Looking for an easy solution to slim-down Windows? Look no further!
Based on a suggestion from one of our regular readers I checked out “Winhance” free and open-source Windows debloat/enhancement utility to see what it offered, and I must say I am very impressed. Many thanks to Reg for the suggestion.
There are quite a few Windows debloat/slimming tools around at the moment, mostly consisting purely of scripts. Winhance works in much the same way except the scripts are tucked away behind an extremely intuitive graphical interface, which provides far more granular control.
Winhance is not only the easiest to use Windows debloat/slimming tool I’ve come across to date but it is also by far the most comprehensive.
Winhance can either be fully installed or installed as a portable application:
NOTE: Because Winhance is new, Windows will likely issue a popup warning. Winhance is perfectly safe, verified 100% clean via Virus Total, simply click More Info and then Run anyway
At first run, Winhance automatically creates registry backups plus a system restore point. It then scans the system and presents the results in its intuitive interface. The status of apps and features is color coded- Green if the app is installed or a feature enabled, Red if the app is not installed or a feature disabled:
The default view is “Windows Apps & Features“. From there, you can select what apps to uninstall. Clicking External Software brings up a list of applications, sorted into categories, which are usually required in a clean install. The list is comprehensive and you can install any listed application from within Winhance:
Down the lefthand side we have Software & Apps (the default view), Optimize, and Customize. Clicking Optimize and/or Customize brings up related Windows settings that you can adjust from within Winhance. Many of the optimization settings are already set to optimum within Winhance, with associated recommendations and tool tips.
Further down the lefthand side you’ll see Advanced Tools which includes WIMUtil and Create Autounattend XML. These tools can be used to create a customized slimmed-down Windows ISO based on your Winhance preferences.
That pretty much covers the basics and, honestly, there is so much more to Winhance that it would take a small novel to explain it all. A far better option, if you’re interested in the software, would be to watch the developer’s video tutorial.
The tutorial video is 1 hour and 27 minutes long, which is perhaps rather long for some to sit through but also, in itself, a testament to just how comprehensive Winhance is.
- To watch the video visit: Winhance Video Tutorial
- For more details about Winhance’s features plus direct download link visit: Winhance The Windows Enhancement Utility
BOTTOM LINE:
If you’re looking to slim down your Windows operating system, Winhance is the perfect solution. With it’s intuitive interface, Winhance is eminently suitable for users of all levels of competence, plus it also includes features for more advanced users to take advantage of.
NOTE: All these types of tools involve an element of risk and, even though Winhance includes its own backup system, I would recommend also creating a full system image backup beforehand
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