Guide · Open source
How to use Win11Debloat: run it, pick changes and undo them
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Win11Debloat is a free, open-source PowerShell script that removes preinstalled apps and changes Windows settings such as telemetry, suggestions and some interface elements, all from one menu. This guide shows how to start it, what the main options cover, and how to think about undoing changes. It is written for people who are comfortable running administrator-level scripts and reading on-screen prompts.
Win11DebloatRaphire/Win11Debloat · ★ 61.5k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check your system. Confirm you are on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and that you have Administrator rights.
- 2Open PowerShell. Open PowerShell or Terminal. Use an administrator session for the advanced method.
- 3Launch the script. Run the quick command or extract the release and run Run.bat or Win11Debloat.ps1.
- 4Accept the UAC prompt. Approve the Windows prompt so the script can run with administrator rights.
- 5Select your changes. Go through each menu group and pick only the options you want.
- 6Review and confirm. Read the on-screen instructions before applying, since changes affect system settings.
- 7Plan how to undo. Note the Reverting Changes wiki page and how to reinstall apps from the Microsoft Store.
Check the requirements before you start
Win11Debloat is built for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It runs in PowerShell and needs Administrator rights, so a UAC prompt will appear and must be accepted for the script to work.
Because the script changes system settings, the project's own warning applies: care went into avoiding unintended breakage, but you use it at your own risk. If something goes wrong, the project asks you to report it on its issues page.
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- PowerShell or Terminal
- Administrator rights (accept the UAC prompt)
Run Win11Debloat with the quick method
The quick method downloads and launches the script in one command. Open PowerShell or Terminal, paste the command below and press Enter. Wait for the script to download and start, then read the on-screen instructions carefully.
The quick method also accepts command-line parameters. The project's wiki documents them under its Command-line Interface page.
- Open PowerShell or Terminal.
- Paste the command and run it.
- Wait for the script to launch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://debloat.raphi.re/")))Run the traditional or advanced method instead
If you prefer to download the files yourself, get the latest release from the project's releases page and extract the ZIP to a folder of your choice. In the simple route, double-click Run.bat in the Win11Debloat folder and accept the UAC prompt. If the console window closes immediately and nothing happens, use the advanced method.
The advanced method is for experienced users. Open PowerShell as an administrator, temporarily allow script execution for the current session only, then go to the extracted folder and run the script. The execution policy change applies only to that PowerShell session because of the Process scope.
- Extract the downloaded ZIP to a location you choose.
- Open PowerShell or Terminal as an administrator.
- Allow script execution for the current session only.
- Change directory to the extracted folder and run the script.
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
cd c:\Win11Debloat
.\Win11Debloat.ps1Choose which changes to make
Win11Debloat groups its options by area. Review each group and select only what you want, rather than accepting everything. The main categories are app removal, privacy and suggested content, AI features, system, Windows Update, appearance, Start menu and search, taskbar, File Explorer, multitasking, optional Windows features and advanced features.
Some options change behaviour you may rely on. For example, the script can disable fast start-up, Storage Sense and BitLocker automatic device encryption, and it can turn off Windows Update delivery features. Read each prompt before confirming.
- App removal: remove a wide range of preinstalled apps.
- Privacy: disable telemetry, diagnostic data, activity history, targeted ads and location services.
- AI features: disable Microsoft Copilot, Windows Recall and Click to Do.
- Taskbar and File Explorer: adjust alignment, widgets, file extensions and hidden files.
- Optional features: enable Windows Sandbox or Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Undo changes and reinstall apps
The project's tip says the changes Win11Debloat makes can be reverted, and almost all apps can be reinstalled from the Microsoft Store. Reverting specific changes is covered in the wiki's Reverting Changes page, so check it before you run the script on a machine you cannot afford to troubleshoot.
Before making large changes, it is sensible to create a restore point or backup. The source does not describe a built-in undo button, so do not assume one exists.
- Read the Reverting Changes page in the project wiki.
- Reinstall removed apps from the Microsoft Store where available.
- Test on a non-critical machine first if you are unsure.
Use export, import and admin features
The script supports exporting and importing your preferred settings, which lets you apply the same configuration to several systems. It also offers a command-line interface, support for Windows Audit mode, changes for another user, and Sysprep mode, which applies changes to the Windows Default user profile so new users receive them.
These features are documented in the wiki and are aimed at system administrators and power users.
- Export and import settings to repeat a configuration.
- Apply changes to a different user account.
- Sysprep mode targets the Windows Default user profile.
What people use it for
- Setting up a new Windows PC to remove preinstalled apps and promotional content.
- Turning off telemetry, diagnostic data and suggestions without changing each setting by hand.
- Applying the same exported settings to several machines as an administrator.
- Tidying an existing PC by restoring the Windows 10 context menu or showing file extensions.
- Enabling Windows Sandbox or Windows Subsystem for Linux from one place.
Frequently asked questions
Is Win11Debloat safe to use?
The project says care was taken to avoid unintended breakage, but it is provided at your own risk. Because it changes system settings and needs Administrator rights, read every prompt and consider testing on a non-critical machine first.
Is Win11Debloat free?
Win11Debloat is released under the MIT licence and is open source. The project's README also includes a voluntary donation link, which is optional.
Does Win11Debloat need to be installed?
No. The project describes it as needing no installation. You can run it with the quick command or from an extracted folder.
Does Win11Debloat work on Windows 10?
Yes. The project states it works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Can I undo Win11Debloat changes?
The project says most changes can be reverted and almost all apps can be reinstalled from the Microsoft Store. The wiki's Reverting Changes page explains how.
What are alternatives to Win11Debloat?
Comparable projects named in the analysis include O&O ShutUp10++, Chris Titus Tech's WinUtil and privacy.sexy. Each covers some of the same privacy and system settings in a different way.
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Our verdict
Win11Debloat suits people setting up a new Windows PC, anyone who wants telemetry and suggestions off without hunting through settings, and admins who want to repeat a configuration. It is a poor fit for anyone uncomfortable running administrator-level scripts from the internet or who needs changes that are hard to undo, and it does not run on non-Windows systems.
Install options & downloads