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👀👮🐢🔥Performs a privacy & security check of Windows 10

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Quick Overview

Privatezilla is an open-source Windows 10 privacy tool designed to help users easily manage and enhance their privacy settings. It provides a user-friendly interface to disable telemetry, remove bloatware, and adjust various system settings to improve privacy and security on Windows 10 systems.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface for managing multiple privacy settings in one place
  • Regularly updated to keep up with Windows 10 changes and new privacy concerns
  • Offers both simple and advanced options for users with different levels of expertise
  • Allows users to create custom privacy templates for quick application

Cons

  • Some features may require administrative privileges to function properly
  • Certain privacy adjustments might impact system functionality or user experience
  • Limited to Windows 10 operating systems
  • May require manual updates to stay current with the latest Windows 10 changes

Getting Started

To get started with Privatezilla:

  1. Download the latest release from the GitHub repository.
  2. Extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice.
  3. Run the Privatezilla.exe file as an administrator.
  4. In the main interface, select the privacy options you want to apply.
  5. Click the "Run" button to apply the selected settings.

Note: It's recommended to create a system restore point before making significant changes to your system settings.

Competitor Comparisons

Block spying and tracking on Windows

Pros of WindowsSpyBlocker

  • More comprehensive blocking of Windows telemetry and tracking
  • Includes hosts file modifications for network-level blocking
  • Offers multiple blocking methods (hosts, firewall, KDPU)

Cons of WindowsSpyBlocker

  • Less user-friendly interface, primarily command-line based
  • Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
  • May cause unintended side effects due to aggressive blocking

Code Comparison

WindowsSpyBlocker (PowerShell):

$hosts = Get-Content -Path "$PSScriptRoot\data\hosts\spy.txt"
foreach ($host in $hosts) {
    Add-Content -Path $env:SystemRoot\System32\drivers\etc\hosts -Value "0.0.0.0 $host"
}

Privatezilla (C#):

private void DisableTelemetry()
{
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", 0, RegistryValueKind.DWord);
}

WindowsSpyBlocker uses a more direct approach by modifying the hosts file, while Privatezilla focuses on registry modifications. WindowsSpyBlocker's method may be more effective but potentially riskier, while Privatezilla's approach is safer but may be less comprehensive.

A Collection of Scripts Which Disable / Remove Windows 10 Features and Apps

Pros of Debloat-Windows-10

  • More comprehensive set of scripts for advanced users
  • Offers greater customization options for power users
  • Includes scripts for removing specific Windows 10 features

Cons of Debloat-Windows-10

  • Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
  • Less user-friendly interface compared to Privatezilla
  • May require manual editing of scripts for specific needs

Code Comparison

Debloat-Windows-10 (PowerShell):

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online

Privatezilla (C#):

foreach (var package in packages)
{
    if (package.IsFramework) continue;
    await package.UninstallAsync();
}

Debloat-Windows-10 uses PowerShell commands to remove apps, while Privatezilla employs C# code for a more structured approach. Debloat-Windows-10's method is more direct but potentially riskier, while Privatezilla's approach offers more control and safety checks.

Both projects aim to enhance Windows 10 privacy and performance, but Debloat-Windows-10 is more suited for advanced users who prefer granular control. Privatezilla, on the other hand, provides a more user-friendly interface for those who want a simpler, guided experience in optimizing their Windows 10 system.

Script to remove Windows 10 bloatware.

Pros of Windows10Debloater

  • More comprehensive debloating options, including removal of built-in Windows apps
  • Offers a graphical user interface for easier navigation
  • Includes additional features like disabling Cortana and removing telemetry

Cons of Windows10Debloater

  • Less frequently updated compared to Privatezilla
  • May be more aggressive in its changes, potentially causing issues for some users
  • Lacks some of the fine-grained privacy controls found in Privatezilla

Code Comparison

Windows10Debloater:

Function DebloatAll {
    #Removes AppxPackages
    Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.name -notlike "*Microsoft.WindowsStore*"} | Remove-AppxPackage
    Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.PackageName -notlike "*Microsoft.WindowsStore*"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online
}

Privatezilla:

public static void DisableWindowsDefender()
{
    try
    {
        Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender", "DisableAntiSpyware", "1", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
    }
    catch { }
}

The code snippets show different approaches: Windows10Debloater uses PowerShell for app removal, while Privatezilla employs C# for registry modifications. This reflects their differing focuses and implementation strategies.

:zap: The most powerful PowerShell module for fine-tuning Windows

Pros of Sophia-Script-for-Windows

  • More extensive customization options for Windows settings
  • Regular updates and active development
  • Supports multiple languages

Cons of Sophia-Script-for-Windows

  • Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
  • Less user-friendly interface compared to Privatezilla
  • May require manual editing of scripts for some customizations

Code Comparison

Sophia-Script-for-Windows:

# Enable Network Discovery
Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Network Discovery" -Enabled True -Profile Private

# Disable Telemetry
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" -Name "AllowTelemetry" -Type DWord -Value 0

Privatezilla:

public static void DisableTelemetry()
{
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", "0", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
}

Both projects aim to enhance Windows privacy and customize settings, but Sophia-Script-for-Windows offers more advanced options at the cost of complexity, while Privatezilla provides a simpler, more user-friendly approach with fewer customization options.

16,406

The finest Windows Optimizer

Pros of Optimizer

  • More comprehensive feature set, including system tweaks, startup management, and app uninstaller
  • Regular updates and active development
  • Cross-platform support (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Cons of Optimizer

  • Larger file size and potentially more resource-intensive
  • More complex interface, which may be overwhelming for some users
  • Some features require elevated privileges, potentially raising security concerns

Code Comparison

Privatezilla (C#):

public static void DisableTelemetry()
{
    try
    {
        Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", 0, RegistryValueKind.DWord);
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Logger.LogError("Error disabling telemetry: " + ex.Message);
    }
}

Optimizer (C#):

internal static void DisableTelemetry()
{
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", "0", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", "0", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", "0", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
}

Both projects aim to enhance Windows privacy and performance, but Optimizer offers a broader range of features and more frequent updates. Privatezilla focuses primarily on privacy settings, making it potentially simpler for users specifically concerned with privacy. The code comparison shows that Optimizer's implementation is more thorough, modifying multiple registry keys for telemetry settings.

PowerShell script for automation of routine tasks done after fresh installations of Windows 10 / Server 2016 / Server 2019

Pros of Win10-Initial-Setup-Script

  • More comprehensive and customizable with a wider range of tweaks and settings
  • Supports command-line execution, allowing for easier automation and scripting
  • Regularly updated with new features and improvements

Cons of Win10-Initial-Setup-Script

  • Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
  • Lacks a graphical user interface, which may be intimidating for less experienced users
  • Potential for unintended consequences if used without understanding each setting

Code Comparison

Win10-Initial-Setup-Script (PowerShell):

Function DisableTelemetry {
    Write-Output "Disabling Telemetry..."
    Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection" -Name "AllowTelemetry" -Type DWord -Value 0
    # ... (additional registry modifications)
}

Privatezilla (C#):

public static void DisableTelemetry()
{
    Registry.SetValue(@"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection", "AllowTelemetry", "0", RegistryValueKind.DWord);
    // ... (additional registry modifications)
}

Both scripts perform similar actions, but Win10-Initial-Setup-Script uses PowerShell cmdlets, while Privatezilla uses C# methods to modify registry values. The PowerShell script may be more flexible for system administrators, while the C# implementation in Privatezilla could offer better performance and integration with its GUI.

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README


Privatezilla
Privatezilla

Privatezilla is the simplest way to perform a quick privacy and security check of your Windows 10 copy.

Latest GitHub release Downloads on GitHub GitHub last commit GitHub issues

About • Download • Community package • Credits • Support

intro

About

Privatezilla integrates the most critical Windows 10 privacy settings and allows you to quickly perform a privacy check against these settings. Active settings are marked with the status "Configured" and indicates that your privacy is protected. The inactive ones are declared as "Not configured". All available settings (currently 60) can be enabled as well as disabled.

System Requirements

  • Windows 10 (supports 1809 - 2009)

Download

Community package

For advanced users only!

The community package for Privatezilla adds support for several advanced scripting features based upon PowerShell, e.g.

  • Removal of specific pre-installed apps
  • Uninstall of OneDrive
  • Unping Startmenu tiles
  • Disable telemetry of third-party apps (E.g. CCleaner, Firefox, Dropbox, Microsoft Office)
  • Removal of Windows Defender (NOT recommended! I can highly recommend using Windows Defender on consumer versions of Windows 10)
  • Blocking telemetry via firewall and host files. Rules are provided by crazy-max/WindowsSpyBlocker
  • Support for all-in-one PowerShell debloating script Windows10Debloater.ps1
  • New automation templates

All objects (templates and scripts) included can be viewed here

How-to Install

  • Download the latest packages.zip file.
  • Extract the package to Privatezilla installation directory (the extracted package must have the name scripts)
  • Restart Privatezilla

Intro of community package after Installing

community-package

Credits

Since release 0.30 this project is partly based upon

More infos here

This software uses the following packages:

Support

If you like the tool please consider supporting me via PayPal.

You can buy me a coffee or donut, some banana, a shirt, Taycan or Tesla, the stars or whatever you want here


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