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Disable Steps Recorder (collects screenshots, mouse/keyboard input and UI data)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script disables Steps Recorder on your device.

Steps Recorder, formerly known as Problem Steps Recorder 1 2, is a tool that records the actions taken on a computer, including keyboard and mouse inputs, user interface interactions, and screenshots with every click 2 3.This tool is used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems by capturing the exact steps taken when an issue occurs 1. The data collected by Steps Recorder can be sent to Microsoft or third-party developers 3 4, potentially revealing sensitive user information.

By running this script, the Steps Recorder functionality will be turned off by altering a specific registry key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat!DisableUAR 3. This prevents the automatic recording and sharing of user action data, enhancing the privacy and security of the user's device.

Not running this script leaves the Steps Recorder enabled by default on Windows 3, allowing it to record and potentially share user actions and information.

Using this script enhances user privacy by ensuring that personal actions taken on a computer are not automatically recorded and shared without the user's knowledge or consent. It's a straightforward measure to increase your control over your own device and data. Additionally, disabling Steps Recorder is recommended by The Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) 5.

While enhancing privacy, this script may complicate the troubleshooting process as Steps Recorder will not be available to easily record and share encountered issues.

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 Steps Recorder (collects screenshots, mouse/keyboard input and UI data).
  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!DisableUAR"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisableUAR' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$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!DisableUAR"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat' /v 'DisableUAR' /f 2>$null"

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