Impact of Removing HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy

I am in the process of finalising my Customisations on my test OS ready for a Clean Install.

I came across a REG file that I had created a while ago, but I did NOT run it, and I initially thought that it would work nicely. On reflection though, I am NOT so sure, hence creating this thread looking for input.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy]

The majority of what this removes I already have the REG files for ready to go, and as you can probably imagine, there are quite a few of them.

I decided to investigate what the impact was likely to be, and I came across this website which lists the various categories held within AppPrivacy . . .

> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy

Now I could setup a REG file [ rather than having MANY files that Turn Off and Disable ] that will Remove them Individually if I did NOT want to Remove them ALL, something like this for example . . .

Code:

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy\LetAppsAccessBackgroundSpatialPerception]

. . .

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy\LetAppsAccessAccountInfo_ForceDenyTheseApps]

. . . or, run them anyway and then run . . .

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy]

I do know that once they are gone, they are gone, and it would take a tremendous effort, investigation, and testing to get them back!

I will probably create a System Image tomorrow and test this out, but I thought I would see what you think beforehand?

FWIW ....\AppPrivacy doesn't exist on mine. At a guess it would be created if I enabled one or more of those policies...

If you remove policies, related settings will simply revert to defaults.


I remove the whole key every day.

Thanks for the reply,

dalchina said:

FWIW ....\AppPrivacy doesn't exist on mine. At a guess it would be created if I enabled one or more of those policies...

That's interesting. Out of interest, did you perform a Custom Install to NOT to have that entry.

Thanks for the reply,

TairikuOkami said:

If you remove policies, related settings will simply revert to defaults.

I remove the whole key every day.

I setup my Desktop [ I am on a Laptop ] last year using the numerous REG files and this is ALL I have in that Key [ which are soon to go ] . . .

Code:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy]
@=""
"LetAppsGetDiagnosticInfo"=dword:00000002
"LetAppsSyncWithDevices"=dword:00000002
"LetAppsAccessCamera"=dword:00000002
"LetAppsAccessCamera_UserInControlOfTheseApps"=hex(7):00,00
"LetAppsAccessCamera_ForceAllowTheseApps"=hex(7):00,00
"LetAppsAccessCamera_ForceDenyTheseApps"=hex(7):00,00

I very RARELY turn off my computer, I just put it to Sleep. Do you run that as a Scheduled Task in Startup for example?

I would be interested in seeing the whole of that Script file if you are willing. If NOT, I totally understand.

I should also mention that I have already run ALL the REG files on this Laptop [ Test OS ] and I do NOT have the AppPrivacy Key either. I will investigate further!

Paul Black said:

Thanks for the reply,


That's interesting. Out of interest, did you perform a Custom Install to NOT to have that entry.

Well, the O/S was (presumably clean installed) on this refurbished laptop when I got it.. nothing special..

I don't have that entry either, no custom install on 7-year-old Notebook Upgraded from Windows 8 Pro to Windows 10 Pro.

Paul Black said:

Do you run that as a Scheduled Task in Startup for example?

I use it as a shutdown shortcut, it resets settings to mine and prevents a possible malware infection.

Paul Black said:

I would be interested in seeing the whole of that Script file

It is in my signature. I made it for myself, but several people asked me to share it.
It had about 80.000 views on pastebin, till it was taken down, by privacy tools?!

GitHub - TairikuOokami/Windows: Windows

Hello @TairikuOkami,

I just had a quick look at the Tweaks Script, WOW.

So basically, regardless of what you did during the day, good or bad, that Script Resets ALL of your Configurations back.