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win: fix and improve Store app categorization #190

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- Remove incorrect categories and flatten their children.
- Simplify user interface by removing "installed" and "provisioned" app
  categories, listing the apps directly.
- Indent comments to be easily collapse parent category in IDE.
- Improve some of the existing documentation.
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undergroundwires
2023-11-20 11:26:14 +01:00
parent e299d40fa1
commit 094dbb01b8
1 changed files with 1763 additions and 1789 deletions
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110
src/application/collections/windows.yaml
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@@ -7724,21 +7724,31 @@ actions:
-
category: Remove Windows apps
docs: |-
This category focuses on the uninstallation of Windows apps.
This category covers the uninstallation of Windows apps.
Windows apps were introduced with Windows 8 and are typically acquired and installed through the Store app [1].
Many of these apps come pre-installed on Windows by default [1].
Uninstalling unused or unwanted apps contributes to privacy by reducing potential data collection points and minimizing your digital footprint.
The applications are categorized as:
- **Installed**: Included with the OS installation [1] [2]. They are stored in the `C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\{PackageFamilyName}` directory [1].
- **Provisioned**: Added when you log in with a new user account for the first time [1] [2] [3]. They are typically located in
`C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\{PackageName}` [1]. Following PowerShell command can be used to view all provisioned apps:
`Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Format-Table DisplayName, PackageName, PublisherId` [3].
- **System apps**: Integral components of Windows [1] [2].
This category does not target framework apps. Framework apps are packages that get installed automatically if another application requires them [2]. If there are
applications depending on these framework packages, you cannot delete the framework app individually [2]. However, if you remove those dependent applications, the
associated framework package will be deleted [3]. To list all framework apps, you can use the following command:
associated framework package will be deleted [4]. To list all framework apps, you can use the following command:
`Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object { $_.IsFramework -eq $true } | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Name`.
Uninstalling unused or unwanted apps contributes to privacy by reducing potential data collection points and minimizing your digital footprint.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10 "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231003110200/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/monetize/install-the-microsoft-advertising-libraries "Install the Microsoft Advertising SDK - Microsoft Store | Microsoft Learn"
[3]: https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy/issues/200 "[BUG]: Microsoft Advertising app removal failure · Issue #200 · undergroundwires/privacy.sexy"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20221101231811/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/provisioned-apps-windows-client-os "Get the provisioned apps on Windows client operating system - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Learn"
[4]: https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy/issues/200 "[BUG]: Microsoft Advertising app removal failure · Issue #200 · undergroundwires/privacy.sexy"
children:
# Good information for development:
# - Find out package name from store ID: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/protect/deploy-use/find-a-pfn-for-per-app-vpn (https://archive.ph/U46lx)
@@ -7754,29 +7764,13 @@ actions:
# Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.7, Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00, Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime.1.2, Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.4
# Windows 10 (22H2) : Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop, Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.2, Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.2, Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00
# Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.0, Microsoft.Advertising.Xaml, Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.1.7, Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.1.7
-
category: Remove provisioned Windows apps
docs: |-
This category addresses the uninstallation of provisioned Windows apps.
Provisioned Windows apps are those that get installed in a user account upon the first sign-in with a new user account [1].
They are typically located in `C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\{PackageName}` [1].
To view all provisioned apps:
1. Open a PowerShell command prompt.
2. Execute the following command: `Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Format-Table DisplayName, PackageName, PublisherId`
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10#provisioned-windows-apps "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20221101231811/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/provisioned-apps-windows-client-os "Get the provisioned apps on Windows client operating system - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Learn"
children:
-
name: Remove "App Connector" app
recommend: strict
docs: |-
This scripts unininstalls the "App Connector" Windows app.
This script unininstalls the "App Connector" Windows app.
The App Connector app in Windows is designed to access elements like your location, camera, contacts, and calendars [1] [2] [3].
The App Connector app accesses elements like your location, camera, contacts, and calendars [1] [2] [3].
This raises some concerns about user privacy [2].
In simpler terms, the App Connector acts as a bridge, facilitating communication
@@ -7787,8 +7781,6 @@ actions:
To secure these connections, connectors typically use OAuth or usernames and passwords [5].
It's worth noting that the exact functionality and detailed documentation about the App Connector from Microsoft is somewhat scarce [1] [3].
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231009125830/https://indiaplus.in/app-connector/ "What Is An App Connector: Windows 10 | indiaplus.in"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231009125808/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-app-connector-and-windows-shell/975e590b-1258-4552-b50f-f8e20e9aa285?page=2 "Windows 10 app connector and Windows Shell Experience - Microsoft Community"
[4]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231009125723/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connectors "Power Platform connectors overview | Microsoft Learn"
@@ -7849,9 +7841,9 @@ actions:
-
category: Remove MSN (Bing) apps
docs: |-
This category covers scripts designed to uninstall MSN (sometimes branded as "Bing" or just "Microsoft") applications from Windows.
This category includes scripts to uninstall MSN (sometimes branded as "Bing" or just "Microsoft") applications from Windows.
MSN apps typically come bundled with Windows and provide users with information from various domains such as weather, sports, news,
MSN apps come bundled with Windows and provide users with information from various domains such as weather, sports, news,
and finance. While they offer easy access to curated content right from the desktop, not all users find them essential.
If users prefer other sources or tools for this information, they might wish to uninstall these default apps to declutter their system.
@@ -8357,11 +8349,11 @@ actions:
-
name: Remove "Microsoft Pay" app
docs: |-
This script is uninstalls the Microsoft Pay app. Microsoft Pay, previously known as "Microsoft Wallet" [1] [2] [3], is a
cloud-based payment and wallet technology provided by Microsoft [2]. This system enables users to make secure payments through
This script uninstalls the Microsoft Pay app. Microsoft Pay, previously known as "Microsoft Wallet" [1] [2] [3], is a
cloud-based payment and wallet technology provided by Microsoft [2]. This system enables users to make payments through
Microsoft Pay on websites, within Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, and through Microsoft Bot Framework bots [4].
The primary function of Microsoft Pay is to facilitate payments using banks and credit cards [3]. The app integrates seamlessly with
The primary function of Microsoft Pay is to facilitate payments using banks and credit cards [3]. The app integrates with
the Microsoft Edge browser [5] and stores card data [4].
Microsoft Pay comes pre-installed on specific versions of Windows [1] [6] [7] [8].
@@ -8809,17 +8801,6 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.YourPhone
packageName: Microsoft.YourPhone
publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe
-
category: Remove installed Windows apps
docs: |-
This category covers uninstallation of pre-installed Windows apps.
Pre-installed Windows apps come with the operating system [1] and are stored in the `C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\{PackageFamilyName}` directory [1].
Removing these apps contributes to user privacy by eliminating potential avenues for unwanted data collection and by decluttering the system.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10 "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
children:
-
name: Remove "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app
docs: |-
@@ -8892,8 +8873,8 @@ actions:
-
category: Remove Candy Crush apps
docs: |-
This category encompasses actions to uninstall the various Candy Crush applications that may come preinstalled or be available for installation
on certain versions of Windows. These actions help streamline the system by removing potentially unwanted games.
This category consists of scripts to uninstall the various Candy Crush applications that may come preinstalled
or be available for installation on certain versions of Windows.
children:
-
name: Remove "Candy Crush Saga" app
@@ -9108,7 +9089,6 @@ actions:
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10 "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20221101233445/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/system-apps-windows-client-os "Get the system apps on Windows client operating system - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Learn"
call:
-
function: UninstallSystemApp
parameters:
# Existence : Windows 10 (≥ 22H2): ✅ Exists | Windows 11 (≥ 22H2): ✅ Exists
@@ -9116,6 +9096,13 @@ actions:
packageName: F46D4000-FD22-4DB4-AC8E-4E1DDDE828FE
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
name: Remove "InputApp" app
docs: |-
This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [1] [2].
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10 "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20221101233445/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/system-apps-windows-client-os "Get the system apps on Windows client operating system - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Learn"
call:
function: UninstallSystemApp
parameters:
# Existence : Windows 10 (≥ 22H2): ❌ Missing | Windows 11 (≥ 22H2): ❌ Missing
@@ -9188,9 +9175,6 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.AsyncTextService
packageName: Microsoft.AsyncTextService
publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe
-
category: Remove Windows Hello setup UI apps
children:
-
name: Remove "Hello setup UI" app (breaks biometric authentication)
recommend: strict
@@ -9253,32 +9237,26 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.LockApp
packageName: Microsoft.LockApp
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
category: Remove Edge apps
docs: |-
These scripts disable Windows apps related to Microsoft Edge [1].
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10
children:
-
category: Remove Edge (Legacy)
docs: |-
This category aids in the removal of Microsoft Edge Legacy. Microsoft introduced the Legacy version based on the EdgeHTML engine [1].
However, as of March 9, 2021, they stopped supporting this version, implying it no longer gets security updates or patches [1].
Unsupported software can pose security vulnerabilities.
This category includes scripts to remove Microsoft Edge Legacy. Microsoft introduced the Legacy version based on the EdgeHTML
engine [1] in 2015 [2]. However, as of March 9, 2021, they stopped supporting this version, implying it no longer gets
security updates or patches [1] [2]. Keeping unsupported software on your system can pose security vulnerabilities.
Initially, this version was the default browser on Windows 10 PCs [1]. Due to its tight integration with Windows, a simple uninstall
might not eliminate all related files.
One privacy concern with Microsoft Edge Legacy is how it handles your browsing history. When used, the browser integrates your browsing
history into your device's activity log that is sent to Microsoft [2]. But, even if disabled, the data remains on your device [2].
history into your device's activity log that is sent to Microsoft [3]. But, even if disabled, the data remains on your device [3].
This local storage of data can be analyzed for your behavior, potentially compromising your privacy.
By utilizing this script, you ensure a comprehensive removal of the browser and its related components, thus enhancing your system's
privacy and security.
[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231004084011/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-is-microsoft-edge-legacy-3e779e55-4c55-08e6-ecc8-2333768c0fb0 "What is Microsoft Edge Legacy? - Microsoft Support"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231008125552/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/-windows-activity-history-and-your-privacy-2b279964-44ec-8c2f-e0c2-6779b07d2cbd "Windows activity history and your privacy - Microsoft Support"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231120102054/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/microsoft-edge-legacy "Microsoft Edge Legacy - Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231008125552/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/-windows-activity-history-and-your-privacy-2b279964-44ec-8c2f-e0c2-6779b07d2cbd "Windows activity history and your privacy - Microsoft Support"
children:
-
name: Remove "Microsoft Edge" app
@@ -9504,7 +9482,12 @@ actions:
The main purpose of this app is to update the Windows experience [1].
To achieve this, the app collects data about interactions with the Windows Spotlight content, such as which content is viewed, clicked on, or given feedback [1]. It records the content's ID, user actions, and other associated attributes [1]. Additionally, the app aggregates data about the state of content offers on a device, including the health of user accounts, the health status of the content delivery, and more specific metrics [1]. The app also keeps track of where the content is displayed, like on the LockScreen or Start menu, and when. This detailed tracking ensures that Windows stays up-to-date [1]. However, for users who prioritize privacy, understanding the data this app collects can be vital.
To achieve this, the app collects data about interactions with the Windows Spotlight content, such as which content is viewed,
clicked on, or given feedback [1]. It records the content's ID, user actions, and other associated attributes [1]. Additionally, the app
aggregates data about the state of content offers on a device, including the health of user accounts, the health status of the content
delivery, and more specific metrics [1]. The app also keeps track of where the content is displayed, like on the LockScreen or Start menu,
and when [1] [3]. This detailed tracking ensures that Windows stays up-to-date [1]. However, for users who prioritize privacy, understanding
the data this app collects can be vital.
The app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [4] [5].
@@ -9520,9 +9503,6 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager
packageName: Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
category: Remove Cortana system apps
children:
-
name: Remove "Search" app (breaks Windows search)
docs: |-
@@ -9672,9 +9652,6 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ParentalControls
packageName: Microsoft.Windows.ParentalControls
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
category: Remove People Hub apps
children:
-
name: Remove "My People" app
recommend: strict
@@ -9771,9 +9748,6 @@ actions:
# More info : Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.SecureAssessmentBrowser
packageName: Microsoft.Windows.SecureAssessmentBrowser
publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy
-
category: Remove Windows Feedback apps
children:
-
name: Remove "Windows Feedback" app
recommend: standard