How can I make my Windows installation faster and leaner? (Debloating)

Introduction

By default, Windows comes with some pre-installed apps and background services that not every user might want or need. The most notorious example was probably a notorious tile-matching video game which came pre-installed with all Windows 10 installations between 2015 and 2019 until Microsoft finally decided to remove it, together with some other preinstalled apps. While Windows always included some games (Minesweeper started shipping with Windows 3.1 in 1990), at least they used to be very small and packaged together in a little "Games" sub-folder instead of being advertised with large-format colour artwork in the default layout of the Start Menu.

Some users may also have concerns about data protection and other privacy issues that users suspect to come with the default installation of Microsoft Windows.

Modified Windows installation media

A number of projects are claiming to provide an optimized Windows Installation Medium that has been reduced to only the essential components, thus claiming to provide higher performance, better responsiveness, reduced latency and increased privacy-protection.

While such projects may enjoy some popularity with Desktop PC users, so far out attempts to install such loadouts on high-performance laptops have usually shown to lack compatibility. One reason for this may be the highly integrated nature of laptops, where hybrid graphic solutions (NVIDIA Optimus) and tight integration between power states, firmware and performance profiles require advanced software solutions to provide a seamless experience. Laptops also usually come with a higher variety of integrated devices that require device drivers and background services to function correctly.

Risks

Modified Windows projects from 3rd parties that are not officially sanctioned by Microsoft may come with the following risks:

Security risks: Modded installations may have removed or altered essential security features or updates, leaving your system vulnerable to malware or other cyber threats. Additionally, there is a risk that the modded installation itself contains malicious software or backdoors. Those may not even have been included by the project leaders themselves but the way those files are distributed or by 3rd parties who may have infiltrated the project or the project's download servers.
Stability issues: Removing or altering system components can lead to unexpected crashes, errors, or compatibility issues with software and drivers, affecting your system's overall stability and performance.
Limited support: Modded installations are usually not supported by Microsoft or other software vendors, meaning that you may not receive timely updates or technical support for any issues that arise. In the event of a technical support request, we, as the system manufacturer, may not be able to exclude the possibility that a supposed hardware or stability problem may be caused by the modified Windows installation.
Licensing concerns: Using a modded Windows installation may violate Microsoft's licensing terms and conditions, potentially leading issues with software activation or even, if used comercially, to legal repercussions.

Alternative: debloat a genuine Windows Install

The following list showcases some less invasive methods to optimize a default Windows install:

Most of the bloat comes from software that is installed by the end-user. When installing software, always make sure to check customized setup and deactivate any unwanted components. Typical examples are trial-versions of security software, browser-addons or toolbars. Exception: Should I unselect GeForce Experience when I install or update the NVIDIA graphics driver? (Short version: please don't unselect it.)
Customize the settings of your productivity apps and consider to disable features that may be well-intended overkill. For example, modern apps often come with two layers of automatic real-time spell-checking - one implemented by the operating system and one implemented in the app itself. These systems can be quite resource-intensive and often redundant. Related article: Disable (some) automatic spell-checking to reduce CPU load and improve battery life
Remove software from automatic startup: many programs set themselves up to run automatically in the background as soon as Windows boots up. Look up options such as "Start together with Windows" or "Run when my computer starts" in the preferences of each software after installation. Related article: How can I prevent certain software from starting automatically with Windows?
Use built-in Windows settings: Customize privacy settings, disable unwanted features, and uninstall pre-installed apps using the built-in Windows settings. Read all user-facing settings carefully. Microsoft has added many more options into the Modern Settings UI over the last couple of year. This approach allows you to maintain the integrity of the operating system while tailoring it to your preferences.
Manage notifications and customize options of your online accounts. Mute group-chats, disable popups. Check the preferences of your online accounts at Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Amazon etc. for privacy and data-collection settings.
Utilize third-party debloating tools: Some relatively reputable third-party tools such as "Win-Debloat-Tools" or "O&O ShutUp10++" might be able to help you remove unwanted features, services, and apps from your Windows installation without compromising its stability or security too much. When in doubt, only use the default (recommended) options of those programs - don't lean into debloating too hard.

Conclusion

While Modified Windows installations may promise a leaner experience, they come with inherent risks, including security vulnerabilities, stability issues, limited support, and licensing concerns. Instead, consider using built-in Windows settings, "csofter" reputable debloating tools and some due diligence during daily use to achieve a more responsive and privacy-focused Windows experience while maintaining system integrity and support.

Appendix: are there valid privacy concerns in using Microsoft Windows?

FYI: This paragraph was written by GPT4 at our request, but we believe it is a well-balanced representation of the facts. Errors and omissions excepted.

The suspicion that Microsoft Windows is spying on users has been a topic of discussion for years. The primary concerns revolve around telemetry data collection and privacy settings. To address these concerns, we will examine both supporting and refuting evidence:

Supporting Evidence:

Telemetry data collection: Microsoft collects telemetry data from Windows devices to improve the quality and performance of its software. This data includes information about hardware, software usage, and performance metrics. Critics argue that this data collection is invasive and unnecessary, while Microsoft contends it's essential for improving the user experience.
Default settings: During the Windows setup process, several data collection and sharing features are enabled by default. Users must actively disable these features if they don't want their data to be collected or shared. Critics argue that these default settings are a form of "cspying" as users may not be aware of them or understand their implications.
Cortana and other Microsoft services: Microsoft's digital assistant, Cortana, and other services like Bing and Office 365 collect user data to provide personalized experiences. Some users may view this data collection as intrusive.

Refuting Evidence:

Transparency and control: Microsoft has been working to improve transparency and user control over data collection. They have released detailed documentation on what data is collected and how it's used. Users have the option to disable or limit data collection through privacy settings.
Data anonymization: Microsoft claims that the collected data is anonymized and aggregated to protect user privacy. Personal data is stripped away or obscured to ensure that individuals cannot be identified from the telemetry data.
Compliance with regulations: Microsoft is subject to various data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These regulations mandate strict privacy and data handling standards, which Microsoft must adhere to.
No evidence of intentional spying: While there have been concerns about data collection, there is no concrete evidence suggesting that Microsoft is intentionally spying on users for nefarious purposes.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding data collection and privacy in Microsoft Windows, the company has taken steps to increase transparency and user control. It is essential for users to be aware of these settings and make informed decisions about their data and privacy preferences.

(End summary of GPT4. Status: May 2023.)