diff --git a/src/application/collections/windows.yaml b/src/application/collections/windows.yaml index 54745b05..6a4ca19b 100644 --- a/src/application/collections/windows.yaml +++ b/src/application/collections/windows.yaml @@ -12528,17 +12528,39 @@ actions: - category: Remove Phone apps docs: |- - The "Phone" category contains scripts focused on managing phone-related Windows apps. These scripts cater to apps designed to connect smartphones with Windows, telecommunication tools like - dialer apps, and older or substituted phone-associated apps. The scripts' objective is to provide users the flexibility to decide on the existence and functionalities of these apps, enhancing - their control over personal preferences. - children: - - - name: Remove "Your Phone Companion" app - docs: |- - It was initially released in October 2018 [1]. It allows synchronization between your phone and PC [2]. + This category features scripts for managing Windows apps related to smartphones. + These scripts are for apps that connect smartphones to Windows, including dialer and other phone-related apps, even those that are outdated or replaced. + The scripts aim to let users control whether these apps stay or go, improving their control over personal settings. - It is replaced by "Phone Link" app since March 2022 [1]. - It does not exist in newer versions of Windows. + These applications may pose privacy concerns due to their data sharing and synchronization capabilities. + Removing these apps improves privacy by stopping unwanted data sharing with Microsoft and reducing security risks. + This also improves system performance by reducing process count. + + > **Caution:** Removal might affect smartphone integration features. + > Ensure you understand the implications and have alternative solutions if you rely on these features for your daily tasks. + children: + # Excluding: + # - `Microsoft.Windows.Phone`: + # Although occasionally mentioned in online scripts, there's no verifiable evidence of this package. + # References like "Windows Phone" (an operating system, not an app) and "Windows Phone Connector" (an app exclusively for macOS) + # suggest a mix-up with unrelated products. + - + name: Remove "Phone Companion" app # Deprecated in newer Windows + recommend: standard # Deprecated, impact on modern systems would be minimal + docs: |- + This script removes the "Phone Companion" app. + This app is also known as *Microsoft Phone Companion* [1] or, technically, `Microsoft.WindowsPhone` [2]. + + This integrates Windows PCs with mobile devices (Android, iPhone, and iPad) [1]. + It enabled synchronization of music, photos, Word documents, and Cortana reminders across devices [1]. + It provided setup instructions and syncing tips [1]. + The app enabled users to check their device's battery and storage status and transfer files [1]. + It supported Windows, Android, and iOS devices [1]. + + This app has been absent in Windows versions since October 2018, replaced by the *Phone Link* app [3]. + Removing this app enhances privacy and system performance. + + > **Caution:** Removal may impact device synchronization on older Windows versions reliant on this app's unique features. ### Overview of default preinstallation @@ -12552,25 +12574,30 @@ actions: | Windows 11 | 22H2 | ❌ | | Windows 11 | 23H2 | ❌ | - [1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231006204400/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/introducing-microsoft-phone-link-and-link-to-windows-2e4bb4c0-f99a-4464-92a8-5264c7c39734 "Introducing Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows - Microsoft Support" - [2]: https://archive.ph/2023.10.09-121535/https://github.com/microsoftdocs/windows-insider/blob/public/wip/apps/your-phone.md%23june-10-2020#june-10-2020 "windows-insider/wip/apps/your-phone.md at public · MicrosoftDocs/windows-insider | github.com" + [1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20161230070534/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/microsoft-phone-companion/9wzdncrfj3pm "Microsoft Phone Companion – Windows Apps on Microsoft Store | web.archive.org" + [2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240323103312/https://bspmts.mp.microsoft.com/v1/public/catalog/Retail/Products/9wzdncrfj3pm/applockerdata "Microsoft.WindowsPhone | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com API | | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com" + [3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231006204400/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/introducing-microsoft-phone-link-and-link-to-windows-2e4bb4c0-f99a-4464-92a8-5264c7c39734 "Introducing Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows - Microsoft Support" call: - - - function: UninstallStoreApp - parameters: - packageName: Microsoft.WindowsPhone # Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsPhone - publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe - - - function: UninstallStoreApp - parameters: - packageName: Microsoft.Windows.Phone # Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Phone - publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe + function: UninstallStoreApp + parameters: + packageName: Microsoft.WindowsPhone # Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsPhone + publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe - - name: Remove "Communications - Phone" app # Deprecated in newer Windows 10 + name: Remove "Microsoft Phone" app # Windows 10 Mobile app, deprecated in newer Windows + recommend: standard # Deprecated, impact on modern systems would be minimal docs: |- - This app is also known as "Phone (dialer)" app [1]. + This script removes the "Microsoft Phone" app. + This app is known as *Phone (dialer)* [1], *Microsoft Phone* [2], or `Microsoft.CommsPhone` [3]. - This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [1]. + This app enabled voice and video calls over cellular networks or Wi-Fi on Windows 10 Mobile [2]. + It offered smart contact search, voicemail management, call recording, and call blocking [2]. + + This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [1] [4]. + Windows 10 Mobile has reached end of support and is an outdated operating system [5]. + Removing outdated and unsupported apps improves privacy and performance. + + > **Caution:** If you are using a device still running on Windows 10 Mobile, uninstalling this app will remove your ability to make or receive phone + > calls, manage voicemail, or block unwanted calls directly from your device. ### Overview of default preinstallation @@ -12585,6 +12612,10 @@ actions: | Windows 11 | 23H2 | ❌ | [1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231006175115/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/applocker-csp "AppLocker CSP - Windows Client Management | Microsoft Learn" + [2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324180612/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-phone/9wzdncrdtbwp?activetab=pivot:overviewtab "Get Microsoft Phone - Microsoft Store | www.microsoft.com" + [3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324180601/https://bspmts.mp.microsoft.com/v1/public/catalog/Retail/Products/9wzdncrdtbwp/applockerdata "Microsoft.CommsPhone | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com API | | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com" + [4]: https://web.archive.org/web/20190420022129/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/mobile-devices/product-ids-in-windows-10-mobile "Product IDs in Windows 10 Mobile (Windows 10) | Microsoft Docs | docs.microsoft.com" + [5]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240325084146/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-mobile-end-of-support-faq-8c2dd1cf-a571-00f0-0881-bb83926d05c5 "Windows 10 Mobile End of Support: FAQ - Microsoft Support | support.microsoft.com" call: function: UninstallStoreApp parameters: @@ -12592,13 +12623,50 @@ actions: publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe - name: Remove "Phone Link" app + recommend: strict docs: |- - [Microsoft Store Page](https://archive.ph/2023.10.06-204308/https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/phone-link/9NMPJ99VJBWV?hl=en-us&gl=us) + This script removes the "Phone Link" app. + Known technically as `Microsoft.YourPhone` [1] [2] [3], + previously *Your Phone* [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] and *Your Phone Companion* [4]. - It was initially released as "Your Phone" app in October 2018 [1]. + The app links your phone and Windows PC. + It allows you to share and manage content and communications across devices [5] [7] [8]. + The app lets you text, make calls, use mobile apps, get notifications, and transfer files over Wi-Fi [5] [7] [8]. + + Launched in October 2018 as *Your Phone* and *Your Phone Companion* [4], + it was rebranded to *Microsoft Phone Link* in March 2022 [4] [9]. + Originally developed for Android [8], through collaboration between Microsoft and Samsung [8], + it has extended support to iOS devices since April 26, 2023 [10]. + + Privacy concerns arise from personal data handling, unencrypted data transfer, and potential misuse: + + - **No End-to-End Encryption:** + It is not end-to-end encrypted, raising doubts about data privacy and security during transfers [11]. + - **Microsoft personal data collection:** + Personal data, including text messages, clipboard contents, photos, and notifications, are collected by Microsoft [6]. + Microsoft confirms it stores and processes such data [6]. + - **Malicious Usage**: + Misuse of the app, such as setting it up on a victim's phone to monitor communications without consent [12] [13], increases data leakage risks. + - **Lack of Privacy Transparency:** + The Microsoft Privacy Statement does not explicitly clarify that personal data is relayed through its servers, leading to possible + misconceptions about data handling [6] [14]. + Microsoft's approach to privacy is criticized for lacking transparency [6] [11]. + - **Sensitive Information Exposure:** + Data exposed to Microsoft, or can be received by an attacker can include sensitive information such as the content of private messages, security + codes from authentication apps, caller identities, and more [6] [12]. + This can contain personal, financial, or security-related data [6] [12]. + - **Diagnostic Data Collection:** + The app collects diagnostic data, including potentially sensitive information about app usage [6]. + - **Account Takeover:** + The app could be used in account takeover attempts by intercepting multi-factor authentication notifications [12]. + - **Attack vector surface on Android:** + Android devices face more potential attack vectors than iOS devices due to internet-based connectivity [12]. This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [2] [3]. + > **Caution:** Its absence may affect your workflow if you rely on its features for daily tasks. + > Consider [KDE Connect](https://kdeconnect.kde.org/) for similar, privacy-friendly features. + ### Overview of default preinstallation | OS | Version | Existence | @@ -12611,14 +12679,64 @@ actions: | Windows 11 | 22H2 | ✅ | | Windows 11 | 23H2 | ✅ | - [1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231006204400/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/introducing-microsoft-phone-link-and-link-to-windows-2e4bb4c0-f99a-4464-92a8-5264c7c39734 "Introducing Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows - Microsoft Support" + [1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324181147/https://bspmts.mp.microsoft.com/v1/public/catalog/Retail/Products/9NMPJ99VJBWV/applockerdata "Microsoft.YourPhone | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com API | | bspmts.mp.microsoft.com" [2]: 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" [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://web.archive.org/web/20231006204400/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/introducing-microsoft-phone-link-and-link-to-windows-2e4bb4c0-f99a-4464-92a8-5264c7c39734 "Introducing Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows - Microsoft Support" + [5]: https://archive.ph/2024.03.24-181742/https://github.com/microsoftdocs/windows-insider/blob/public/wip/apps/your-phone.md "windows-insider/wip/apps/your-phone.md at public · MicrosoftDocs/windows-insider | github.com" + [6]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240325075627/https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/microsoft-phone-link-privacy.html "Phone Link relays your personal data through Microsoft servers | Ctrl blog | ctrl.blog" + [7]: https://archive.ph/2023.10.06-204308/https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/phone-link/9NMPJ99VJBWV?hl=en-us&gl=us "Phone Link - Microsoft Apps | apps.microsoft.com" + [8]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324183306/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/08/05/microsoft-and-samsung-expand-partnership-empowering-you-across-work-and-play/ "Microsoft and Samsung expand partnership, empowering you across work and play | Windows Experience Blog | blogs.windows.com" + [9]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324183451/https://www.windowscentral.com/your-phone-renamed-phone-link "Microsoft renames Your Phone to Phone Link, partners with Honor for an expanded experience | Windows Central | windowscentral.com" + [10]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240324184511/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/04/26/phone-link-for-ios-is-now-rolling-out-to-all-windows-11-customers/ "Phone Link for iOS is now rolling out to all Windows 11 customers | Windows Experience Blog | blogs.windows.com" + [11]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240325080949/https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsofts-phone-link-is-the-best-new-windows-feature-of-the-past-decade "Microsoft's 'Phone Link' is the best new Windows feature of the past decade | Windows Central | www.windowscentral.com" + [12]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240325084649/https://irradiate.com.au/blog/securing-microsoft-phone-link "Navigating Security Challenges in Microsoft's Phone Link for Organization - Irradiate Security | irradiate.com.au" + [13]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240325080335/https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/windows-11-phone-link-feature-could-exploited-cyberstalkers-spy-iphones-report "Windows 11 Phone Link feature could be exploited by cyberstalkers to spy on iPhones: report | Fox Business | foxbusiness.com" + [14]: https://web.archive.org/web/20230406235344/https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement#mainyourphonemodule "Microsoft Privacy Statement – Microsoft privacy | privacy.microsoft.com" call: function: UninstallStoreApp parameters: packageName: Microsoft.YourPhone # Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.YourPhone publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe + - + name: Remove "Call" app + recommend: strict + docs: |- + This script removes the "Call" application, also known as the *Calling Shell App* [1]. + + This app enables transferring and managing phone calls from a mobile to a Windows desktop, including playback + through PC speakers [2]. + The main executable of this app is `CallingShellApp.exe`, which Microsoft describes as the + "Calling App to host call progress on shell" [3]. + + The script is safe to use if you don't need your PC to handle phone calls [3]. + Removing this app does not affect the core functionalities of Windows. + + > **Caution**: + > Removing the "Call" app disables transferring phone calls from a mobile to your PC [2]. + + ### Overview of default preinstallation + + This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [3]. + + | OS | Version | Existence | + | -- | ------- | --------- | + | Windows 10 | 19H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 10 | 20H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 10 | 21H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 10 | 22H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 11 | 21H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 11 | 22H2 | ✅ | + | Windows 11 | 23H2 | ✅ | + + [1]: https://archive.ph/2024.03.25-093648/https://twitter.com/ALumia_Italia/status/1088739425738244096?lang=en 'Aggiornamenti Lumia on X: "Windows Calling Shell App (aka Call) got a new "Store Logo"" / X | twitter.com' + [2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240103144719/https://www.aggiornamentilumia.it/2018/11/05/windows-10-19h1-in-arrivo-una-nuova-applicazione-per-il-mirroring-chiamate-indiscrezione/ "Windows 10 19H1 | In arrivo una nuova applicazione per il mirroring chiamate [Indiscrezione] - Aggiornamenti Lumia | www.aggiornamentilumia.it" + [3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240103144732/https://strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/CallingShellApp.exe-C5415F104A4060D90CE1675383308A66.html "CallingShellApp.exe | Calling App to host call progress on shell | STRONTIC | strontic.github.io" + call: + function: UninstallNonRemovableStoreApp + parameters: + packageName: Microsoft.Windows.CallingShellApp # Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.CallingShellApp + publisherId: cw5n1h2txyewy - name: Remove "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app docs: |-