Note: This blog post is based on pre-release information and may be subject to change.
Microsoft is determined to make Windows 10 highly customizable for Enterprise use. While no Windows 10 release was free of flaws, over the past two years, the Windows team has been continuously innovating, and listening to IT Pros feedback. This is reflected by the changes to the provisioned applications over the past 6 months.
- The Microsoft.HEIFImageExtension package enables Windows 10 devices to read and write files that use the High Efficiency Image File (HEIF) format.
- The Microsoft.ScreenSketch app gives you all of the functionality of the Snipping Tool with additional improvements. Originally introduced as part of the Windows Ink Workspace, this package is now an app which comes with a variety of benefits, including that it can now be updated via the Microsoft Store.
- The Microsoft.VP9VideoExtensions package adds support for the efficient open source video codec VP9 developed as part of the WebM Project by Google.
- The Microsoft.WebpImageExtension package adds support for the new modern image format WebP that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web.
- The Microsoft.YourPhone application makes it easier to move files between your computer and your portable (Android) devices. You can finally stop emailing yourself photos.
Additionally, the Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal is now an app! This comes with a variety of benefits, including that it now can be uninstalled.
Below is a list of applications which are flagged as removable in Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) - color coded from Enterprise client standpoint for your convenience.
Please be aware, that the decision which applications should be removed can be tricky and very dependant on your usage scenario. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution and there are many tradeoffs to consider. Consider the list below - based on my interactions with various customers - as food for thought.
- Microsoft.BingWeather
- Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller
- Microsoft.GetHelp
- Microsoft.Getstarted
- Microsoft.HEIFImageExtension
- Microsoft.Messaging
- Microsoft.Microsoft3DViewer
- Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub
- Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection
- Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes
- Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal
- Microsoft.MSPaint
- Microsoft.Office.OneNote (Note: Consider keeping if you are allowing Microsoft Account usage)
- Microsoft.OneConnect
- Microsoft.People
- Microsoft.Print3D
- Microsoft.SkypeApp
- Microsoft.ScreenSketch
- Microsoft.StorePurchaseApp
- Microsoft.VP9VideoExtensions
- Microsoft.Wallet
- Microsoft.WebMediaExtensions
- Microsoft.WebpImageExtension
- Microsoft.Windows.Photos
- Microsoft.WindowsAlarms
- Microsoft.WindowsCalculator
- Microsoft.WindowsCamera
- microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps
- Microsoft.WindowsFeedbackHub
- Microsoft.WindowsMaps
- Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder
- Microsoft.WindowsStore
- Microsoft.XboxApp
- Microsoft.Xbox.TCUI
- Microsoft.XboxGameOverlay
- Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay
- Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider
- Microsoft.XboxSpeechToTextOverlay
- Microsoft.YourPhone
- Microsoft.ZuneMusic
- Microsoft.ZuneVideo
Explanation:
- Green: "Keep"
- Gold: "Consider keeping in order to ensure full Windows 10 functionality"
- Red: "Consider removing in an Enterprise scenario".
Important: I am yet to come up with a solid reason why Microsoft flags following apps as removable: DesktopAppInstaller, StorePurchaseApp, WindowsStore.
Note: When you build your image, you should also consider removing Quick Support capability using DISM. See my previous blog on how to remove Windows capabilities for more guidance.
Additional considerations: In a multi-language image you may experience issues localizing built-in apps. See my blog for additional details.
