While there are no changes to the list of provisioned apps in Windows 10, version 1903 compared to Windows 10, version 1809, instead of retaining the app recommendations created for Windows 10, version 1809, I have conducted a thorough review of all available apps with various Enterprise customers – as I do with every Windows 10 feature update. In the process I flagged the Microsoft.Xbox.TCUI app as "removeable" as it was determined that the uninstall process does not seem to break dependencies as it used to, and I also marked the Microsoft.Office.OneNote app as "keep" as more and more organizations are implementing cloud identities. The result is a more streamlined, purposeful app list.
Note: Microsoft.Print3D app is now deprecated. Going forward, 3D Builder is the recommended 3D printing app.
Below is a list of applications which are flagged as removable in Windows 10, version 1903 - 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
- 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:Do not removeDesktopAppInstaller, StorePurchaseApp and WindowsStore apps for supportability reasons.
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.
