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Disable "Inventory Collector" task

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: MinimumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Low
    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Fully reversible

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

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script disables the "Inventory Collector" task on your computer.

The Inventory Collector is a feature in Windows that gathers data about the applications, files, devices, and drivers on your system and sends this information to Microsoft 1. This process is used to help solve compatibility problems, ensuring that your software and hardware work together without issues 1.

Running this script will turn off the Inventory Collector, ensuring no data is sent to Microsoft 1. It also stops the collection of installation data through the Program Compatibility Assistant 1. By disabling these features, you prevent potentially sensitive information from being shared and avoid uncontrolled updates to your system 2 3. If not disabled, the Inventory Collector remains active, continuing to send data 1.

If the Customer Experience Improvement Program is turned off, the Inventory Collector will already be inactive, and running this script will have no effect 1.

Disabling Inventory Collector is advised by several organizations and authorities for enhanced security:

  • The Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) 4
  • The Department of Defense (DoD) information systems in the USA 2
  • Microsoft, as part of Windows security baseline for Azure 3
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA 5

This advice is based on the principle of limiting the amount of data shared, contributing to better privacy and security.

When you run this script, it modifies a specific registry key (HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableInventory) to turn off the Inventory Collector 1.

Caution

Disabling the Inventory Collector may lead to challenges in identifying and resolving compatibility issues between your software and hardware.

Safe for General Use
All actions in this script is recommended for all users. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Inventory Collector" task" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Inventory Collector" task" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable "Inventory Collector" task
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableInventory"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat'; $data =  '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisableInventory' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Inventory Collector" task" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
This category disables the Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework on Windows. The Application Compatibility (AppCompat) framework is a feature i...

— Disable Application Compatibility Framework

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable Application Compatibility Framework See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
Disable Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA)
Disable Application Impact Telemetry (AIT)
Disable Application Compatibility Engine
Remove "Program Compatibility" tab from file properties (context menu)
Disable Steps Recorder (collects screenshots, mouse/keyboard input and UI data)

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process