Disable iFilters and protocol handlers
Overview
This script improves your privacy on Windows.
These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
This script enhances the security of Windows Desktop Search by restricting the use of iFilters and protocol handlers 1.
These components enhance Windows search capabilities by enabling the indexing of specific file types and the processing of various file protocols 2 3. By default, Windows Desktop Search can use any installed iFilters and protocol handlers 1, which might pose a security risk if untrusted components are used.
The script configures the system to only use iFilters and protocol handlers that are explicitly listed in an 'allow list' 1. It does not prevent the installation of new iFilters or protocol handlers, nor does it restrict their use by other applications 1.
This measure is particularly useful for preventing unauthorized or potentially harmful search-related add-ins from being used by Windows Desktop Search, thereby enhancing the overall security of the system.
This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.
This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.
Implementation Details
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Language: batch
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Required Privileges: Administrator rights
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Compatibility: Windows only
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Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script
Explore Categories
- Disable privacy-invasive indexing
- Disable Windows search data collection
- Disable OS data collection
This action belongs to Disable privacy-invasive indexing category. This category is dedicated to preventing privacy-invasive indexing features within Windows. Indexing can include details from emails, documents, and other files that may contain sensitive information. Scripts in this category limit the exposure of personal data through search functionalities. By... Read more on category page ▶
This action belongs to Disable Windows search data collection category. This category is dedicated to minimizing the personal data collected and utilized by Windows Search and Cortana. It encompasses a range of scripts designed to curtail data sharing and bolster user privacy. These scripts are crucial for preventing the search function from transmitting sensitive... Read more on category page ▶
This action belongs to Disable OS data collection category. This category configures Windows using 153 scripts. These scripts are organized in 33 categories. The category includes 14 subscripts and 13 subcategories that include more scripts and categories. Read more on category page ▶
Apply now
Choose one of three ways to apply:
- Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
- Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
- 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.
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.
privacy.sexy instructions
- Open or download the desktop application
- Search for the script name:
Disable iFilters and protocol handlers
. - Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
- Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.
Alternative 2. Download
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.
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Download the script file by clicking on the button below:
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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.
Alternative 3. Copy
This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide
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Click on Start menu
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
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Type cmd
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
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Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
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Click on Yes to run Command Prompt
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Copy the following code:
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search!PreventUnwantedAddIns"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search'; $data = ' '; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search' /v 'PreventUnwantedAddIns' /t 'REG_SZ' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Suggest restarting explorer.exe for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'This script will not take effect until you restart explorer.exe. You can restart explorer.exe by restarting your computer or by running following on command prompt: `taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer`.'; $warn = $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"
- Right click on command prompt to paste it.
- Press Enter to apply remaining code.
Copy restore code
Copy and run the following code to restore changes:
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search!PreventUnwantedAddIns"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search' /v 'PreventUnwantedAddIns' /f 2>$null"
:: Suggest restarting explorer.exe for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'This script will not take effect until you restart explorer.exe. You can restart explorer.exe by restarting your computer or by running following on command prompt: `taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer`.'; $warn = $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"
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