Windows 11 Debloating and Privacy Guide

This note summarizes how to debloat and enhance privacy in Windows 11 (and to some extent, Windows 10) using a tool called CrapFixer. It addresses common complaints about pre-installed software, telemetry, and advertising in Windows 11.

Summary:

Microsoft's shift towards an advertising-based revenue model with Windows has led to increased bloatware and telemetry, raising privacy concerns. CrapFixer offers a user-friendly way to disable unwanted features, remove bloatware, and enhance privacy. The tool allows for easy restoration if any issues arise.

Highlights:

CrapFixer: A free tool that simplifies debloating and privacy tweaks.
Debloating: Removes unwanted Microsoft apps, disables unnecessary features and services.
Privacy Enhancements: Disables telemetry, location tracking, personalized ads, and other privacy-invasive features.
UI Customization: Offers options for changing context menus, disabling animations, and other UI tweaks.
Restorability: Allows easy reversal of changes if problems occur.
Active Development: CrapFixer is continuously updated with new features and improvements.

Detailed Information:

1. Introduction:

Windows 11's bloatware and telemetry are major user complaints. Microsoft's transition to an advertising-based model prioritizes data collection and targeted ads. This guide uses CrapFixer to address these concerns.

2. CrapFixer Overview:

CrapFixer is a free, actively developed tool with a wizard-like interface. It categorizes tweaks into sections like "Issues," "System," "MS Edge," "UI," "Gaming," "Privacy," "Ads," and "AI." Each tweak has a help function (F1) explaining its purpose.

3. CrapFixer Sections and Tweaks:

Issues: Includes disk cleanup and app widget updates.
System: Options for BSOD details, verbose boot messages, faster shutdown, network throttling, system responsiveness, menu delay, and adding "End Task" to the taskbar context menu.
MS Edge: Disables browser sign-in, sponsored links, Edge as default browser, collections feature (unclear if it disables or enables), shopping assistant, first-run experience, gamer mode, co-pilot symbol, data import from other browsers (also unclear), start boost, quick links, and user feedback submission.
UI: Options for full context menus, personalized lock screen, search bar, most used apps in start menu, task view button, search suggestions, start menu app pinning, start button alignment, transparency effects, dark mode, and snap assist flyout.
Gaming: Disables game DVR, power throttling, and visual effects.
Privacy: Disables activity history, location tracking, privacy settings experience at sign-in, and telemetry.
Ads: Disables ads in File Explorer, finish setup, lock screen, personalized ads, settings, start menu, tailored experiences, general tips, and welcome experience.
AI: Disables co-pilot in the taskbar and Windows 11's "Recall" feature.

4. Using CrapFixer:

Download the CFixer.exe from GitHub.
Run as administrator.
Select desired tweaks.
Click "Run CrapFixer."
CrapFixer saves settings to an INI file for easy reapplication after Windows updates.

5. Debloating Apps:

Run the "Analyze" function in the "Apps" section.
Select unwanted apps.
Click "Run CrapFixer."

6. Restoring Changes:

Run CrapFixer as administrator.
Click "Restore." This reverts most changes, except for removed apps.

7. Additional Notes:

CrapFixer supports plugins for custom PowerShell scripts.
The program is under active development. Check the GitHub page for updates.

This comprehensive guide allows users to tailor Windows 11 to their preferences, removing bloatware and enhancing privacy. Remember to use the help function within CrapFixer and research any tweaks you're unsure about.