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Block spying and tracking on Windows
A Collection of Scripts Which Disable / Remove Windows 10 Features and Apps
Script to remove Windows 10 bloatware.
:zap: The most powerful PowerShell module for fine-tuning Windows
The finest Windows Optimizer
PowerShell script for automation of routine tasks done after fresh installations of Windows 10 / Server 2016 / Server 2019
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:
- Download the latest release from the GitHub repository.
- Extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice.
- Run the
Privatezilla.exe
file as an administrator. - In the main interface, select the privacy options you want to apply.
- 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.
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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Privatezilla
Privatezilla is the simplest way to perform a quick privacy and security check of your Windows 10 copy.
About ⢠Download ⢠Community package ⢠Credits ⢠Support
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
- (GitHub) 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
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
builtbybel · GitHub @builtbybel · Twitter @builtbybel
Top Related Projects
Block spying and tracking on Windows
A Collection of Scripts Which Disable / Remove Windows 10 Features and Apps
Script to remove Windows 10 bloatware.
:zap: The most powerful PowerShell module for fine-tuning Windows
The finest Windows Optimizer
PowerShell script for automation of routine tasks done after fresh installations of Windows 10 / Server 2016 / Server 2019
Convert
designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot