Creating a custom Windows ISO.

[Haswellx86]

Hi, I am creating a custom Windows 10 ISO to install it on my PC, but I am planning to debloat it and remove some critical components which are not that critical for me, like Windows defender. Is it possible after installation to bring it back without a re-install? Also, should I be careful removing any other stuff that might potentially break Windows?

 

Edit - I am also going to remove a lot of Windows apps. All those can be re-installed after the Windows installation, right?

[Needfuldoer]

In my opinion, "debloating" isn't necessary unless you're trying to install Windows on a potato.

 

But if you insist, download NTLite and have fun.

[DoctorNick]

39 minutes ago, Gat Pelsinger said:

Hi, I am creating a custom Windows 10 ISO to install it on my PC, but I am planning to debloat it and remove some critical components which are not that critical for me, like Windows defender. Is it possible after installation to bring it back without a re-install? Also, should I be careful removing any other stuff that might potentially break Windows?

 

Edit - I am also going to remove a lot of Windows apps. All those can be re-installed after the Windows installation, right?

Just adding a video guide to NTLite 

 

[Haswellx86]

@Needfuldoer @DoctorNick

 

I am using NTlite and I know how to use it. I am just curious if I can get back what I have removed from the ISO after the installation if something has broken because of it.

[DoctorNick]

33 minutes ago, Gat Pelsinger said:

@Needfuldoer @DoctorNick

 

I am using NTlite and I know how to use it. I am just curious if I can get back what I have removed from the ISO after the installation if something has broken because of it.

Some of it maybe, really depends what it is  

[TheLANguy]

7 hours ago, Gat Pelsinger said:

I am using NTlite and I know how to use it. I am just curious if I can get back what I have removed from the ISO after the installation if something has broken because of it.

Manually removing IE breaks a lot of stuff with explorer and is hard to get back. Would not recommend.

If you get rid of the Microsoft Store and its apps they can be brought back.

[Haswellx86]

@TheLANguy What? Removing IE breaks stuff? IE is something I never use, so how does that break anything?

[TheLANguy]

Just now, Gat Pelsinger said:

@TheLANguy What? Removing IE breaks stuff? IE is something I never use, so how does that break anything?

IE is tied heavily to Windows Explorer. Disabling it in the "Turn Windows Features on or off" does not get rid of all the files.

[Haswellx86]

@TheLANguy

 

What does it particularly break?

[TheLANguy]

1 hour ago, Gat Pelsinger said:

@TheLANguy

What does it particularly break?

It causes issues with the functionality of File Explorer and Control panel. Also some apps rely on its files.

If I remember correctly this is also the case for Windows Media player.