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Remove "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app

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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: MediumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Moderate
    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
    This action improves privacy with some 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 removes the "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app. This app is also known as UndockedDevKit 1, Undocked Developer Kit 2, Undocked Dev Kit 3, Windows UDK 2 3, or Undocked Shell 4. It dynamically introduces new features and updates to the Windows desktop environment 4 5, independent of full system updates 4.

Shell encompasses the desktop interface elements, such as the Start Menu, Taskbar, and File Explorer. The UDK app makes it possible to update and customize these parts of the Windows Shell 4 5 separately from the overall operating system 4. This modularity allows for quicker introduction of UI improvements or new features 4 5 6 without waiting for system-wide updates 4.

It adds a plugin/hook system to File Explorer 4 5. It allows the operating system to dynamically load different UI elements 4. It supports shell hot swapping 6 (also known as Dynamic Shell Switching 4). This enables users to download new shells from the Store or switch between them on the fly 4.

Benefits of removing this app include:

  • Control Over Updates: Users can better manage their system's functionalities by limiting access only to the features they use, enhancing security against unauthorized use or exploitation.
  • Reduced Data Transmission: This reduces the amount of data transmitted to and from Microsoft's update servers, lowering the risk of unintentional data exposure.
  • System Optimization: Eliminating the plugin system's overhead in File Explorer 6 may improve system performance 5 6.
  • Reduced Attack Surface: Removing the app reduces potential vulnerabilities it may bring, thereby enhancing system security.
Caution

Removing the app may lead to:

  • Loss of functionality, impacting dynamic shell switching and quick iteration of design and code.
  • Delayed access to new shell components and features.
  • The possibility of unknown side effects, as this app is not documented officially by Microsoft.

Overview of default preinstallation​

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 1.

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

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

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.

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Choose one of three ways to apply:

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Help

How to apply or restore "Remove "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app" 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​

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How to apply or restore "Remove "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app" 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: Remove "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app
    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
:: Enable removal of system app 'MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit' by marking it as "EndOfLife"
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Uninstall 'MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit' Store app
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage 'MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit' | Remove-AppxPackage"
:: Mark 'MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit' as deprovisioned to block reinstall during Windows updates.
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove the registry key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy" (Revert 'MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit' to its default, non-removable state.)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\MicrosoftWindows.UndockedDevKit_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove "Windows Undocked Developer Kit (UDK)" app" 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

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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
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    • Hundreds across the globe
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    • 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.

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