@MSMG: I did keep a list of removed components, but not integrated ones. And the TK deleted the logs after I exited, so I couldn't get a copy. In future TK versions, please don't delete the logs on exit, in case of issues. They normally don't take up much space anyway. I will try another test run tonight on my LTSC ISO. But there is one thing I should mention that could be playing a factor: I first used the TK GUI to remove components from each category. Afterwards I selected the option to delete apps/components with a list, which presumably uses a combination of Toolkit Helper and Dism. I also edited the components/apps list template files, to only remove things that hadn't already been removed with the GUI. Sure enough, it caught some extras that the GUI missed. But I do wonder if using both might be the root cause of my issue. I will have to try 2 test runs, first with both options used, and 2nd with only the GUI used to remove. However, I had done this in past TK versions with no issues. Thanks again!
Do not use both the options to remove the components either use the Menu or the Package list method and also using Package list don't use both the ToolKitHelper and DISM entries, either use one.
@MSMG: OK, first I'll try a run with only the GUI. And then another run with just the apps list/package list template. if either or both runs generate an incomplete ISO, then the issue is within the TK, not my method. i just figured using both wouldnt hurt, since the apps/package list approach covers some components that the GUI misses. But mostly i get "component already removed". Does one have an advantage over the other? Do both methods cover all apps/components regardless of which is chosen? And in regards to TK Helper removal vs Dism, which is better? I'm also going to make the assumption that Windows shouldnt be allowed to update because removed components will return. At least, judging by recent comments. Thanks!
Do specify the components the Toolkit CUI is not removing but gets removed with using the list method. The ToolKitHelper.exe method of removal is the best compared to DISM. Yes using Windows Update or manual update installation, the removed components (except Windows Apps) will be returned.
Without meaning to put any pressure on you, do you think this removal --> restored issue will ever be solved? I'm planning to move as many PCs as I can off Windows to Linux, which I'm currently testing, but my sons will always want to use Windows no matter how bad it is because of the fear of change and a learning curve. So, for them, I'm wondering if I should start writing a script that re-removes or at the very least re-disables everything that gets restored that I can run after each CU. Given all updates here are controlled via WSUS, I could see myself not installing every CU. Microsoft breaks something with every CU, and typically takes 2 -4 months to fix the things they keep breaking, so maybe I will just move to installing CU's once every 3 months.
The problem is that the new Windows Update system requires the WinSXS to be left intact for proper functioning and the CU model does restores the removed stuffs from the WinSXS and updates them. I've been stuck with several issues personally for quite some time now and due to which I'm working on this issue only when I do get good amount of free time. I do understand it's difficult to keep re-installing the OS for every CU, will do my best to fix the components returning issue and also will explore the option to add the functionality to use the ToolKitHelper in live system environments. Will also see if the ToolKitHelper can be adapted to use within WinPE environment too, that can make it easy for removing the returned components from installed system. Also you can use Live Windows 10 OS or a secondary OS with ToolKitHelper and point the mount pah to the installed OS drive and try removing the components too. Occasionally you may need to keep the latest version of ToolKitHelper to deal with the CU changes.
In Windows 10 the Firewall is part of the Defender, try the below command in command prompt to disable it netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off The MS is trying it's best to make the package removal to be more difficult by merging them deep into other main packages, will add the option to remove the firewall in upcoming versions.
I have added the support for W10 v2004 (10.0.19041) in next version and been fixing the WHD integration, will post the new version soon. You can manually add the MS Dart for W10 v2004 (10.0.19041) by these commands. - Download the <Packs\Dart\w10\Dart.tpk> and <Packs\Dart\w10\DebugTools_10.0.19041.tpk> files. - Mount the Boot or WinRE image using the ToolKit. - Use the below commands to integrate the Dart For Boot.wim (x64) Code: Dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:Packs\Dart\w10\Dart.tpk /Index:2 /ApplyDir:Mount\Boot\2 Dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:Packs\Dart\w10\DebugTools_10.0.19041.tpk /Index:2 /ApplyDir:Mount\Boot\2 For WinRE.wim (x64) Code: Dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:Packs\Dart\w10\Dart.tpk /Index:2 /ApplyDir:Mount\WinRE Dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:Packs\Dart\w10\DebugTools_10.0.19041.tpk /Index:2 /ApplyDir:Mount\WinRE
I never heard that it was possible to remove the defender and SmartScreen packages from windows, as far as I know, this is possible only on the server. Are there any innovations in removing components in the insider build? If this is true, I want to see it in my work. Please write me the build number and the command to remove the defender. p.s. Naturally, my assumption turned out to be true, that is, the system becomes more and more closed, on the other hand, third-party developers put pressure on them. Commands for the command line also do not work, because after a while the system itself does what it wants.
Which is why I said "Without meaning to put pressure on you". I just get a sense, that despite how brilliant you are with this stuff, that Microsoft may have finally made it impossible to remove components permanently. If that's how it is, then that's how it is. I'm not planning to rebuild the ISO via toolkit every month, that would drive everyone insane. So, a smaller, automated script that I can run after I install a CU will have to be enough. Microsoft's habit of breaking patches every month actually works in my favor. I just install every third or fourth one, then run a cut down script and be done with it.
I've been out of the loop for a while, my initial experience with W10 having been so dire that I've been muddling along on W7. However I need to move to W10 now unfortunately. Am I to understand that even if we remove components prior to installation, via either this / NTLite / other, or remove them via Power Shell once installed, that all the junk will be reinstalled with each CU? They've completely removed the ability to have minimal installations without constant intervention on the user's part? How on earth can this work for corporate or education deployments? Or does it not apply to Enterprise / Education / LTSC editions? Just built a new PC and was dreading sorting the W10 installation enough already before reading this
Corporate can use the typewriter OS Enterprise LTSB/C or normal Enterprise. Education can use Education.
Remember it is quite unnecessary to remove anything from Windows 10. Sure, there is a small size difference, but there is virtually no performance gain. You can just as easily unpin programs you don't want from the Start Menu. The Windows 10 Start Menu is very easy to customize. Much easier than Windows 7. As @Enthousiast said Education environments, and manufacturing/corporate environments can use LTSC, Enterprise, or Education which do not have the extra added games beyond MS Solitaire suite, and don't have News apps, etc. Personally I use Professional Workstation.