-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
/
windows-10-without-spyware
1421 lines (790 loc) · 67.6 KB
/
windows-10-without-spyware
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
<div class="body">
# Windows 10 AME Documentation <span class="badge" style="bottom: 7px; left: 3px;">New!</span>
<aside>Version 1903 Dated 2020-02-06</aside>
<div class="comment-vertical">
**Note about this article**
A packaged version of this guide, for offline use, is available <a style="" href="">here</a> [Not yet available]
</div>
The goal of the AME project is to provide a stable and non-intrusive build of Windows 10, without sacrificing usability and Win32 compatibility for the majority of mainstream applications. This includes the avoidance and riddance of privacy infringing automated data collection services, central to Microsoft’s strategy for the Windows 10 operating system.
This page provides a complete step-by-step description of how AME images are mastered based on Windows 10 build 1903 with minor proceeding updates, defining a complete documentation of this project.
While large portions of this process have been automated using various scripts and Linux command line utilities, a large majority requires manual effort, with many of the steps often producing differing and sometimes non-predictable results from instance to instance, increasing the difficulty of this procedure. As such, sections where abnormal behavior may occur have been appropriately highlighted.
<dp>It is also recommended that anyone attempting to reproduce the steps in this guide be moderately versed with Linux and consequently also not afraid of using the command line.
## Contents
1. [Windows 10 1903 Installation](#install)
2. [Updating Windows](#updates)
3. [Cleanin-Up Basic UI Elements](#basic_cleanup)
4. [Install OpenSSH server (optional)](#openssh)
5. [Run Amelioration Script (Pre)](#ame_pre)
6. [Linux: Run Ameliorate Script](#snd)
7. [Run Amelioration Script (Post)](#ame_post)
8. [Setup Classic-Shell](#classicshell)
9. [Modify Windows Explorer](#explorer)
10. [Run the latest hardentools from Security Without Borders](#hardentools)
11. [Set Application Defaults](#defaults)
12. [Setting the default wallpaper for desktop and lock screen](#wallpaper)
## Installation of Windows 10 1903
Firstly, you will need to grab a clean ISO of Windows 10 build 1903\. This can be done from Microsoft’s website directly, or via the use of third party tools, such as the [Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool](https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool).
During installation, particularly the next few steps, it is necessary to disconnect your target machine from the Internet. Burn the image to a USB flash drive or attach it in your VM manager to boot the installation medium. A partition size of at least 32GB is required.
You will be asked to provide a product key.
When asked, use <span class="code">2B87N-8KFHP-DKV6R-Y2C8J-PKCKT</span>, which is a Generic License key for Windows 10 Pro N RTM. If your hardware has already been activated with a legitimate key, or if you have acquired your own, please enter your key instead. This generic key does not activate Windows; rather, it only allows for the installation to continue.
<div class="comment-vertical">
If you purchased your key from a third party, you may want to activate the key using a vanilla Windows 10 Installation on your machine before proceeding with AME, as the key will be tied to your motherboard and unable to be used again. Third party sellers sometimes check for this so they can make more money by reselling the key if you did not use it within a short time from purchasing it.
</div>
### Post Install Procedure - After the initial installation perform the following steps:
The installation and initial setup proceeds mostly normally, with the arguably placebo-trier toggles for privacy being disabled for good measure. **It is again very vital to mention that no internet connection be established during the entire installation!**
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Windows 10 Post Install**
During the initial post-install setup, select your default language, skip any network setup (it will ask twice, click no on the second prompt), and add a user as a local account. This user will be the user which does not have administrator privileges. The username can be anything you want, but on AME releases the username is simply "user".</div>
</div>
## Extracting and Installing Updates
Before further changing the operating system, we recommend installing Microsoft’s security updates. Both the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) and Cumulative Updates are required to properly install updates. The Cumulative Update includes all updates released since the initial release of 1903\. This means that only the latest Cumulative Update is required to obtain updates included in prior Cumulative Updates. The correct SSU for the Cumulative Update package can be found in the **"How to get this update"** section of each Cumulative Update page. For a full list of update options, as well as updates proceeding this guide, follow the Microsoft link [here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4528760). The latest AME release uses SSU [KB4528759](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4528759) in conjunction with Cumulative Update [KB4528760](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4528760).
<div class="comment-vertical">
Proceed at your own risk when installing updates outside of the scope of this guide, as amelioration features with respect to privacy may be jeopardized.
</div>
To install an update, use Microsoft’s Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
Firstly, extract the desired .cab file from the .msu files:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">expand</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-F</span><span style="color: #f2246e">:*</span> <.msu file> <dest>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
The SSU will need to be installed prior to the Cumulative Update, but the DISM command structure is identical. Just point to the correct .cab file.
Copy the <span class="code">Windows10.0-KB4528759-x64.cab</span> and <span class="code">Windows10.0-KB4528760_PSFX.cab</span> files to the root of the C: drive, or a location of your choosing, and run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=C:\Windows10.0-KB4528759-x64.cab
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Reboot before installing the Cumulative Update
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">shutdown</span> /r /t 0
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Continue by installing the Cumulative Update
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=C:\Windows10.0-KB4528760-x64_PSFX.cab
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Once the Cumulative Update has finished installing, it will prompt for a reboot. Reboot a second time after Windows boots up. The last step concerning updates is to clear the Windows Update cache:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/Cleanup-Image</span> /StartComponentCleanup
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">
Sometimes the progress bar hangs in the command prompt; it will update if you type on the keyboard. Use the arrow keys since that will not put text on the screen. Cleaning up the cache currently takes longer than installing updates.
</div>
### Install the Media Feature Pack
Adding the Media Feature Pack allows for the playback of some embedded HTML5 web videos. [Firefox](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/fix-video-audio-problems-firefox-windows?as=u&utm_source=inproduct), for example, will misbehave if this particular content is attempted to be played, and will indicate to the user that the pack needs to be installed. Other media intensive applications are also affected.
Download the Media Feature Pack from the [Microsoft Software Download Service](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/mediafeaturepack)
Firstly, extract the desired .cab file from the .msu file:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">expand</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-F</span><span style="color: #f2246e">:*</span> <MFP .msu file> <dest>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Copy the resulting <span class="code">.cab</span> file to the root of the C: drive, or a location of your choice, then install offline update, again using an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=<path to .cab>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Cleaning-Up Basic UI Elements
Simplifying the UI and removing extraneous visual features is one of the critical aspects of the amelioration process (as well as ensuring that certain subsequently damaged and/or non-responsive features are pulled from the interface). The following tasks need to be undertaken before the amelioration and ameliorate scripts are executed. Given the various extraneous and difficult to describe UI elements to be navigated for these procedures, videos have also been added to help document these basic tasks.
<div class="comment-vertical">
Note that although these tasks may appear simple, they need to be undertaken before the amelioration or ameliorate scripts are executed.
</div>
### Cleaning-up the Start Menu and Taskbar
Windows 10 ships with very confusing and misguided functionality and features implemented by default in the taskbar. These can and should be removed manually, aiding in simplifying the UI. Note that most of these features will be unavailable once the amelioration script is executed. The Start Menu tiles (application links) are being removed now, for this very reason. Attempting to remove them later may actually not work.
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Cleaning up the Start Menu and Taskbar**
Remove all tiles from the Start Menu and all links except for Windows Explorer from the taskbar. Set the taskbar to never combine and set the systemtray to show all icons.</div>
</div>
## Install OpenSSH server (optional)
Build 1903 of Windows 10 allows for native integration of an OpenSSH server, sanctioned by Microsoft, with the OpenSSH client coming pre-installed on Pro editions of the software. Installation of the server will be accomplished offline, using the manual steps described on the official project's [github](https://github.com/PowerShell/Win32-OpenSSH/wiki/Install-Win32-OpenSSH) page:
<div class="comment-vertical">
Enabling the SSH server will add an attack vector to your machine. Please keep this in mind when enabling this feature!
</div>
Download the latest build of OpenSSH. For a list of the latest releases follow [this link](https://github.com/PowerShell/Win32-OpenSSH/releases/).
(We used <span class="code">v8.1.0.0p1-Beta</span> at the time of this guide)
Extract contents of the latest build to <span class="code">C:\Program Files\OpenSSH</span>
<div class="comment-vertical">
Make sure the binary location has Write permissions to just the SYSTEM and Administrator groups. Authenticated users should only have Read and Execute.
</div>
In an elevated Powershell console, run the following:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">powershell.exe</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-ExecutionPolicy</span> Bypass -File install-sshd.ps1
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Open the firewall for sshd.exe to allow inbound SSH connections:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)'
-Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">Changing the SSH port to a port above 40000 will provide a small increase in security while on public networks.</div>
Start <span class="code">sshd</span> in an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> net start sshd
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">Note that this will automatically generate host keys under <span class="code">%programdata%\ssh</span> if they don't already exist. Because of this, we can't distribute AME with the server already enabled, as all of the computers with AME would have identical public and private keys for SSH.</div>
The <span class="code">sshd</span> service should also be configured to auto-start at boot. In an elevated PowerShell window type:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">Set-Service</span> sshd <span style="color: #a4df2d">-StartupType</span> Automatic
</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Run Amelioration Script (Pre)
At this stage we are ready to begin the amelioration process, which is structured into various phases due to the nature of Windows 10's self-updating and healing capabilities. The amelioration script, the Windows-side component of the AME process, is responsible for disabling services, applying individual registry hacks, modifying various configuration files, and installing software. Consequently, this script has both options to be executed before and after the proceeding [deletion process](#snd).
The script has been heavily commented to reasonably document each operation.
Download the script:
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px;">
<div id="minimal_title" class="download-prompt-wrapper">
**Windows 10 Amelioration script**
Windows-side component for the amelioration process, heavily commented for documentation purposes.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px; margin-bottom: 0px">
<div id="minimal_button" class="download-prompt-wrapper-2">
<center>[<button class="button4 button2">Download</button>](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/amelioration_1903_2020.03.06.bat)
BAT File 34 KiB [ [SHA256 Sum](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/amelioration_1903_2020.03.06.bat.sha256) ]
Version 2020-03-06
</center>
</div>
</div>
Run the <span class="code">amelioration_2019-12-14.bat</span> as Administrator
Once opened, run option 1 <span class="code">Pre-Amelioration</span> from the main menu. This may take several minutes to complete.
<div class="comment-vertical">
The script will likely generate errors; this is fine, it is just unable to remove some of the built-in apps with PowerShell.
</div>
Run option 3: <span class="code">User Permissions</span>, which will open the <span class="code">netplwiz</span> GUI for configuring Windows user permissions:
* Reset password for <span class="code">Administrator</span> account
* Double click <span class="code">user</span> account, go to the Group Membership tab and select <span class="code">Standard User</span>
* Click OK when finished. You will be asked to sign out, click Yes.
After logging back in, change the password of the default user.
In an elevated command prompt, type the following:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">net</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">user</span> user <span style="color: #f2246e">*</span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Run Ameliorate Script (Linux Required)
To assure that our changes are permanent, we need to remove Windows Update and its self-healing ability. This cannot be done within the running system because of Windows file permissions and repair operations. Another operating system, preferably a Linux distribution, is required for this step.
The Ameliorate script makes heavy use of filesystem fuzzing search operations to effectively find and remove all files classified under specific naming conventions by Microsoft and pipes these paths to delete commands. As noted above, modifying the Windows filesystem from Linux allows us the luxury of ignoring filesystem permissions and ensures that Windows cannot re-patch these files before we reboot. This process enables the complete deletion of all relevant binaries from the system. In addition to the removal process the script also generates a recovery script to restore all of the removed Windows files from backup.
The script is written in bash, and commented to reasonably document various deleted components.
Download the script:
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px;">
<div id="minimal_title" class="download-prompt-wrapper">
**Linux Ameliorate script**
Linux-side component for the amelioration process, commented for documentation purposes.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px; margin-bottom: 0px">
<div id="minimal_button" class="download-prompt-wrapper-2">
<center>[<button class="button4 button2">Download</button>](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/ameliorate_1903_2020.03.06.sh)
SH File 14 KiB [ [SHA256 Sum](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/ameliorate_1903_2020.03.06.sh.sha256) ]
Version 2020-03-06
</center>
</div>
</div>
Boot into Linux and mount your Windows drive.
Place <span class="code">ameliorate_1903_2020-01-18.sh</span> in the root directory of your Windows drive, and execute it with root permissions:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">$</span> sudo <span style="color: #a4df2d">./ameliorate_1903_2020-01-18.sh</span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">
The script will generate ten errors, two for OfficeHub and eight for MicrosoftEdge. This is due to permissions. This seems to be fine and neither of the programs can run. For unknown reasons, there are multiple copies of Windows files all over the folder structure of Windows 10\. The ones that actually run Microsoft Edge are successfully removed.
</div>
Once the script has finished, boot back into Windows to continue.
## Run Amelioration Script (Post)
Due to the deletion process, at this stage, Windows 10 lacks even basic software, such as a web browser or media player. This process installs the [chocolatey package manager](https://chocolatey.org/) and a selection of basic sensible software.
Once again, run the <span class="code">amelioration_2019-12-14.bat</span> as Administrator and enable internet access.
Run option 2 <span class="code">Post-Amelioration</span> from the main menu.
## Setup Classic-Shell
The amelioration process, with respect to the disabling and/or outright deletion of certain binaries, such as Cortana, cripples some Windows functionality which needs to be replaced. The Start Menu is left handicapped with disabled search functionality and a few non-functional app links. Thankfully there are open-source projects such as classic-shell, aiming to not only replace the Start Menu with a separate executable, but also to be more functionally similar to the Start Menu from Windows 7 or earlier.
The following describes the steps to configure classic-shell to the state used in AME:
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Configuring Start Menu replacement Classic-Shell**
While most of these configurations are optional, we have tried to align classic-shell with sensible theming. These are the settings applied in the AME release.</div>
</div>
Enable: **Show all settings**, go to the **Skin** tab:
* Select <span class="code">Midnight</span> from the skin drop-down menu
* Select <span class="code">More transparent</span> from the Skin options
Go to the **Main Menu** tab:
* Uncheck <span class="code">Show Metro apps</span> (apps have been disabled)
* Uncheck <span class="code">Show recent Metro apps</span> (see above)
* Set <span class="code">Max recent programs</span> to <span class="code">15</span> (or any other number you'd like)
* Uncheck <span class="code">Enable hybrid shutdown</span> for good measure
Go to the **Menu Look** tab:
* Check <span class="code">Override glass color</span> (this is optional)
* Set Menu glass color to <span class="code">000000</span> (or any other color you'd like)
## Modify Windows 10 Explorer
Microsoft has opted to ship an arguably very poorly designed UI, in terms of ease of access and clarity, with Windows 10\. The lack of any defined contrasts and the burying of useful elements, which have been obscured by a confusing ribbon system, is especially apparent in <span class="code">Windows Explorer</span>, a very frequented application.
In light of this <span class="code">OldNewExplorer</span> is an excellent project to integrate.
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px;">
<div id="minimal_title" class="download-prompt-wrapper">
**Old New Explorer**
Windows 10 shell extension which can undo "improvements" to file browsing made in newer Windows version.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px; margin-bottom: 0px">
<div id="minimal_button" class="download-prompt-wrapper-2">
<center>[<button class="button4 button2">Download</button>](files/OldNewExplorer.rar)
RAR File 278 KiB [ [Source/Mirror](https://msfn.org/board/topic/170375-oldnewexplorer-118/) ]
Version 1.1.8
</center>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">Do not run this application as administrator. It will prompt you</div>
Use the following settings:
* Click Install and follow the dialogs
* Uncheck everything
* Check <span class="code">Use classical drive grouping in This PC</span>
* Check <span class="code">Use libraries; hide folders from This PC</span>
* Check <span class="code">Use command bar instead of Ribbon</span>
* Check <span class="code">Hide caption text in File Explorer windows</span>
* Check <span class="code">Hide caption icon in File Explorer windows</span>
* Check <span class="code">Show details pane on the bottom</span>
* Appearance style set to <span class="code">Default style (Windows 7 style / skin style)</span>
* Status bar style set to <span class="code">Default style (white)</span>
* Check <span class="code">Show status bar</span>
## Install and Configure Cygwin
Get Cygwin, _"a Unix-like environment and command-line interface for Microsoft Windows"_ from their [website](https://cygwin.com/) and install <span class="code">lynx</span> with it, so that <span class="code">apt-cyg</span> can be used to get additional packages for Cygwin. Since the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will be unavailable in AME, Cygwin is a great addition to the Windows desktop. It allows the use of bash natively, as well as various other ported Unix and Linux tools.
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Install and configure Cygwin with apt-cyg**
This video covers the complete guide on how to install and configure Cygwin with apt-cyg, as well as other AME specific modifications.</div>
</div>
During the install, select all the default options until the **Select Packages** dialog is reached.
Search for each of the following applications and mark them to be installed. Searching does not display a list of packages; instead, it shows the category that each application is in. To see the packages, you need to expand the category by clicking the **plus symbol**. The packages you should install are: <span class="code">lynx</span> and <span class="code">nano</span>
Follow through the rest of the installation wizard normally.
Move the provided <span class="code">.bashrc</span> to <span class="code">C:\cygwinx64\home\user\</span> Create the user folder if it does not exist already. The provided <span class="code">bashrc</span> file does not have the dot in front of it. You will have to rename it with cygwin:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">$</span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">mv</span><span style="color: #a4df2d"></span> bashrc .bashrc
</pre>
</div>
</div>
To install <span class="code">apt-cyg</span> type the following commands in an elevated Cygwin shell:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">$</span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">lynx</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-source</span> rawgit.com/transcode-open/apt-cyg/master/apt-cyg > apt-cyg
<span class="unselectable">$</span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">install</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">apt-cyg</span> /bin</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Run the latest hardentools from Security Without Borders
Due to Windows 10's ongoing security fiasco and surfacing issues, not to mention AME's commitment to basic levels of security, certain functionality needs to be modified and/or accommodated for along those lines. In addition to the adjustments made by the <span class="code">amelioration script</span>, [Hardentools](https://github.com/securitywithoutborders/hardentools), an open-source project from Security Without Borders, provides an optimal inclusion.
Run the latest executable with administrator privileges:
1. Uncheck the <span class="code">Powershell and cmd.exe</span> box (unless desired)
2. Click Harden!
3. Click OK when finished
## Set Application Defaults
The application defaults for Windows 10 1903 can be set by using either the Windows Settings App, or by a more tedious, but more reliable manual process. The manual process was created due to the 1809 release of Windows 10 containing a feature regression which caused the Windows Settings App method for setting application defaults to be broken. The 1903 release of Windows 10 appears to have fixed this issue, but the manual guide is included as it is known to always set defaults successfully.
Setting the default browser, Music player and Video player are relatively simple one-off changes which need to be done using the Windows Settings App. Open the Windows Settings App, click Apps, then under "Web browser" select Firefox, do the same for "Music player" and "Video player" only this time selecting VLC.
For the rest of the defaults start by making empty files with the desired file type. You can use the bash script below to generate the files. For example, for gif files; right click the generated file <span class="code">gif.gif</span>, click Properties, click the Change button next to "Opens with:", then navigate to the executable that you would like to handle that file type.
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px;">
<div id="minimal_title" class="download-prompt-wrapper">
**create_empty_files.sh**
A simple bash script to generate empty files to set application defaults.
</div>
</div>
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px; margin-bottom: 0px">
<div id="minimal_button" class="download-prompt-wrapper-2">
<center>[<button class="button4 button2">Download</button>](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/create_empty_files.sh)
SH File 192 Bytes [ [SHA256](https://git.ameliorated.info/malte/scripts/releases/download/1903.2020.03.06/create_empty_files.sh.sha256) ]
Version 2020-03-06
</center>
</div>
</div>
### File types
* <span class="code">.doc</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.docx</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.gif</span> - JPEGView
* <span class="code">.flac</span> - VLC
* <span class="code">.mkv</span> - VLC
* <span class="code">.pdf</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors/Firefox
* <span class="code">.pps</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.ppsx</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.ppt</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.pptx</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.xls</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
* <span class="code">.xlsx</span> - ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors
### File Type Handler Locations
* JPEGView - <span class="code">C:\ProgramData\chocolatey\lib\jpegview\tools\app\JPEGView.exe</span>
* ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors - <span class="code">C:\Program Files\ONLYOFFICE\DesktopEditors\DesktopEditors.exe</span>
* VLC - <span class="code">C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe</span>
## Setting the default wallpaper for desktop and lock screen
### Modifying the default Wallpaper
The goal of this section is to demonstrate how to modify the default wallpaper on a system level, replacing and/or adding the default GUI selection. The commands in this section will require an elevated command prompt.
First take basic permission ownership over the wallpaper you want to replace:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">takeown</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">/f</span> C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows\img0.jpg
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Modify access control for the default wallpaper:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">icacls</span> C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows\img0.jpg <span style="color: #a4df2d">/reset</span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Replace the wallpaper with your own specified file:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">copy</span> <your wallpaper> C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows\img0.jpg<span style="color: #a4df2d"></span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
After this, reboot, and go to <span class="code">Settings => Personalization</span> and select your wallpaper.
### Modifying the default Lock Screen Image
The goal of this section is to demonstrate how to modify the default lockscreen image on a system level, replacing and/or adding the default GUI selection. The commands in this section will require an elevated command prompt.
First enable the lock screen with a <span class="code">reg add</span> command:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style="overflow:auto;overflow-wrap: break-word;word-break: break-all;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">reg</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">add</span> "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization" /v NoLockScreen /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f</div>
</div>
Run to enable the lock screen image on the sign-in window:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">reg</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">add</span> "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System /v DisableLogonBackgroundImage" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f</div>
</div>
Take basic permission ownership over the image you want to replace:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">takeown</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">/f</span> C:\windows\WEB\wallpaper\Screen\img100.jpg
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Modify access control for the default lock screen image:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">icacls</span> C:\windows\WEB\wallpaper\Windows\img100.jpg <span style="color: #a4df2d">/reset</span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Replace the lock screen image with your own specified file:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">copy</span> <your image> C:\Windows\WEB\wallpaper\Windows\img100.jpg<span style="color: #a4df2d"></span>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
After this, go to <span class="code">Personalization => lockscreen</span> and select your image. It should now show your personal wallpaper as the first image from the selection (far left).
To set the wallpaper to another image, only the registry edit and the <span><span class="code">copy</span> commands will be needed as none of permissions need to be changed.</span>
This marks the end of the AME guide, if you have any questions or concerns please place a message in the group chat, otherwise enjoy using your ameliorated Windows 10 install.
</dp></div>
<div class="body">
# Windows 10 AME Documentation <span class="badge" style="bottom: 7px; left: 3px;">New!</span>
<aside>Version 1903 Dated 2020-02-06</aside>
<div class="comment-vertical">
**Note about this article**
A packaged version of this guide, for offline use, is available <a style="" href="">here</a> [Not yet available]
</div>
The goal of the AME project is to provide a stable and non-intrusive build of Windows 10, without sacrificing usability and Win32 compatibility for the majority of mainstream applications. This includes the avoidance and riddance of privacy infringing automated data collection services, central to Microsoft’s strategy for the Windows 10 operating system.
This page provides a complete step-by-step description of how AME images are mastered based on Windows 10 build 1903 with minor proceeding updates, defining a complete documentation of this project.
While large portions of this process have been automated using various scripts and Linux command line utilities, a large majority requires manual effort, with many of the steps often producing differing and sometimes non-predictable results from instance to instance, increasing the difficulty of this procedure. As such, sections where abnormal behavior may occur have been appropriately highlighted.
<dp>It is also recommended that anyone attempting to reproduce the steps in this guide be moderately versed with Linux and consequently also not afraid of using the command line.
## Contents
1. [Windows 10 1903 Installation](#install)
2. [Updating Windows](#updates)
3. [Cleanin-Up Basic UI Elements](#basic_cleanup)
4. [Install OpenSSH server (optional)](#openssh)
5. [Run Amelioration Script (Pre)](#ame_pre)
6. [Linux: Run Ameliorate Script](#snd)
7. [Run Amelioration Script (Post)](#ame_post)
8. [Setup Classic-Shell](#classicshell)
9. [Modify Windows Explorer](#explorer)
10. [Run the latest hardentools from Security Without Borders](#hardentools)
11. [Set Application Defaults](#defaults)
12. [Setting the default wallpaper for desktop and lock screen](#wallpaper)
## Installation of Windows 10 1903
Firstly, you will need to grab a clean ISO of Windows 10 build 1903\. This can be done from Microsoft’s website directly, or via the use of third party tools, such as the [Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool](https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool).
During installation, particularly the next few steps, it is necessary to disconnect your target machine from the Internet. Burn the image to a USB flash drive or attach it in your VM manager to boot the installation medium. A partition size of at least 32GB is required.
You will be asked to provide a product key.
When asked, use <span class="code">2B87N-8KFHP-DKV6R-Y2C8J-PKCKT</span>, which is a Generic License key for Windows 10 Pro N RTM. If your hardware has already been activated with a legitimate key, or if you have acquired your own, please enter your key instead. This generic key does not activate Windows; rather, it only allows for the installation to continue.
<div class="comment-vertical">
If you purchased your key from a third party, you may want to activate the key using a vanilla Windows 10 Installation on your machine before proceeding with AME, as the key will be tied to your motherboard and unable to be used again. Third party sellers sometimes check for this so they can make more money by reselling the key if you did not use it within a short time from purchasing it.
</div>
### Post Install Procedure - After the initial installation perform the following steps:
The installation and initial setup proceeds mostly normally, with the arguably placebo-trier toggles for privacy being disabled for good measure. **It is again very vital to mention that no internet connection be established during the entire installation!**
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Windows 10 Post Install**
During the initial post-install setup, select your default language, skip any network setup (it will ask twice, click no on the second prompt), and add a user as a local account. This user will be the user which does not have administrator privileges. The username can be anything you want, but on AME releases the username is simply "user".</div>
</div>
## Extracting and Installing Updates
Before further changing the operating system, we recommend installing Microsoft’s security updates. Both the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) and Cumulative Updates are required to properly install updates. The Cumulative Update includes all updates released since the initial release of 1903\. This means that only the latest Cumulative Update is required to obtain updates included in prior Cumulative Updates. The correct SSU for the Cumulative Update package can be found in the **"How to get this update"** section of each Cumulative Update page. For a full list of update options, as well as updates proceeding this guide, follow the Microsoft link [here](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4528760). The latest AME release uses SSU [KB4528759](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4528759) in conjunction with Cumulative Update [KB4528760](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4528760).
<div class="comment-vertical">
Proceed at your own risk when installing updates outside of the scope of this guide, as amelioration features with respect to privacy may be jeopardized.
</div>
To install an update, use Microsoft’s Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
Firstly, extract the desired .cab file from the .msu files:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">expand</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-F</span><span style="color: #f2246e">:*</span> <.msu file> <dest>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
The SSU will need to be installed prior to the Cumulative Update, but the DISM command structure is identical. Just point to the correct .cab file.
Copy the <span class="code">Windows10.0-KB4528759-x64.cab</span> and <span class="code">Windows10.0-KB4528760_PSFX.cab</span> files to the root of the C: drive, or a location of your choosing, and run the following commands from an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=C:\Windows10.0-KB4528759-x64.cab
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Reboot before installing the Cumulative Update
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">shutdown</span> /r /t 0
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Continue by installing the Cumulative Update
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=C:\Windows10.0-KB4528760-x64_PSFX.cab
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Once the Cumulative Update has finished installing, it will prompt for a reboot. Reboot a second time after Windows boots up. The last step concerning updates is to clear the Windows Update cache:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/Cleanup-Image</span> /StartComponentCleanup
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">
Sometimes the progress bar hangs in the command prompt; it will update if you type on the keyboard. Use the arrow keys since that will not put text on the screen. Cleaning up the cache currently takes longer than installing updates.
</div>
### Install the Media Feature Pack
Adding the Media Feature Pack allows for the playback of some embedded HTML5 web videos. [Firefox](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/fix-video-audio-problems-firefox-windows?as=u&utm_source=inproduct), for example, will misbehave if this particular content is attempted to be played, and will indicate to the user that the pack needs to be installed. Other media intensive applications are also affected.
Download the Media Feature Pack from the [Microsoft Software Download Service](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/mediafeaturepack)
Firstly, extract the desired .cab file from the .msu file:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">expand</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-F</span><span style="color: #f2246e">:*</span> <MFP .msu file> <dest>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Copy the resulting <span class="code">.cab</span> file to the root of the C: drive, or a location of your choice, then install offline update, again using an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">dism</span> /online <span style="color: #a4df2d">/add-package</span> /packagepath=<path to .cab>
</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Cleaning-Up Basic UI Elements
Simplifying the UI and removing extraneous visual features is one of the critical aspects of the amelioration process (as well as ensuring that certain subsequently damaged and/or non-responsive features are pulled from the interface). The following tasks need to be undertaken before the amelioration and ameliorate scripts are executed. Given the various extraneous and difficult to describe UI elements to be navigated for these procedures, videos have also been added to help document these basic tasks.
<div class="comment-vertical">
Note that although these tasks may appear simple, they need to be undertaken before the amelioration or ameliorate scripts are executed.
</div>
### Cleaning-up the Start Menu and Taskbar
Windows 10 ships with very confusing and misguided functionality and features implemented by default in the taskbar. These can and should be removed manually, aiding in simplifying the UI. Note that most of these features will be unavailable once the amelioration script is executed. The Start Menu tiles (application links) are being removed now, for this very reason. Attempting to remove them later may actually not work.
<div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; padding-top: 10px;">**Video: Cleaning up the Start Menu and Taskbar**
Remove all tiles from the Start Menu and all links except for Windows Explorer from the taskbar. Set the taskbar to never combine and set the systemtray to show all icons.</div>
</div>
## Install OpenSSH server (optional)
Build 1903 of Windows 10 allows for native integration of an OpenSSH server, sanctioned by Microsoft, with the OpenSSH client coming pre-installed on Pro editions of the software. Installation of the server will be accomplished offline, using the manual steps described on the official project's [github](https://github.com/PowerShell/Win32-OpenSSH/wiki/Install-Win32-OpenSSH) page:
<div class="comment-vertical">
Enabling the SSH server will add an attack vector to your machine. Please keep this in mind when enabling this feature!
</div>
Download the latest build of OpenSSH. For a list of the latest releases follow [this link](https://github.com/PowerShell/Win32-OpenSSH/releases/).
(We used <span class="code">v8.1.0.0p1-Beta</span> at the time of this guide)
Extract contents of the latest build to <span class="code">C:\Program Files\OpenSSH</span>
<div class="comment-vertical">
Make sure the binary location has Write permissions to just the SYSTEM and Administrator groups. Authenticated users should only have Read and Execute.
</div>
In an elevated Powershell console, run the following:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">powershell.exe</span> <span style="color: #a4df2d">-ExecutionPolicy</span> Bypass -File install-sshd.ps1
</pre>
</div>
</div>
Open the firewall for sshd.exe to allow inbound SSH connections:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> New-NetFirewallRule -Name sshd -DisplayName 'OpenSSH Server (sshd)'
-Enabled True -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -LocalPort 22
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">Changing the SSH port to a port above 40000 will provide a small increase in security while on public networks.</div>
Start <span class="code">sshd</span> in an elevated command prompt:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> net start sshd
</pre>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comment-vertical">Note that this will automatically generate host keys under <span class="code">%programdata%\ssh</span> if they don't already exist. Because of this, we can't distribute AME with the server already enabled, as all of the computers with AME would have identical public and private keys for SSH.</div>
The <span class="code">sshd</span> service should also be configured to auto-start at boot. In an elevated PowerShell window type:
<div class="comment-code">
<div style=" overflow:auto;width:auto;padding:.2em .6em;">
<pre style="margin: 0; line-height: 125%"><span class="unselectable">C:\></span> <span style="color: #5ec5d7">Set-Service</span> sshd <span style="color: #a4df2d">-StartupType</span> Automatic
</pre>
</div>
</div>
## Run Amelioration Script (Pre)
At this stage we are ready to begin the amelioration process, which is structured into various phases due to the nature of Windows 10's self-updating and healing capabilities. The amelioration script, the Windows-side component of the AME process, is responsible for disabling services, applying individual registry hacks, modifying various configuration files, and installing software. Consequently, this script has both options to be executed before and after the proceeding [deletion process](#snd).
The script has been heavily commented to reasonably document each operation.
Download the script:
<div class="floating-box" style="vertical-align:top; margin-top: -40px;">
<div id="minimal_title" class="download-prompt-wrapper">