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Remove system apps

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • 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.
  • 40 scripts
  • 4 categories
  • 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 category includes scripts for uninstalling default system apps in Windows.

System apps are pre-installed 1 2 applications located in the C:\Windows* directory 1 2. These apps are typically found on C:\Windows\SystemApps\{PackageFamilyName} or C:\Windows\{ShortAppName} folders.

They are integral components of the Windows operating system 1. Removing certain system apps may improve privacy by reducing data collection. It can also improve system performance by freeing up system resources.

These scripts can make significant changes to your Windows system. While these scripts aim to improve privacy, they may also affect system functionality. These scripts remove several built-in Windows applications and modify system settings. This can affect your system's behavior and potentially break certain features. Removing certain apps or changing settings may disable features you rely on. Apply only the changes you fully understand and need, rather than running all scripts indiscriminately.

To list all system apps:

  1. Open a PowerShell command prompt.
  2. Execute the following command: Get-AppxPackage -PackageTypeFilter Main | ? { $_.SignatureKind -eq "System" } | Sort Name | Format-Table Name, PublisherId, InstallLocation
Caution

Uninstalling a system app may improve privacy but can also disable critical features and affect system functionality.

Excluded System apps​

Some system apps are excluded from removal by privacy.sexy due to their critical role in OS functionality and lack of documented privacy benefits.

Shell Experience Host (Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost)​

It provides a windowed interface for universal apps 3 4. It is required for the desktop's visual elements, including transparency effects, Start Menu layout, desktop background slideshow 5 6. Initially, it consumed significant CPU and memory resources, but subsequent optimizations have improved its efficiency 3 7. Since the Windows 10 19H1, the Start menu has been managed separately from it to enhance reliability and performance 8.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9 10.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2✅
Windows 1020H2✅
Windows 1021H2✅
Windows 1022H2✅
Windows 1121H2✅
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅

Start Menu Experience Host (Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost)​

It handles hosting Windows Start menu 8. Stopping or disabling the process removes Start menu functionality, causing live tiles to stop updating and leading to other UI issues 11. Disabling it makes the Start menu disappear 12. Disabling leads to issues with Start Menu, Taskbar, and Action Center 13.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9 10.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2✅
Windows 1020H2✅
Windows 1021H2✅
Windows 1022H2✅
Windows 1121H2✅
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅

Windows Feature Experience Pack (MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core)​

Windows Feature Experience Pack incorporates MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core as a store app 14.

Microsoft launched the Windows Feature Experience Pack to deliver feature enhancements independently of the major Windows update cycles 15. The aim is to expand the release schedule, with the ultimate goal of integrating these updates into the regular Windows Update service 15. This pack enables the development of specific features and functionalities independently 15.

The app is known to provide functionality for:

  • Start menu 14 [16]
  • Snipping tool 15 [16] [17]
  • Taskbar (system tray) 14 [16] [18]
  • File explorer functionality [16]
  • Adaptive cards [16] (card layout [19])
  • Split keyboard mode for the touch keyboard 15

The package's functionality extends beyond these listed features. Microsoft plans to add more features to this package 15. According to tests, Microsoft includes new components in this package, such as FREUserInterface and VoiceAccessHost, as observed in version 23H3.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2❌
Windows 1020H2❌
Windows 1021H2❌
Windows 1022H2❌
Windows 1121H2❌
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅

Settings (Windows.immersivecontrolpanel)​

This app provides the Settings interface [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]. This app replaced the Control Panel in older Windows versions [20] [22] [24]. Removing this app disables access to the Settings interface, preventing users from adjusting preferences, configuring the operating system, and managing connected devices [22].

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2✅
Windows 1020H2✅
Windows 1021H2✅
Windows 1022H2✅
Windows 1121H2✅
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅

Windows Feature Experience Pack (MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS)​

This package, in combination with MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core 14, enables the Windows Feature Experience Pack 14 [25] [26] [27] [28] [29].

This app provides UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) features, independent of the main operating system [25] [26] [27] [30]. CBS in this package name means Component-Based Servicing [30] [31] [32] [33]. Microsoft uses it to update these UI/UX features independently of the core operating system, using different update cycles [25] [26] [27] [30] [31].

This package includes features such as:

  • System tray features 14 [33]
  • Taskbar features 14 [33]
  • Text input features [25] [26] [29] [32] [34] (replacing older InputApp package [29] [32] [33] [34]) including:
    • Emoji picker [25] [32] [34]
    • On-screen keyboard [25] [32] [33] [34] [35]
    • Handwriting panel [25] [33]
  • Iris features [26] [29] [33]
  • Snip & Sketch app [29] [36] (screen clipping [26] [29] [32] [33] [36])
  • Start Menu 14 [26] [32] [33] [35] [36] [37]
  • Search in taskbar/start menu (Cortana) [26] [33] [37]
  • Windows Backup features [28] [38]
  • Web features for store apps [26] [33]
  • Get Started app [26] [33] [35]
  • News and Interests widget [26]
  • File Explorer functions such as icons [39]

Removing this package disables these functionalities [35], confirmed by tests. To preserve these essential features, privacy.sexy does not remove this app.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2✅
Windows 1020H2✅
Windows 1021H2✅
Windows 1022H2✅
Windows 1121H2✅
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅

File Explorer (Extensions) (MicrosoftWindows.Client.FileExp)​

File Explorer (Extensions) is an experimental (canary) app from Microsoft for enhancing File Explorer [40]. This app is identified as MicrosoftWindows.Client.FileExp [40] [41] [42].

It adds new features to File Explorer, such as context menu enhancements, command bar extensions, tabs, details pane, folder view, navigation content extensions [41]. It also introduces a Gallery view for some users [40] [42].

It uses Windows App SDK for the File Explorer [40] [42]. The Windows App SDK is a toolkit that simplifies the creation of Windows desktop apps by combining traditional and modern development methods [43].

This app is part of Microsoft's effort to modularize Windows, separating system functions into individual apps [40] [42]. This modularization allows for easier and quicker updates and improvements [40].

This app raises several privacy concerns:

  • Data collection: This app includes telemetry features that collect data [41] [44].
  • Telemetry: The app includes automatic data collection and transmission functions [41] [44].
  • Consent by use: Using the app implies agreement to its data collection practices.

Tests confirm that deleting this app completely disables the File Explorer in Windows 11 23H2.

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 9.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2❌
Windows 1020H2❌
Windows 1021H2❌
Windows 1022H2❌
Windows 1121H2❌
Windows 1122H2❌
Windows 1123H2✅

[16]: https://archive.ph/2024.03.20-082058/https://twitter.com/XenoPanther/status/1504870414702592003 "Xeno on X: "Parts of have been moved to MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core" / X | twitter.com/XenoPanther" [17]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320082048/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/snipping-tool-issues-with-build-25295/065a6718-70a0-4e3b-ab1b-21f6315c0296 "Snipping Tool issues with Build 25295 - Microsoft Community | answers.microsoft.com" [18]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320082135/https://www.windowslatest.com/2022/07/20/microsoft-begins-experimenting-with-taskbar-upgrade-for-windows-11/ "Microsoft is finally experimenting with taskbar upgrade for Windows 11 | www.windowslatest.com" [19]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320082111/https://superuser.com/questions/1769683/windows-11-snap-layouts-force-all-6-layout-options-irrespective-of-display-res "Windows 11 Snap Layouts: force all 6 layout options (irrespective of display resolution)? - Super User | superuser.com" [20]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320091703/https://www.file.net/process/systemsettings.exe.html "SystemSettings.exe Windows process - What is it? | www.file.net" [21]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320095956/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/msdn-technet-forums/e567938f-733e-4974-a2e7-b03845ec2411 "Immersive Control Panel not working | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com" [22]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320100018/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Settings_%28Windows%29 "Settings (Windows) - Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org" [23]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320100559/https://valinet.ro/2022/05/24/Set-default-apps-in-Windows-11.html "Set default apps in Windows 11 (restore the Windows 10 Settings app in Windows 11) | valinet | valinet.ro" [24]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240320100801/https://4sysops.com/archives/fix-settings-app-crashes-in-windows-10-and-windows-11/ "Fix Settings app crashes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 – 4sysops | 4sysops.com" [25]: https://web.archive.org/web/20230805011221/https://www.file.net/process/textinputhost.exe.html "TextInputHost.exe Windows process - What is it? | file.net" [26]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240105085347/https://oofhours.com/2021/06/15/digging-into-windows-11/ "Digging into Windows 11 – Out of Office Hours | oofhours.com" [27]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240103235231/https://borncity.com/win/2021/01/31/windows-10-windows-feature-experience-pack-insides/ "Windows 10: Windows Feature Experience Pack Insides | Born's Tech and Windows World | borncity.com" [28]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240124162927/https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5030211-was-almost-flawless-until-microsoft-force-installed-windows-backup-app-on-ltsc/ "KB5030211 was almost flawless until Microsoft force installed Windows Backup app on LTSC - Neowin | www.neowin.net" [29]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240103235229/https://oofhours.com/2021/01/27/digging-into-the-windows-feature-experience-pack/ "Digging into the Windows Feature Experience Pack – Out of Office Hours | oofhours.com" [30]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240309045221/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/ask-the-performance-team/understanding-component-based-servicing/ba-p/373012 "Understanding Component-Based Servicing | techcommunity.microsoft.com" [31]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240306180722/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/servicing-stack-updates "Servicing stack updates - Windows Deployment | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com" [32]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240306195634/https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/windows-10-i-nowosci-w-21h1-co-dostarcza-paczka-odblokowujaca,6628630872111233a 'Windows 10 i nowości w 21H1. Co dostarcza "paczka odblokowująca"? | www.dobreprogramy.pl' [33]: https://archive.ph/2024.03.28-112202/https://www.ntlite.com/community/index.php?threads/windowsclient-cbs-required-to-install-uwp-packages-and-use-mail-and-calendar.2363/ "WindowsClient.CBS required to install UWP Packages and use Mail and Calendar | NTLite Forums | www.ntlite.com" [34]: https://web.archive.org/web/20220803145757/https://res260.medium.com/%EF%B8%8F-%EF%B8%8F-windows-forensics-how-to-retrieve-and-parse-the-emoji-picker-history-in-the-filesystem-d3766282325a "🕵️‍♂️ Windows Forensics: How to Retrieve and Parse the Emoji Picker History in the FileSystem 👀 | by Émilio Gonzalez | Medium | res260.medium.com" [35]: https://web.archive.org/web/20220128033302/https://www.ntlite.com/community/index.php?threads/for-win11s-excessive-streamlining.2486/ "For Win11's excessive streamlining | NTLite Forums | www.ntlite.com" [36]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240814090124/https://community.spiceworks.com/t/problem-with-snip-sketch/947611/1 "Problem with Snip & Sketch - Windows - Spiceworks Community | community.spiceworks.com" [37]: https://archive.ph/2024.03.28-113337/https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/blob/9b68cc0635bacde57ff8ae7b957f164d84d9ebde/CHANGELOG.md?plain=1%23L1086 "ExplorerPatcher/CHANGELOG.md at 9b68cc0635bacde57ff8ae7b957f164d84d9ebde · valinet/ExplorerPatcher · GitHub | github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher" [38]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240205181250/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1368828/how-to-remove-windowsbackupclient-exe "How to remove WindowsBackupClient.exe? - Microsoft Q&A | learn.microsoft.com" [39]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240814090035/https://github.com/MahApps/MahApps.Metro.IconPacks/issues/290 "Include the Microsoft Windows11 explorer icons · Issue #290 · MahApps/MahApps.Metro.IconPacks · GitHub | github.com/MahApps" [40]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240813085908/https://www.gamingdeputy.com/windows-11-file-explorer-and-print-dialog-now-under-systemapp/ "Windows 11: File Explorer and print dialog now under SystemApp - GAMINGDEPUTY | gamingdeputy.com" [41]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240813085950/https://pastebin.com/pK3wDcFW "appxmanifest.xml | MicrosoftWindows.Client.FileExp_cw5n1h2txyewy | privacy.sexy - Pastebin.com" [42]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240813085908/https://www.deskmodder.de/blog/2023/03/09/windows-11-datei-explorer-und-druck-dialog-jetzt-unter-systemapp/ "Windows 11: Datei Explorer und Druck-Dialog jetzt unter SystemApp - Deskmodder.de | deskmodder.de" [43]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240813090031/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/windows-app-sdk/ "Build desktop Windows apps with the Windows App SDK - Windows apps | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com" [44]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240813090027/https://github.com/privacysexy-forks/WindowsAppSDK "privacysexy-forks/WindowsAppSDK: The Windows App SDK empowers all Windows desktop apps with modern Windows UI, APIs, and platform features, including back-compat support, shipped via NuGet. | github.com"

Safe for General Use
This script has Normal protection level option. 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 two ways to apply:

Download script​

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

Normal — Functional Privacy​

  • Recommended for all
  • Safe for daily use
  • No impact on system stability

Read more about Normal and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Remove system apps" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • Normal​

      Some safe scripts minimal system impact.

    • High​

      Some advanced scripts with high system impact.

    • Maximum​

      Some not recommended scripts with very high system impact.

    Learn more about protection levels

  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

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How to apply or restore "Remove system apps" 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 category name: Remove system apps
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying Normal to limit the impact.

  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.

Explore This Guide​

  • 40 Privacy settings
  • 3 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 3 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Main categories may contain subcategories, further organizing related functionality.
  • 4 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

  • Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
  • Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.

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 covers the uninstallation of Windows apps. Windows apps were introduced with Windows 8 and are typically acquired and installed through the...

— Remove Windows apps

Same Goal​

Other guides in Remove Windows apps 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.
See all 36 guides
Remove 3D modeling apps
Remove MSN (Bing) apps
Remove extension apps
Remove Microsoft Office apps
Remove Microsoft Store apps
Remove Phone apps
Remove third-party apps
Remove "App Connector" app
Remove "Cortana" app
Remove "App Installer" app
Remove "Get Help" app (breaks built-in troubleshooting)
Remove "Microsoft Tips" app
Remove "Microsoft Messaging" app
Remove "Mixed Reality Portal" app
Remove "Feedback Hub" app
Remove "Windows Alarms and Clock" app
Remove "Windows Camera" app
Remove "Paint 3D" app
Remove "Windows Maps" app
Remove "Minecraft for Windows" app
Remove "Microsoft People" app
Remove "Microsoft Pay" app
Remove "Mobile Plans" app
Remove "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" app
Remove "Microsoft Sticky Notes" app
Remove "Mail and Calendar" app
Remove "Windows Media Player" app
Remove "Movies & TV" app
Remove "Windows Calculator" app
Remove "Microsoft Photos" app
Remove "Skype" app
Remove "GroupMe" app
Remove "Windows Sound Recorder" app
Remove "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app
Remove "Network Speed Test" app
Remove "Microsoft To Do: Lists, Tasks & Reminders" app

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