# Recommending Win11Debloat As A Tool For Users Who Are Stuck With Windows 11 & 10 **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/recommending-win11debloat-as-a-tool-for-users-who-are-stuck-with-windows-11-10/34727 **Category:** Tool Suggestions **Created:** 2026-01-16T12:00:13Z **Posts:** 47 ## Post 1 by @Sidepocket — 2026-01-16T12:00:13Z ### Website > **[GitHub - Raphire/Win11Debloat: A simple, lightweight PowerShell script to remove...](https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat)** > > A simple, lightweight PowerShell script to remove pre-installed apps, disable telemetry, as well as perform various other changes to customize, declutter and improve your Windows experience. Win11Debloat works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. ### Short description Win11Debloat is a lightweight, easy to use PowerShell script that allows you to quickly declutter and improve your Windows experience. It can remove pre-installed bloatware apps, disable telemetry, remove intrusive interface elements and much more. No need to painstakingly go through all the settings yourself or remove apps one by one. Win11Debloat makes the process quick and easy! The script also includes many features that system administrators and power users will enjoy. Such as support for Windows Audit mode, the option to make changes to other Windows users and the ability to access all of Win11Debloat’s features right from the command-line. ### Why I think this tool should be added So I believe it was the previous incarnation of the dreaded [privacytools.io](http://privacytools.io) that originally had a section for Windows 10 explaining why it’s a bad operating system but that understanding that if you are unfortunately stuck with it due to circumstances that instead of just giving up and letting Microsoft screw you over at the operating system level. They recommended a to Win10Privacy that allowed you to monitor and edit the telemetry data that the operating system communicates and to be able to shut down those communications. Considering everyone’s frustration with AI, particularly Microsoft’s co-pilot, among other things that makes Windows 11 and now Windows 10A horrible experience. I am recommending this interesting tool that essentially kills coil pilot among a bunch of other features that, in addition to removing the Privacy problems also greatly boosts the efficiency of the operating system running on your hardware. And my argument for this is twofold. One is like I said before if you just tell people no you have to cold turkey go to Linux or else most people even privacy concerned ones are just going to give up and use the operating their system they’re stuck with AK windows and that’s how we lose the privacy argument. We actually already demonstrate this with the website because iOS is not the most optimal platform for privacy and security, especially with Apple’s dubiousness such as using Google to do their Apple intelligence and their blocking notification data not exactly representing what it’s supposed to mean. However, we still have a bunch of iOS options because we completely understand that people are locked in Eco systems with their phones and even if they want a transition to Android where they have theoretically more control, they might be stuck for a certain period of time. Therefore mitigating the damage that iOS does with the iOS options. My argument is the same thing to Windows whether it’s people’s use cases of being stuck with it at work, having to have a certain partition of it because of the nature of their job and maybe that they want to transition over to Linux or are doing so but still need that transitional. AKA use of Windows. This is a great option to mitigate the harm that windows does as they are transitioning. In short, it’s kind of the same concept that while there are better condoms and sexual health preventive measures than others, I’d rather have people use condoms in general then to make weird arguments that will then convince them to just not use any protection at all, which is horrifically dangerous and exactly what we don’t want people to do. Thoughts? ### Section on Privacy Guides Windows 11/10 --- ## Post 2 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-16T12:16:27Z There’s no logical reason to opt for this over privacy.sexy. --- ## Post 3 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T12:45:31Z Yes, it sucks that some people have to use Windows, but the best option to debloat Windows is to install Linux. Since that’s an available option, it’s the option that should be recommended over using a Win11 debloat tool. If some people are stuck using WhatsApp because all of their contacts are on that platform (I can speak for myself), that doesn’t mean WhatsApp should be recommended just because it has E2EE when Signal is available. The iOS apps that are recommended on PG are accessible and have good default settings. Safari is recommended because _**“On iOS, any app that can browse the web is [restricted](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines) to using an Apple-provided [WebKit framework](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/webkit), so a browser like [Brave](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/mobile-browsers/#brave) does not use the Blink engine (the core component of Chromium) like its counterparts on other operating systems.”**_ Apple Fitness is also recommended because it has E2EE and Apple Health _ **“shares the security and privacy features of Apple Fitness”.** _ It’s not because they’re the best options for people who are locked in an ecosystem. iOS is generally recommended as the next best option for security so it’s easier to recommend Apple apps that at least have good defaults. For people who are stuck with Windows, they can use privacy tools within Windows, such as Brave Browser, Proton Mail, DuckDuckGo, etc., which would be a better privacy win in my opinion because you can at least be satisfied when you switch browser, e-mails, OS, etc. Debloating Win11 is such a chore that if using one is required to gain privacy, I’m certain that’s more likely to make someone quit their privacy journey over installing Linux. --- ## Post 4 by @anon57862721 — 2026-01-16T13:04:29Z And why is that superior? --- ## Post 5 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-16T13:27:57Z It accomplishes everything required and has been on the market for a considerable time. --- ## Post 6 by @anonymous520 — 2026-01-16T13:43:49Z This seems out of scope. Windows is not a reccommended OS. There is really no need for a Windows 10/11 section. There is a small harm reduction section for [Windows](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/os/windows/) in the knowledge base but it hasn’t been updated in almost a year and the [community wiki version](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/group-policy-settings-to-improve-privacy-security/27339) is better. I think the community would be better served if OP created a wiki explaining the benefits of Win11Debloat and their reccomondations on how to use it. --- ## Post 7 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T16:15:08Z I think OP is arguing that if we can recommend apps without recommending compatible OS, such as Safari, Win11 debloat tools could also be recommended, though my argument is iOS is at least a good option for security. And yes, if anything, the overview should be updated instead, but that would be as much of a chore as de-bloating Windows 11. --- ## Post 8 by @anonymous520 — 2026-01-16T16:21:11Z Comparing Safari to this is an apples-to-oranges comparison. This suggestion would require creating an entirely new section for an operating system that is not recommended. Whereas the Safari recommendation fits logically into the mobile browser section, which would exist anyway. Safari is also unique in that, as PG points out, on iPhones, “any app that can browse the web is [restricted](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines) to using an Apple-provided [WebKit framework](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/webkit).” --- ## Post 9 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T16:24:57Z Yeah, I agree, that’s my argument as well. --- ## Post 10 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-16T17:45:13Z > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > I’m certain that’s more likely to make someone quit their privacy journey over installing Linux. Considering how frustrating Linux was for me and still is on the day to day for me Im skeptical of this claim. Implementing a set of group policies is still significant as harm reduction for telemetry and security enforcement without affecting usability. The only problem Linux excels in my pov is the lack of invasive AI garbage --- ## Post 11 by @anon57862721 — 2026-01-16T17:50:02Z What about Linux is difficult for you today? If you can explain your predicaments, the community can help you get past them. --- ## Post 12 by @Sidepocket — 2026-01-16T17:53:48Z To me, this is an apples to Orange. Is argument using WhatsApp? Because you cannot modify WhatsApp to make it anywhere near comparable to what signal does. You can however, use this tool in the similarly how you can use other tools on Mac OS to make the experience more private and less painless despite them not being optimal platforms. And I’m also going to address this in another reply but I did not. At all said we should put Windows as a recommended system. This really makes me question the reading comprehension of the people on this form because nowhere in my original post did I ever suggest that. What I did suggest was updating the section on Windows. Not only to make it more comparable to what Windows is currently like now AK. It’s even worse but that for the people who are unfortunately stuck using that operating system, all hope is not lost. Here’s a way to mitigate some of that until you’re able to get to a better solution. --- ## Post 13 by @Sidepocket — 2026-01-16T17:58:55Z Two more things. One is that you keep saying how deep-bloating windows is incredibly difficult when I’ve already provided you a comprehensive app that literally does that exact thing using a point-and-click gooey system with a simple app install. No crazy hacking required. Just like the way you can just brave load up tour and use Tor services instead of using terminal through the torque system like in the old days. Like do you guys even read anything that is written here? And the bigger problem again is that I’m incredibly frustrated when people say oh iOS is still better when it isn’t because I have a ton of people over the years who used to be on iPhones who got incredibly frustrated with their lack of control and privacy and had to upgrade them which include ditching iOS to Android. Again, if we followed this philosophy of oh, people should be only using the best stuff instead of having to help everyone in any increment and level of skill possible. Then we should really scrap all mentions of Windows and Apple products on there because they are not the optimal more safest way nor are they recommended. Especially after Apple is using Google of all things for their Apple intelligence that that isn’t nearly in every part of their system. The way Windows is as well as making fake opt-outs and other things saying that apple is somehow better privacy than Windows, especially by the virtue of it. Being a wolf garden system is absolutely laughable and again I can point to a bunch of people who were frustrated on Mac because of these same concerns once they started to run into these exact problems. And they were going to give up on privacy until I showed them privacy guides and showed that there is stuff that they can put into their current Apple ecosystem that will mitigate some of this stuff as they work to overall improve. That’s the goddamn point I’m making. So to mention above one, if it’s on the wiki that means it’s not on the website and B. I am not saying that we should make an entire different section for Windows. When I’m simply saying is that we should take the current Windows section, update it, and include a blurb recommending this application for those who are forced to currently work with Windows. To give you a great use case scenario, I actually recommended it to a recent friend of mine who introduced it to his business not only promoting the privacy aspect of it, but also showing that everything could be boost efficiently because unfortunately all the applications that they use only have Windows versions and they upgraded their entire systems to it and all the employees are happy now. It’s starting to really concern that we’re not actually promoting things the way people actually use these things instead making up theoreticals of things that don’t exist. If all we do is echo chamber, then we become no different than FSF and gnu and then sit there and wonder why nobody upgrades to the better thing when we’re telling people to instantly quit cold turkey and ignore their actual legitimate problems without giving realistic solutions for their actual use cases. --- ## Post 14 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T17:59:51Z > [@anon6510813](#): > > Implementing a set of group policies is still significant as harm reduction for telemetry and security enforcement without affecting usability. There’s already a guide on this, though it hasn’t been updated in a year. What is being recommended is a debloating tool. --- ## Post 15 by @Sidepocket — 2026-01-16T18:02:57Z So I don’t know if anyone actually uses these forums, but when you go to submit a tool recommendation, there is a website link to the tool on the top of the original post that’s highlighted. That’s the tool I’m recommending. It’s okay if people have issues with the tool. I just find it hypocritical that we’re recommending secure applications for Windows and apple when they’re not optimal platforms for privacy while not doing anything about the actual platforms themselves and it’s also hypocritical to be recommending Arch Linux to people while saying that updating one article out of the many hundreds of articles on this website gives the perspective that the people at privacy guides are freaking lazy. And to prove that if this was approved and everyone else is too lazy to rewrite it, I would gladly rewrite it and submit it for review and approval. Could literally hammer it out in a weekend. --- ## Post 16 by @anonymous520 — 2026-01-16T18:31:24Z > [@Sidepocket](#): > > At all said we should put Windows as a recommended system. I think people are more referring to your suggestion needing a Windows 10/11 section to make sense. Currently there is none, and it doesn’t make a ton of sense for a privacy focused site to add one. It seems like you are conflating the knowledge base section on Windows with the reccomendations page. The easy and obvious solution is just create a community wiki with a tutorial and your reccomendations on using the program. Not everything needs to be reccomended by PG. --- ## Post 17 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-16T18:50:55Z > [@anon57862721](#): > > What about Linux is difficult for you today? If you can explain your predicaments, the community can help you get past them. Unfortunately this isnt something we are fixing overnight with some advice on the forum. I still follow linux stuff but I daily drive macOS as it gives me my balance between security, usability and compatibility with creative software. Want to use a Davinci Resolve to work within your prefered distrubution? Prepare to use scripts from another party you have to trust or a solution like distrobox. Thats not compatibility to me thats a workaround. If i’m not getting the app through its official reccomended method it could be considered a security AND usability concern. I dont trust the distro repos,unofficial flatpaks and third party scripts to maintain it as good as the developer itself. On top of that plenty of apps still require using the terminal at least for setup and while I personally don’t fear the terminal, it is hella annoying. Linux users tend to vastly overestimate the technical competency of the average user. Then from more personal level its not technical at all I get fatigued from the community. Everything is an arguement display protocols, package management, desktop enviornments im not saying choice is bad but alot of these choices are not complete because of Linux’s fragmentation and it gets even worse once you start considering atomic distros. Long term i dont think this will be an issue but lets not pretend there arent still many growing pains here. > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > There’s already a guide on this, though it hasn’t been updated in a year. What is being recommended is a debloating tool. Im aware of this but what Im getting at is you’re making it sound like dealing with Windows privacy issues is this tedious task when Linux has far bigger frictions points in literally everything else. Although my personal take is its better to get full assurance of whats going on in your system so and manually configuring and debloat yourself instead of scripts which can be invasive so unless you understand what the scripts are doing I wouldnt vouch for them and dont think privacyguides should either but if you prefer not dealing with the grind then at least use something more established like @anon16234852 said --- ## Post 18 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T21:19:34Z Feel free to question my reading comprehension if you think I’m interpretting you incorrectly, but this goes both ways. I didn’t say debloating is “incredibly difficult”. I said it’s a chore that you would only do if you think it’s required to gain more privacy within Windows. It’s also common sense to not use debloating softwares or scripts, especially if you don’t know exactly what it does. With privacy.sexy, it may take longer for users to debloat, but you can achieve the same outcome without installing or running anything on your device. The one-click debloat solution requires the users to trust that the developer(s) put “great care” into “making sure this script does not unintentially break any OS functionality”. Is this something that should be promoted? iOS and macOS has better defaults compared to Android and Windows. I’m not arguing which OS offers a better user experience, which is subjective considering you’re using anedotes like “I have a ton of people over the years who used to be on iPhone” and “I can point to a bunch of people who were frustrated on Mac”. I agree using a locked down OS is not a great experience. That’s why I’m on Android, and it’s as much of a chore to debloat Android, except for installing GrapheneOS. When I joined this forum, I did express frustration with blanket recommendations like GrapheneOS when it doesn’t always make sense. It doesn’t always make sense for everyone to switch to Linux and if someone is willing to go through the effort of debloating Windows because it makes more sense for them than to switch to Linux, at least encourage best practice of doing so manually. > [@Sidepocket](#): > > it’s also hypocritical to be recommending Arch Linux to people while saying that updating one article out of the many hundreds of articles on this website gives the perspective that the people at privacy guides are freaking lazy How is it hypocritical? Arch Linux is recommended with the expectation that users are able to maintain their own system. In fact, _ **“Arch and Arch-based distributions are not recommended for those new to Linux”.** _ I don’t see how you drew a comparison between that and not updating “one article” about Windows. I agree the Windows Knowledge Base should be updated, but since they have “hundreds of articles”, it’s unrealistic to keep them up to date in a timely manner when the writers are volunteers. We don’t need them to update the Windows Knowledge Base with how to de-bloat Windows when they can go to privacy.sexy. --- ## Post 19 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-16T21:28:02Z Chores doesn’t have to be tedious. You can enjoy doing laundry or cleaning your house, and you would have to do it regularly. De-bloating doesn’t happen once. It has to be done with every major Windows update. That makes it a chore, but if you don’t mind doing it, that’s fine. --- ## Post 20 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-16T23:11:59Z > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > It’s also common sense to not use debloating softwares or scripts, especially if you don’t know exactly what it does Common sense to who exactly? Because people WILL use these thinking its some sort of magic bullet of protection in their windows system. I know because I used to be one of them. > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > When I joined this forum, I did express frustration with blanket recommendations like GrapheneOS I understand the sentiment but privacyguides can’t cover every use case that exists especially because threat models make things more gray. So the best they can do is reccomend things that have good practice. I will say though if they are going to have an overview on a nonreccomended OS like Windows it really should be complete or atleast dont bother putting things under “coming soon”. > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > De-bloating doesn’t happen once. It has to be done with every major Windows update So many people have talked about Microsoft reverting modifications they’ve made to Windows after an update but I’ve done this for years and not experienced this once at all so if you or anyone else who has experienced this could explain how this happens. Also nobody Ive known colloquially refers to something they see as a chore as enjoyable --- ## Post 21 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-17T00:07:41Z Then I guess I should say it “should” be common sense. But yes, de-bloating is quite extensive depending on your OS, so probably better to find answers on forums that’ll likely be more up-to-date. When I used to use Windows 11, I didn’t really de-bloat other than uninstalling M$ softwares I didn’t want and changing GP settings. It should be good enough without installing third-party tools. I haven’t heard of privacy.sexy until I switched to Linux. M$ did not respect my default PDF viewer when it kept switching to Edge after every reboot. When I installed Revo Uninstaller, I was so ecstatic after I used it to uninstall Edge, only for it to re-install without my consent. I wouldn’t be surprised if M$ reversed any previously removed apps or features since “so many people” have experienced this. If you haven’t experienced this, that’s great, but you still would have to de-bloat new features you don’t want. --- ## Post 22 by @leahh88g4 — 2026-01-17T04:57:28Z > [@anon16234852](#): > > There’s no logical reason to opt for this over privacy.sexy. I don’t have experience with the debloat tool that the OP has mentioned, but privacy.sexy has not been updated since last May and for me it has not been working well anymore with the latest Windows updates. For example, it does not remove any of the AI components that some computers have (not talikng about Copilot but other additional features like AI Phi Silica. Also it hasn’t even been working with simple things like removing some preinstalled games or similar any longer. So it definetely needs some updating. --- ## Post 23 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-17T05:12:42Z > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > I was so ecstatic after I used it to uninstall Edge, only for it to re-install without my consent. It seems to me that people are using this method of removing core apps hoping it gives them privacy when more than likely they are just creating an unstable system, I wouldn’t reccomend anyone uninstall Microsoft Edge unless they change their region to be somewhere in the European Economic Area. There is a reason why GrapheneOS doesnt reccomend removing Vanadium the same logic applies to Edge. Although I do wish Microsoft would respect user’s choice. If someone wants to change the defaults they should be able to, I don’t like vendor lock-in I hate Apple for this too. > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > If you haven’t experienced this, that’s great, but you still would have to de-bloat new features you don’t want. Unfortunately this not even exclusive to Windows. Thats just the double edge sword of privacy/security you have be proactive it is a bit annoying and admittedly spiritually draining especially without a strategy --- ## Post 24 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T06:22:41Z By all means, do specify which games and which AI features you’re referring to, as I haven’t personally observed them. And are you utilizing the Pro version? --- ## Post 25 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-17T06:53:30Z I don’t think this should be recommended as PG’s pattern so far seems to be to recommend tools that they think are great rather than picking the best tool out of bad choices. --- ## Post 26 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-17T07:02:29Z I believe they are referring to this [Phi Silica](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-ai-docs/blob/911ff8719c6ec044be83b8ef8b7ca36b81da1bd3/docs/apis/phi-silica.md) > Phi Silica is optimized for efficiency and performance on Windows Copilot+ PCs and can be integrated into your Windows apps through the Windows AI APIs in the Windows App SDK. --- ## Post 27 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T07:10:19Z All the GPO tweaks were done before privacy.sexy, so I reckon that’s what stopped them from showing. I definitely can’t find any script to contradict that. --- ## Post 28 by @leahh88g4 — 2026-01-17T07:12:10Z For example: AI Content Extraction, AI Image Search, AI Phi Silica, AI Semantic Analysis. And even things like Solitaire or other MS games were not removed, even though chosen in privacy.sexy. There is a pro version?? --- ## Post 29 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T07:13:08Z Windows 11 Pro. --- ## Post 30 by @leahh88g4 — 2026-01-17T07:14:11Z > [@anon6510813](#): > > I wouldn’t reccomend anyone uninstall Microsoft Edge In the app settings you are able to uninstall Edge, but not Edge Updates. Odd that MS lets you uninstall Edge via the regular settings but not the Update app. --- ## Post 31 by @leahh88g4 — 2026-01-17T07:17:32Z no, Home. --- ## Post 32 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T07:19:30Z services.msc allows shutting down updates. And buy Pro. Home is absolutely terrible. --- ## Post 33 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T07:24:44Z > [@leahh88g4](#): > > And even things like Solitaire or other MS games were not removed, even though chosen in privacy.sexy. Chances are it’s Windows Home. --- ## Post 34 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-17T07:35:40Z > [@leahh88g4](#): > > In the app settings you are able to uninstall Edge, but not Edge Up Someone can correct me if im wrong but I believe this still need to exist for Edge Webview updates which many Windows apps do depend on even if you use an entirely different browser so its probably best to leave that alone > [@anon16234852](#): > > And buy Pro. Home is absolutely terrible. I think if people are in the predicament of being stuck with Home and resorting to scripts online they probably can’t justify $200 US on an OS upgrade and are trying to make the best of what they have. It sucks and because whatever scripts do target Home have to resort to regedits which in many ways is even more finicky than the already messy group policies. I agree that Windows Home sucks but many are stuck with it for a variety of reasons I wouldnt know whats reccomended in that case --- ## Post 35 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T07:40:47Z Webview has always been blocked for me and I don’t need it for anything. And I certainly can’t advise in any way if you’re using Home instead of a clean Pro installation. --- ## Post 36 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-17T07:58:36Z Im not saying I endorse this but if one is in such a situation and is willing to use scripts anyway. They may as well use unofficial means to activate Windows Pro or higher. Not everyone is going to like this but I can see how someone can rationalize that if they are willing to exploit our data and use it for whatever evil justification then we should have no problem matching their energy thats a counter mission to theirs --- ## Post 37 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-17T08:03:25Z Given that I’m now on this forum, the objective remains thoroughly obscure, primarily because the Home version regrettably offers no privacy whatsoever. --- ## Post 38 by @ImTooPhaT — 2026-01-19T12:52:24Z > [@anon6510813](#): > > It seems to me that people are using this method of removing core apps hoping it gives them privacy when more than likely they are just creating an unstable system Nah, I just uninstalled softwares I didn’t want e.g. M365 since I didn’t have a license, video player I don’t use, etc. I uninstalled Edge because Windows kept switching to Edge as my default PDF viewer, and I couldn’t find an option to uninstall it natively. I don’t have this issue with Vanadium because unlike Windows, GrapheneOS doesn’t try to force me to use Vanadium. I would’ve left M$ Edge alone, but I got annoyed with reminding myself not to double-click PDFs when I normally double-click everything else. > [@anon6510813](#): > > Unfortunately this not even exclusive to Windows. Yes, this is why debloating Android is annoying. Every update seems to install new softwares I’m not even familiar with. The last update on my Samsung phone installed Gemini without my consent. --- ## Post 39 by @anon6510813 — 2026-01-21T03:20:12Z I dont know if Im setting up things differently than most people but I swear I dont get issues like that but I dont wanna negate your experiences because ive heard enough people complain. I do agree that Microsoft should not be as invasive with dictating defaults > [@ImTooPhaT](#): > > The last update on my Samsung phone installed Gemini without my consent. Android is such a double edged sword sometimes. i’m of the opinionthat if a device is running android already then the ability to run barebones AOSP or atleast PixelOS without any major compromises to the device they don’t have to make it easy but accessible enough for advanced users. but with Google actively behaving the way they are right now I am not holding my breath. i’m upset that the play editons of Galaxy phones never took off because the idea of running PixelOS on a Z flip form factor is so romantic to me. Not sure why people care for OneUI to me its still TouchWiz with a prettier face --- ## Post 40 by @uncomfortable_bratwurst — 2026-01-21T14:44:55Z FYI the opensource [massgrave scripts](https://massgrave.dev/) can activate pro. --- ## Post 42 by @anon36227541 — 2026-01-21T18:23:33Z > [@uncomfortable_bratwurst](#): > > activate pro > [@anon16234852](#): > > I will definitely buy my license I’m wondering what the privacy/security downsides are for **not** activating Windows? I have been using an unactivated Windows with Education edition from the [official ISO download page](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) and I think I’m fine. --- ## Post 43 by @anon16234852 — 2026-01-21T18:51:55Z No experience. Might be totally fine as long as the installation media is in order. --- ## Post 44 by @win11.shading291 — 2026-01-23T03:18:35Z > [@anon36227541](#): > > I’m wondering what the privacy/security downsides are for **not** activating Windows? I have been using an unactivated Windows with Education edition from the [official ISO download page](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) and I think I’m fine. I don’t think you get Windows security updates? And I believe any Microsoft product won’t work fully like Windows Defender. --- ## Post 45 by @anon36227541 — 2026-01-23T03:33:52Z Source? > [@win11.shading291](#): > > I don’t think you get Windows security updates? It’s possible that’s the case with other editions, but I’m running Education edition and I’m fine. I updated it just now to the [current version](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/defenderupdates#:~:text=the%20latest%20update.-,Latest%20security%20intelligence%20update,-The%20latest%20security) without any issue. > [@win11.shading291](#): > > I believe any Microsoft product won’t work fully like Windows Defender. Won’t fully work how? Do you mean some features will be missing/greyed out? Or do you mean that they **won’t** be greyed out/missing and can be ran, **but** the backend won’t actually run it correctly somehow? If it’s the former, I seem to have a good amount of Defender features, and they are not greyed out. I don’t think I’m missing any, but I could be wrong since I don’t use it too often. And there’s no indication under any of the features I do have that they will not work due to my Windows being unactivated. They do this for the customizability preferences. If it’s the latter, I don’t wanna run viruses just to test it out lol --- ## Post 46 by @win11.shading291 — 2026-01-23T04:02:34Z I wasn’t sure, but it got me curious. :upside_down_face: > While unlicensed Windows 10 and 11 do get updates, they are often delayed compared to the licensed version. Also, many security updates are not released for unlicensed users at all. Furthermore, if you are a licensed Windows user, you’ll get frequent updates to patch up the glitches and bugs. These won’t be frequently available for free users. > **[What happens if you never activate Windows 10 or 11?](https://www.xda-developers.com/what-happens-if-you-never-activate-windows/)** > > Planning to use Windows OS without activating it? Learn about the disadvantages (and advantages) > While you will keep getting regular updates even when your Windows license is not activated, they will be limited. Sometimes, you might miss out on some important security updates. Also, you might be late to get the latest patches for bug fixes. You might also not get updates with new features early enough or at all. [https://windowsreport.com/windows-license-not-activated/](https://windowsreport.com/windows-license-not-activated/) --- ## Post 47 by @anon36227541 — 2026-01-23T04:23:50Z Well that’s unfortunate. Thankfully I don’t use my Windows for anything important or rely on it.