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Disable Application Compatibility Engine

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script disables the Application Compatibility Engine on Windows systems.

The Application Compatibility Engine examines a compatibility database every time an application starts 1. If it finds a match for the application, it either applies compatibility fixes or displays a help message for known problems with the application 1. This process may inadvertently reveal data about the applications you run on your system, especially if the query functions are intercepted 2. Moreover, this database can be utilized by malware creators to modify an application and make it perform unintended actions 3.

Disabling the Application Compatibility Engine leads to enhanced system performance 1. However, this might compromise the compatibility of many older, popular applications and permit the installation of known incompatible applications 1. Additionally, certain Windows features like Windows Resource Protection and User Account Control use this engine to resolve application issues 1. Without the engine, these solutions won't be applied, and applications may not install or run correctly 1.

This option is suitable for users seeking faster performance who are knowledgeable about the compatibility of the applications they use 1. Keep in mind that any changes to this setting require a system reboot to take effect as many system processes cache this setting's value for performance reasons 1.

The script achieves its goal by altering a specific registry key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableEngine 1. By disabling this engine, known to be a vulnerability exploited by malware 4, the script reduces the potential attack surface on the system, enhancing overall security.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Application Compatibility Framework category. This category disables the Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework on Windows. The Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework is a feature in Windows that collects data about application compatibility. This includes gathering information about application crashes, issues, and other... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Application Compatibility Engine.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableEngine"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisableEngine' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableEngine"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisableEngine' /f 2>$null"

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