Before we begin: I am not a Windows User when it comes to making music – I am a macOS guy. But on the other hand, I am currently in the process of becoming an IT specialist for system integration. So I am well-versed with Windows since I have to use it a lot in the context of Virtualization in Hyper-V and stuff like that.

In the last weekend I looked into debloating Windows 10/11 without having to resort to post-install tampering in Windows with Powershell and registry "hacks". One option I found was manually editing the install.wim file with outdated cmd-line tools like DISM or with GUI-based powershell script like WIMWitch. And these options didn't convince me.

UUPDump to the rescue

Then I found this website called UUPDump which lets you build and modify the version of Windows you want to use. "UUP dump" refers to the Unified Update Platform (UUP) and the process of obtaining or extracting Windows Update files for a specific build (latest updates included). The Unified Update Platform is a technology developed by Microsoft to streamline the update process for Windows 10 and newer.

The whole idea is: instead of downloading the default Windows.iso and manipulate it afterwards before or prior to installing it, you simply build a customized Windows ISO from scratch, only containing the components you want/need and then work with that.

Instructions:

1. Select WIndows Build (here 23H2):
   
   
2. Select an X64build
3. Next, select a language and click "Next"
   
4. Select the Windows edition(s) that should be included in the ISO and click next
   
   
5. In the next Window, set the following options (should be enabled by default):
   
   
6. Click on "Create Download Package"
7. Unpack the .zip file. It contains these files:
   
   
8. Open the ConvertConfig.ini file and change the following Settings from 0 to 1 and save the file:
   [Store_Apps]
   SkipApps =1
   CustomList =1
9. Next, open the "CustomApps.txt" file. It contains all the apps that are available in the selected windows build.Most of the apps are disabled (commeted-out) by default via "#". To enable any of them, you only have to delete the "#" in front of them. If you want multimedia support, you should definitely uncomment the entries in the "Media Codecs" section:
   
   
10. Once you've decided which features you want, double-click the "uup_download_windows.cmd" to start the download and build process.

The necessary files wll be downloaded from Microsoft Servers and the iso will be compiled. This takes about an hour or so but afterwards you have a super-clean vanilla install without any garbage apps and without having to mess with powershell and/or the registry. It can't get any cleaner than that. I am using this for installing Windows on all my personal systems now.

PS: I know some of you swear by Windows 7 for audio. But the fact is, Windows 7 is dead! So for everybody else, who actually wants to use a debloated modern OS with support for current security patches, this is an option.
PSS: I am really not interested in any debate about your opinions about using Windows 10/11 for audio, because I made my choice 15 years ago. So you might just keep it for yourself. All I know is: I like Windows bloat-free without all the MS Store garbage.

DISCLAIMER: Just to be clear: you still need a valid Windows serial to register your copy of Windows. This is not some pre-cracked garbage windows from god knows where! This is build from source. And the source is Microsoft!

Additional Info: https://www.xda-developers.com/uup-dump-windows-11-10-iso-update/

 

Last edited: Feb 7, 2024

Which Windows build selections should one prefer for audio work and what would be the tradeoffs, if any?

 

Or just download and install GhostSpectre's stripped down and debloated versions. I've been using them for years. There's Compact, Light, and SuperLight for gamers. I've been using the Compact for years and never had any problems. You can have it with or without Defender.
https://www.youtube.com/@GHOSTSPECTRE

Oh, and fully activated, but you can activate with your own key if you want to. Just saying.

 

If you use these, it's pirated… just saying.

 

do not tell him

 

I use this

 

Dafuq is that?

 

The ReviOS Playbook removes bloatware and unnecessary system components, improves privacy and system performance, all while maintaining compatibility. The full list of changes can be found here.

 

And to add, the GS builds have degree's of bloat/crapware removal scripted into the builds themselves so that one can tailor the functionality vs. crapware levels to their specific needs. Slip-streaming windows builds is not some novel new idea anyway. I was doing it with utilities back in the winXP/win2k days up until now. But things like ghostspectre didn't exist back in the day as they do now. As a result it's way easier to find and implement scaled down and bloat free win builds still economically priced at 0$ out of pocket. Activate via the magic power shell script and you're ready to rock.

 

Also, if memory serves, ReviOS is also totally legal because it starts with a normal Windows ISO

 

Everybody can remove bloatware. I have been doing this 20 years ago with nLite. The smart thing is to assemble an ISO that doesn't include the garbage in the first place. And that's what the UUPDump method allows.

 

Thank you! Legit, virusfree, streamlined + no bloatware (to download)... great info

 

You mean the way MS pirates use for $ for a bloatware OS?

 

You mean the way MS pirates us for $ for a bloatware OS?