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win: improve and document removing Phone apps #279

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This commit improves Windows scripts related to phone apps, extending
documentation, renaming scripts for clarity, removing unnecessary
scripts and adjusting recommendation levels.

Changes:

- Add script to disable the 'Call' system app, identified as missing in
  issue #279.
- Update documentation for each phone-related app to include
  descriptions and cautionary advice, focusing on privacy and
  system performance benefits.
- Rename scripts for better alignment with actual app names and to
  correct misconceptions:
  - 'Communications - Phone' to 'Microsoft Phone'
  - 'Your Phone Companion' to 'Your Phone'
- Remove the script for deleting `Microsoft.Windows.Phone` package,
  correcting a community misreport.
- Adjust recommendations to remove Phone-related apps, considering their
  limited necessity for OS functionality and common software use.
This commit is contained in:
undergroundwires
2024-03-25 12:07:26 +01:00
parent 4a9b430702
commit 89243371fa
1 changed files with 146 additions and 28 deletions
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166
src/application/collections/windows.yaml
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@@ -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are for apps that connect smartphones to Windows, including dialer and other phone-related apps, even those that are outdated or replaced.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
-
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: |-