So, what did you do finally? I, just like you, want Windows Search to work again, that's it. Don't need Cortana or anything else. I just want to click on Start then type anything to run an app. TIA
Freddie's script already does everything, it's a comprehensive all in one solution. Just comment out the parts you don't implemented. No need to reinvent the wheel. I did my own stuff because I had unique different requirements that won't suite other users workflow.
disable_telemetry_10.05.2026 Removed duplicate and ineffective Registry entries https://forums.mydigitallife.net/th...lemetry-repository.63874/page-66#post-1686849
I ran the past script and used the resulting install.wim to install two machines. I assume I won't have issues because they are just ineffective, but I ask you anyway.
Defender? I don't see how this got something to do with Windows Search capabilities. In my tests I had to remove these ones to successfully make Windows Search work again. Code: dism /scratchdir:temp /image:mount /disable-feature /featurename:SearchEngine-Client-Package Microsoft.Windows.Search in section rem == prevent SystemApps with telemetry from getting deployed == reg add "HKLM\SOFTHIVE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\safer\codeidentifiers\0\Paths\{1daab1ae-fec4-482e-a15a-b5b586752486}" /v "ItemData" /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy" /f
Very nice! Quite fast! In my case, I replaced your unattend.xml with my own from WinReducerEX10 (already admin acct and disables OOBE) Everything seems to have worked (test VM, wouldn't have lost anything if it didn't).
I'll also admit that I tried it first. And only then went into the code to reverse-engineer and truly see what it does. Even more impressive. Is going to save me from having to run several of my own .bat and .ps1 files after every install.
@freddie-o 's this script and @LTSC-Ten 's POV made me inspire and rendered me to think no need to use NTLite. I've build my own script with some other additions. Thank you both.
I still use NTLite - may eventually be replaced with another topic at MDL called CloudRecoveryTool. My LTSC 2021 build process is now three steps. 1) NTLite does 90% of my build 2) disable_telemetry_10.05.2026.zip does 7% of my build 3) WinReducerEX10 does 3% of my build There is still several items I take care of post-install. But I can roll about 20% of that stuff into disable_telemetry_10.05.2026.zip's methodology.
@freddie-o - Up to your expertise, of course, but in the sections where you disable Windows Firewall and Windows Update, I have also always disabled Base Filtering Engine (BFE) service. Also, as far as LTSC goes (which is what I use), note that LTSC does not have a Windows Store yet LTSC has a service called Network Connection Broker which, by its own description, "Brokers connections that allow Windows Store Apps to receive notifications from the internet." I always disable this service. I also disable the DNS Client service, but I admit that I only do so out of not needing the "cache" and not knowing what Windows "does" with that cache. DNS resolves without it and I think they resolve faster than looking it up in a "cache", but I confess I do not know how to prove or disprove. At least in this day and age where none of us use a 56k modem anymore.
I'm no expert. My script is just a product of years of research, compilation, lots of trial and error... I'm trying to keep my script focused only on disabling collecting and transmitting telemetry - but I'll check out the things you mentioned
Is it alright if the script is used on a install.wim from an uupdump iso generated with updates included? or should i use .1, integrate updates separately with w10ui and then use the script ? I recall a while back there was some discussion on updates resetting some modifications made by the script, but i don't remember the specifics.
Either is fine Initially before disabling telemetry - use an updated image AFAIK no modifications gets reset Although after installing LCU Online, LCU will add Shortcuts to the Start menu -- Windows Backup in Windows 10 and Click To Do, Get Started and Windows Backup in Windows 11
You should use any text editor to search keyword "search" in the script. If you really need to find it. But I told you already remove anything from script except delete Defender. And Search Box will NOT be disabled Good luck
Update - disable_telemetry_10.10.2026 Updated Windows 11 scripts -- deletes 2 more Services whesvc (Windows Health and Optimized Experiences): Diagnostics service that saves local performance traces. WSAIFabricSvc (Windows AI Fabric Service): Runtime for on-device AI features (Recall, Click to Do, etc.). https://forums.mydigitallife.net/th...lemetry-repository.63874/page-66#post-1686849