC” Instead of Quick Access. Press “WindowsKey + E” by default this goes to “Quick Access” which is all the folders you have pinned or frequently used. You can change this to go to “This PC” instead. Personal Preference. Choosing “This PC” seems to make more sense because the sidebar already has Quick Access.
Verdict: Set for This PC
#HideQuickAccess ShowQuickAccess
This hides the Quick Access bar on the LEFT of each Explorer window. Personal Preference. We like it. It’s shown by default.
Verdict: Show
# HideRecycleBinFromDesktop ShowRecycleBinOnDesktop
Hide recycle bin from the desktop. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
ShowThisPCOnDesktop # HideThisPCFromDesktop
Hide This PC icon on the desktop. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
ShowUserFolderOnDesktop # HideUserFolderFromDesktop
Hide User folder on the desktop. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
ShowControlPanelOnDesktop # HideControlPanelFromDesktop
Hide Control Panel on desktop. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
ShowNetworkOnDesktop # HideNetworkFromDesktop
Hide Network Shortcut on desktop. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# ShowBuildNumberOnDesktop HideBuildNumberFromDesktop
Shows the build Window # on desktop. Hidden by default:
Verdict: Hide
These next ones are all showing or hiding folders in the “This PC” icon in the Quick Access/Explorer Views
# HideDesktopFromThisPC ShowDesktopInThisPC
Desktop Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideDesktopFromExplorer ShowDesktopInExplorer
Desktop Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideDocumentsFromThisPC ShowDocumentsInThisPC
Documents Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideDocumentsFromExplorer ShowDocumentsInExplorer
Documents Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideDownloadsFromThisPC ShowDownloadsInThisPC
Downloads Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideDownloadsFromExplorer ShowDownloadsInExplorer
Downloads Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideMusicFromThisPC ShowMusicInThisPC
Music Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideMusicFromExplorer ShowMusicInExplorer
Music Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HidePicturesFromThisPC ShowPicturesInThisPC
Pictures Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HidePicturesFromExplorer # ShowPicturesInExplorer
Pictures Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideVideosFromThisPC ShowVideosInThisPC
Videos Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
# HideVideosFromExplorer ShowVideosInExplorer
Videos Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Show
Hide3DObjectsFromThisPC # Show3DObjectsInThisPC
3d Objects Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Hide
Hide3DObjectsFromExplorer # Show3DObjectsInExplorer
3d Objects Folder. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Hide
HideIncludeInLibraryMenu # ShowIncludeInLibraryMenu
The “Include in Library” function always seemed silly to us. Hide it.
Verdict: Hide
HideGiveAccessToMenu # ShowGiveAccessToMenu
The “Give Access To” function – hide or show.
Verdict: Hide
HideShareMenu # ShowShareMenu
Removed “Share” from menu
Verdict: Hide
DisableThumbnails # EnableThumbnails
Disable or Enable Thumbnails. Personal Preference.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableThumbnailCache # EnableThumbnailCache
Disable or Enable Thumbnails cache. What was your answer above? Personal Preference.
Verdict: Disable
DisableThumbsDBOnNetwork # EnableThumbsDBOnNetwork
Disable or Enable Thumbnails database over the network. What was your answer above? Personal Preference.
Verdict: Disable
Application Tweaks ###
# DisableOneDrive EnableOneDrive
Do you use OneDrive? Then leave it enabled (default)
Verdict: Enabled.
# UninstallOneDrive # InstallOneDrive
Uninstall Onedrive. See the previous answer.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
UninstallMsftBloat # InstallMsftBloat
This will remove all that Bloatware MS has pre-installed for you. (The includes XBOX, Solitare)
Verdict: Uninstall
UninstallThirdPartyBloat # InstallThirdPartyBloat
This will remove all that EXTRA 3rd party Bloatware MS has pre-installed for you.
Verdict: Uninstall
# UninstallWindowsStore # InstallWindowsStore
DO NOT UNINSTALL THE WINDOWS STORE. Many apps are moving there so keep it installed.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
DisableXboxFeatures # EnableXboxFeatures
No Xbox? Then disable it.
Verdict: Disable
# DisableFullscreenOptims # EnableFullscreenOptims
This is an attempt to optimize full-screen games.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
DisableAdobeFlash # EnableAdobeFlash
Flash is a terribly out of date unsafe software. Disable ASAP.
Verdict: Disable
DisableEdgePreload # EnableEdgePreload
This disables Microsoft Edge Browser starting up and preloading tabs.
Verdict: Disable
DisableEdgeShortcutCreation # EnableEdgeShortcutCreation
This disables Microsoft Edge Browser shortcut creation.
Verdict: Disable
DisableIEFirstRun # EnableIEFirstRun
This disables Microsoft Internet Explorer’s first run wizard.
Verdict: Disable
DisableFirstLogonAnimation # EnableFirstLogonAnimation
This disables “Hi” animation when you first login.
Verdict: Disable
DisableMediaSharing # EnableMediaSharing
This disables Windows Media Players sharing service. Note: Some older TV’s and bluray players use this to play media from your computer onto your older gen start TV.
Verdict: Disable
EnableDeveloperMode # DisableDeveloperMode
Verdict: User preference.
UninstallMediaPlayer # InstallMediaPlayer
Use it? Didn’t think so uninstall it.
Verdict: Uninstall.
# UninstallInternetExplorer InstallInternetExplorer
Even though power-users never use it, it’s nice to have multiple browsers for troubleshooting.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# UninstallWorkFolders # InstallWorkFolders
“Work Folders is a feature in Windows 10 that enables you to access your work files from your personal computer or device. With Work Folders, you can keep copies of your work files on your personal devices and have them automatically synchronized to your company’s datacenter.”
This appears to be a sort of WAN network option so you can access your work files. At home. They are disabled by default, so you don’t have to do anything.
Verdict: Disable
# UninstallHelloFace # InstallHelloFace
This disables Face Unlock with a webcam.
Verdict: User preference
#UninstallMathRecognizer # InstallMathRecognizer
“This allows you to enter handwritten standardized mathematical notation”
Verdict: User preference.
# UninstallPowerShellV2 # InstallPowerShellV2
Leave powershell alone! You need it, you power user you.
Verdict: leave it.
# UninstallPowerShellISE # InstallPowerShellISE
“The Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) is a host application for Windows PowerShell. In the ISE, you can run commands and write, test, and debug scripts in a single Windows-based graphic user interface.”
Verdict: User Preference
# InstallLinuxSubsystem # UninstallLinuxSubsystem
Windows Subsystem for Linux. If you are installing a Linus distro, enable this first.
Verdict: leaving it alone.
# InstallHyperV # UninstallHyperV
Installing the Hyper V Server.
Verdict: Leave it alone.
# UninstallSSHClient # InstallSSHClient
OpenSSH Client and OpenSSH Server are separately installable components
Verdict: Leave it.
# InstallSSHServer # UninstallSSHServer
OpenSSH Client and OpenSSH Server are separately installable components
Verdict: Leave it.
# InstallNET23 # UninstallNET23
Installing the Net23
Verdict: Leave it alone.
# SetPhotoViewerAssociation # UnsetPhotoViewerAssociation
We have no idea what this does.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# AddPhotoViewerOpenWith # RemovePhotoViewerOpenWith
We have no idea what this does.
Verdict: leave it alone.
# UninstallPDFPrinter # InstallPDFPrinter
We like having an additional PDF printer. Leave it alone.
Verdict: leave it alone.
UninstallXPSPrinter # InstallXPSPrinter
The most useless printer ever.
Verdict: Uninstall it.
RemoveFaxPrinter # AddFaxPrinter
Correction, this is the most useless printer ever.
Verdict: Uninstall it.
# UninstallFaxAndScan # InstallFaxAndScan
This is a useful tool to have sometime when troubleshooting scanners. Keep it if you ever scan anything.
Verdict: Disable
Server Specific Tweaks ###
(Skip these if you don’t have a server)
# HideServerManagerOnLogin # ShowServerManagerOnLogin
# DisableShutdownTracker # EnableShutdownTracker
# DisablePasswordPolicy # EnablePasswordPolicy
# DisableCtrlAltDelLogin # EnableCtrlAltDelLogin
# DisableIEEnhancedSecurity # EnableIEEnhancedSecurity
# EnableAudio # DisableAudio
Unpinning ###
# UnpinStartMenuTiles
# UnpinTaskbarIcons
Leave them both.
SAVE IT!
Now that you have edited your Default.preset, it’s time to run the script. Here is a copy of the “recommended” Default.present (that you should NOT use without going through every line and editing it first to suit your needs)
Right-click on Default.cmd, and say “Run As Administrator”
It’s going to start:
And end in a few seconds:
As soon as you press any key to continue, your computer will reboot, so be prepared for that.