Having trouble removing most Windows 10 Apps on 20H2.

Question

I know, the universal no-no is to build and try to sysprep/capture a VM with more than one profile. I didn't build this but am trying to get it to sysprep/capture in MDT.

Its like a joke, I remove the troublesome apps, and sysprep fails because of one. I have no internet connection on the VM, only a local one to the server. I've been going in circles for a week trying to get the apps to stay removed.

I've run about every PS command I could find online but some of these (a few xbox ones and this 3DBuilder come to mind first).

How can I correctly get all of these provisions removed and the apps removed?

Answer 1

Hi, @Rick Someone
Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A forum.
Have we already checked below article and tried the solutions in it?
https://www.deploymentresearch.com/fixing-why-sysprep-fails-in-windows-10-due-to-windows-store-updates/

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Answer 2

Hi Rick,

which apps do you want to remove?
try this instead: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-blog-archive/removing-windows-10-in-box-apps-during-a-task-sequence/ba-p/706582

Answer 3

I run this powershell script:

This function finds any AppX/AppXProvisioned package and uninstalls it, except for Freshpaint, Windows Calculator, Windows Store, and Windows Photos.

Also, to note - This does NOT remove essential system services/software/etc such as .NET framework installations, Cortana, Edge, etc.

This is the switch parameter for running this script as a 'silent' script, for use in MDT images or any type of mass deployment without user interaction.

param (
[switch]$Debloat, [switch]$SysPrep
)

Function Begin-SysPrep {

param([switch]$SysPrep)
    Write-Verbose -Message ('Starting Sysprep Fixes')

    # Disable Windows Store Automatic Updates
   <# Write-Verbose -Message "Adding Registry key to Disable Windows Store Automatic Updates"
    $registryPath = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore"
    If (!(Test-Path $registryPath)) {
        Mkdir $registryPath -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        New-ItemProperty $registryPath -Name AutoDownload -Value 2 
    }
    Else {
        Set-ItemProperty $registryPath -Name AutoDownload -Value 2 
    }
    #Stop WindowsStore Installer Service and set to Disabled
    Write-Verbose -Message ('Stopping InstallService')
    Stop-Service InstallService 
    #>

}

Creates a PSDrive to be able to access the 'HKCR' tree

New-PSDrive -Name HKCR -PSProvider Registry -Root HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
Function Start-Debloat {

param([switch]$Debloat)

#Removes AppxPackages
#Credit to Reddit user /u/GavinEke for a modified version of my whitelist code
[regex]$WhitelistedApps = 'Microsoft.ScreenSketch|Microsoft.Paint3D|Microsoft.WindowsCalculator|Microsoft.WindowsStore|Microsoft.Windows.Photos|CanonicalGroupLimited.UbuntuonWindows|`
Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes|Microsoft.MSPaint|Microsoft.WindowsCamera|.NET|Framework|Microsoft.HEIFImageExtension|Microsoft.ScreenSketch|Microsoft.StorePurchaseApp|`
Microsoft.VP9VideoExtensions|Microsoft.WebMediaExtensions|Microsoft.WebpImageExtension|Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller'
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.Name -NotMatch $WhitelistedApps} | Remove-AppxPackage -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
# Run this again to avoid error on 1803 or having to reboot.
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.Name -NotMatch $WhitelistedApps} | Remove-AppxPackage -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
$AppxRemoval = Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.PackageName -NotMatch $WhitelistedApps} 
ForEach ( $App in $AppxRemoval) {

    Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $App.PackageName 

    }

}

Function Remove-Keys {

Param([switch]$Debloat)    

#These are the registry keys that it will delete.

$Keys = @(

    #Remove Background Tasks
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\46928bounde.EclipseManager_2.2.4.51_neutral__a5h4egax66k6y"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\ActiproSoftwareLLC.562882FEEB491_2.6.18.18_neutral__24pqs290vpjk0"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub_17.7909.7600.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\Microsoft.PPIProjection_10.0.15063.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.15063.0.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.BackgroundTasks\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.16299.15.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"

    #Windows File
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.File\PackageId\ActiproSoftwareLLC.562882FEEB491_2.6.18.18_neutral__24pqs290vpjk0"

    #Registry keys to delete if they aren't uninstalled by RemoveAppXPackage/RemoveAppXProvisionedPackage
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Launch\PackageId\46928bounde.EclipseManager_2.2.4.51_neutral__a5h4egax66k6y"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Launch\PackageId\ActiproSoftwareLLC.562882FEEB491_2.6.18.18_neutral__24pqs290vpjk0"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Launch\PackageId\Microsoft.PPIProjection_10.0.15063.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Launch\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.15063.0.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Launch\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.16299.15.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"

    #Scheduled Tasks to delete
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.PreInstalledConfigTask\PackageId\Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub_17.7909.7600.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe"

    #Windows Protocol Keys
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Protocol\PackageId\ActiproSoftwareLLC.562882FEEB491_2.6.18.18_neutral__24pqs290vpjk0"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Protocol\PackageId\Microsoft.PPIProjection_10.0.15063.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Protocol\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.15063.0.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.Protocol\PackageId\Microsoft.XboxGameCallableUI_1000.16299.15.0_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy"

    #Windows Share Target
    "HKCR:\Extensions\ContractId\Windows.ShareTarget\PackageId\ActiproSoftwareLLC.562882FEEB491_2.6.18.18_neutral__24pqs290vpjk0"
)

#This writes the output of each key it is removing and also removes the keys listed above.
ForEach ($Key in $Keys) {
    Write-Output "Removing $Key from registry"
    Remove-Item $Key -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
}

}

Function Protect-Privacy {

Param([switch]$Debloat)    

#Creates a PSDrive to be able to access the 'HKCR' tree
New-PSDrive -Name HKCR -PSProvider Registry -Root HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT

#Disables Windows Feedback Experience
Write-Output "Disabling Windows Feedback Experience program"
$Advertising = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo'
If (Test-Path $Advertising) {
    Set-ItemProperty $Advertising -Name Enabled -Value 0 -Verbose
}

#Stops Cortana from being used as part of your Windows Search Function
Write-Output "Stopping Cortana from being used as part of your Windows Search Function"
$Search = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search'
If (Test-Path $Search) {
    Set-ItemProperty $Search -Name AllowCortana -Value 0 -Verbose
}

#Stops the Windows Feedback Experience from sending anonymous data
Write-Output "Stopping the Windows Feedback Experience program"
$Period1 = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Siuf'
$Period2 = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Siuf\Rules'
$Period3 = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Siuf\Rules\PeriodInNanoSeconds'
If (!(Test-Path $Period3)) { 
    mkdir $Period1 -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    mkdir $Period2 -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    mkdir $Period3 -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    New-ItemProperty $Period3 -Name PeriodInNanoSeconds -Value 0 -Verbose -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
}

Write-Output "Adding Registry key to prevent bloatware apps from returning"
#Prevents bloatware applications from returning
$registryPath = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent"
If (!(Test-Path $registryPath)) {
    Mkdir $registryPath -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    New-ItemProperty $registryPath -Name DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures -Value 1 -Verbose -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
}          

Write-Output "Setting Mixed Reality Portal value to 0 so that you can uninstall it in Settings"
$Holo = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Holographic'    
If (Test-Path $Holo) {
    Set-ItemProperty $Holo -Name FirstRunSucceeded -Value 0 -Verbose
}

#Disables live tiles
Write-Output "Disabling live tiles"
$Live = 'HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PushNotifications'    
If (!(Test-Path $Live)) {
    mkdir $Live -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue     
    New-ItemProperty $Live -Name NoTileApplicationNotification -Value 1 -Verbose
}

#Turns off Data Collection via the AllowTelemtry key by changing it to 0
Write-Output "Turning off Data Collection"
$DataCollection = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection'    
If (Test-Path $DataCollection) {
    Set-ItemProperty $DataCollection -Name AllowTelemetry -Value 0 -Verbose
}

#Disables People icon on Taskbar
Write-Output "Disabling People icon on Taskbar"
$People = 'HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\People'
If (Test-Path $People) {
    Set-ItemProperty $People -Name PeopleBand -Value 0 -Verbose
}

#Disables suggestions on start menu
Write-Output "Disabling suggestions on the Start Menu"
$Suggestions = 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager'    
If (Test-Path $Suggestions) {
    Set-ItemProperty $Suggestions -Name SystemPaneSuggestionsEnabled -Value 0 -Verbose
}


 Write-Output "Removing CloudStore from registry if it exists"
 $CloudStore = 'HKCUSoftware\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CloudStore'
 If (Test-Path $CloudStore) {
 Stop-Process Explorer.exe -Force
 Remove-Item $CloudStore
 Start-Process Explorer.exe -Wait
}

#Loads the registry keys/values below into the NTUSER.DAT file which prevents the apps from redownloading. Credit to a60wattfish
reg load HKU\Default_User C:\Users\Default\NTUSER.DAT
Set-ItemProperty -Path Registry::HKU\Default_User\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager -Name SystemPaneSuggestionsEnabled -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path Registry::HKU\Default_User\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager -Name PreInstalledAppsEnabled -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path Registry::HKU\Default_User\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager -Name OemPreInstalledAppsEnabled -Value 0
reg unload HKU\Default_User

#Disables scheduled tasks that are considered unnecessary 
Write-Output "Disabling scheduled tasks"
#Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName XblGameSaveTaskLogon | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName XblGameSaveTask | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName Consolidator | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName UsbCeip | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName DmClient | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName DmClientOnScenarioDownload | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

}

This includes fixes by xsisbest

Function FixWhitelistedApps {

Param([switch]$Debloat)

If(!(Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Microsoft.Paint3D, Microsoft.MSPaint, Microsoft.WindowsCalculator, Microsoft.WindowsStore, Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes, Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder, Microsoft.Windows.Photos)) {

#Credit to abulgatz for the 4 lines of code
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Paint3D | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.MSPaint | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsCalculator | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} }

}

Function CheckDMWService {

Param([switch]$Debloat)

If (Get-Service -Name dmwappushservice | Where-Object {$_.StartType -eq "Disabled"}) {
Set-Service -Name dmwappushservice -StartupType Automatic}

If(Get-Service -Name dmwappushservice | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Stopped"}) {
Start-Service -Name dmwappushservice}
}

Function CheckInstallService {
Param([switch]$Debloat)
If (Get-Service -Name InstallService | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Stopped"}) {
Start-Service -Name InstallService
Set-Service -Name InstallService -StartupType Automatic
}
}

Write-Output "Initiating Sysprep"
Begin-SysPrep
Write-Output "Removing bloatware apps."
Start-Debloat
Write-Output "Removing leftover bloatware registry keys."
Remove-Keys
Write-Output "Checking to see if any Whitelisted Apps were removed, and if so re-adding them."
FixWhitelistedApps
Write-Output "Stopping telemetry, disabling unneccessary scheduled tasks, and preventing bloatware from returning."
Protect-Privacy

Write-Output "Stopping Edge from taking over as the default PDF Viewer."

Stop-EdgePDF

CheckDMWService
CheckInstallService
Write-Output "Finished all tasks."

Answer 4

Hi @Rick Someone ,

Maybe this will help you:
Get the list of all buil-it apps with following command in Powershell admin: Get-AppxPackage –AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName
Copy and paste the name of the applications and replace it with below app.

example replace 'Microsoft.Office.OneNote', with 'Microsoft.OneConnect',

copy and save below in a notepad as a .ps1 file

<# Remove_Apps
v1.0 - 20210305 - Initial version

>

-----------

VARIABLES

-----------

<#$AppsList
Vector that lists all the app packages to be uninstalled.
The format in which the application name must be added to this vector is:

• If running 'get-appxpackage': Use the field 'name'
• If running 'get-appxprovisionedpackage': Use the field 'DisplayName'

>

$AppBlackList = @(
'Microsoft.549981C3F5F10',
'Microsoft.BingWeather',
'Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller',
'Microsoft.GetHelp',
'Microsoft.Getstarted',
'Microsoft.HEIFImageExtension',
'Microsoft.Microsoft3DViewer',
'Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection',
'Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal',
'Microsoft.Office.OneNote',
'Microsoft.People',
'Microsoft.ScreenSketch',
'Microsoft.SkypeApp',
'Microsoft.StorePurchaseApp',
'Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00',
'Microsoft.VP9VideoExtensions',
'Microsoft.Wallet',
'Microsoft.WebMediaExtensions',
'Microsoft.WebpImageExtension',
'Microsoft.WindowsAlarms',
'Microsoft.WindowsCamera',
'microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps',
'Microsoft.WindowsFeedbackHub',
'Microsoft.WindowsMaps',
'Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder',
'Microsoft.WindowsStore',
'Microsoft.Xbox.TCUI',
'Microsoft.XboxApp',
'Microsoft.XboxGameOverlay',
'Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay',
'Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider',
'Microsoft.XboxSpeechToTextOverlay',
'Microsoft.YourPhone',
'Microsoft.ZuneMusic',
'Microsoft.ZuneVideo.Count'
)

-----------

CODE

-----------

ForEach ($App in $AppBlackList) {
$PackageFullName = (Get-AppxPackage $App).PackageFullName
$ProvisionedPackageFullName = (Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$_.Displayname -eq $App}).PackageName

If ($PackageFullName) { Remove-AppxPackage -Package $PackageFullName }  
If ($ProvisionedPackageFullName) { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $ProvisionedPackageFullName }  

}

Answer 5

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