How do I prevent Windows 10/11 setup from asking stupid questions about collecting information

Discussion in 'Windows 10' started by RobertX, Apr 1, 2023.

  1. RobertX

    RobertX MDL Senior Member

    Dec 6, 2014
    279
    35
    10
    Before going to desktop for the first time, Windows 10/11 will ask you a bunch of retarded questions about how to collect information (is that known as "telemetry?").

    I know a way to do that is to use Rufus, but is there another way?
     
  2. Dark Dinosaur

    Dark Dinosaur X Æ A-12

    Feb 2, 2011
    4,161
    5,975
    150
    Xml answer file .. :rolleyes:
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. shhnedo

    shhnedo MDL Expert

    Mar 20, 2011
    1,827
    2,429
    60
    What rufus does is it basically generates an unattend.xml answer file and puts it in sources\$OEM$\$$\Panther folder. It most likely works on clean microsoft iso files, for me it kinda works on my serviced windows 10 or 11 22H2 isos, but after first reboot I have to confirm an error that says "could not install windows", restart one more time and then installation goes on as expected(questions skipped).

    As per microsoft documentation, you can just make Autounattended.xml containing:
    Code:
    <OOBE>
       <ProtectYourPC>3</ProtectYourPC>
    </OOBE>
    and put it in the root of your iso.
    For me, this option sadly doesn't work at all, as installation outright ignores the existence of this file and its contents.

    So, theoretically, this is what you do. In practice, I myself am not sure. x)
     
  4. boyonthebus

    boyonthebus MDL Expert

    Sep 16, 2018
    1,168
    753
    60
    Easier to just click next next next and not worry about it.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  5. ceo54

    ceo54 MDL Addicted

    Aug 13, 2015
    884
    385
    30
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  6. ceo54

    ceo54 MDL Addicted

    Aug 13, 2015
    884
    385
    30
    Wouldn't that mean you agreed to everything and get telemetry enabled ?
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  7. boyonthebus

    boyonthebus MDL Expert

    Sep 16, 2018
    1,168
    753
    60
    Yup. It is called helping MS build a better OS.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  8. Yes you are absolutely correct my dear friend :)
     
  9. haris_mdlf69

    haris_mdlf69 MDL Addicted

    Oct 23, 2018
    575
    970
    30
  10. RobertX

    RobertX MDL Senior Member

    Dec 6, 2014
    279
    35
    10
    I would assume that the last line of that XML file would be </xml>, right?
     
  11. shhnedo

    shhnedo MDL Expert

    Mar 20, 2011
    1,827
    2,429
    60
    Nope, doesn't need a closing tag.
     
  12. RobertX

    RobertX MDL Senior Member

    Dec 6, 2014
    279
    35
    10
    #13 RobertX, Apr 3, 2023
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2023
    (OP)
    Which path is it? The root path of the ISO or the Panther path within $OEM$?

    And is it "unattend.xml" or "autounattend.xml?"
     
  13. ceo54

    ceo54 MDL Addicted

    Aug 13, 2015
    884
    385
    30
    Just put it in the root of the ISO/USB and name it autounattend.xml
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  14. shhnedo

    shhnedo MDL Expert

    Mar 20, 2011
    1,827
    2,429
    60
  15. RobertX

    RobertX MDL Senior Member

    Dec 6, 2014
    279
    35
    10
    Sounds like a cop-out, but I guess I'll just be satisfied with answering those "pointless" questions put out by the Windows installation.

    Thanks everyone!
     
  16. Carlos Detweiller

    Carlos Detweiller Emperor of Ice-Cream

    Dec 21, 2012
    6,768
    7,710
    210
    I do always set up my ISOs with the MRP project from @mxman2k. I never see these questions, except for some special SKUs where OOBE scripts do not work.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...