Using install_wim_tweak.exe I can unhide all packages in the Windows 8.1 WIM image. Some of them has state "Installed", while others has state "Staged". As I understand, former packages will be installed in the process of Windows setup, and a latter will be keeping in WinSxS for a possible edition upgrade (Core -> Pro, etc). So, my question is: how I can change the state of a package in the WIM image from Installed to Staged? I just want to not install some packages but don't want to remove them completely.
actually this is a good question. my investigations ended with the sessions *.xmls in windows\servicing\sessions. it's bound to Code: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending within the xml it should be possible to stage / unstage packages and so on. But i haven't done any tests so far.
Thank you for the answer. It seems that there is no a simple way to make a package 'staged'. Well, will try to play with aforementioned .xml files.