Video summary

How I Make Windows 11 ACTUALLY Usable (Debloat + Remove AI)

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Overview

The video shows how the creator makes a fresh Windows 11 install feel “usable” by:

  • Physically cleaning and re-pasting a mini PC for better thermals
  • Debloating Windows 11 to reduce/remove ads, telemetry, and AI/Copilot features
  • Using third-party Windows utilities and scripts

Hardware / maintenance context (mini PC setup)

  • The creator uses an HTPC-style mini PC: a Beelink SER, placed in the living room.
  • They open the unit to inspect buildup, describing it as “gooch” (dust/debris).
  • While the system is open, they replace thermal paste:
    • They suspect/confirm the existing thermal material is liquid metal (or liquid-metal-like)
    • They choose PTM 7950 for the replacement
  • They mention that temperatures still look acceptable even under 4K HDR, so repasting is a “why not” moment.

Why they don’t switch to Linux (compatibility constraints)

They argue switching to Linux isn’t straightforward because of incomplete compatibility for:

  • Dolby Atmos
  • Dolby Vision

They note their receiver supports both, but the TV does not yet.

Fresh Windows 11 install preparation (reducing Microsoft friction)

Recommendations before tweaking

  • If a PC comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, they recommend “nuke it”:
    • Reformat
    • Reinstall Windows fresh

Installation media

  • Use Rufus to write the Windows 11 ISO to a USB drive.
  • Configure Rufus to create a local account automatically, avoiding Microsoft account prompts.

Post-install software setup + blocking tracking

  • They use Ninite to install common apps quickly.
  • Browser handling:
    • Microsoft Edge: open a private window to reduce cookie storage.
    • Firefox:
      • Install uBlock Origin
      • Ensure it’s set as the active/default protection (they also mention “BS” in modern browsers as a similar blocker concept).

Core debloat + AI removal workflow

The main “how-to” is a two-stage process using tools from separate projects.

1) Chris Titus Tech (debloat before AI removal)

They run Chris Titus Tech (via PowerShell, using its Windows utility). Their focus is on disabling/reducing:

  • Activity history
  • Consumer features
  • Location tracking
  • Microsoft Store results
  • Telemetry (including mention of removing telemetry-related PowerShell aspects)
  • File Explorer automatic discovery
  • Background apps
  • Unwanted preinstalled widgets (they’re annoyed by the situation but disable them)
  • Storage Sense
  • Notifications
  • Start menu recommendations / Bing search
  • Additional UI/usability tweaks, including:
    • File extensions visibility
    • Dark theme
    • Mouse/scroll settings
    • “Ultimate performance” mode

They also stress:

  • Don’t blindly trust YouTubers/scripts—verify sources
  • Be cautious with GitHub downloads

2) O&O ShutUp10++ (AI/ads/data-leakage controls)

They then use O&O ShutUp10++ to remove/disable Windows features related to:

  • AI-related behavior
  • Advertising
  • Telemetry
  • Data leakage

They choose settings like:

  • Recommended + somewhat recommended
    • (with an optional “apply everything” approach mentioned)

They note:

  • Copilot and related locally stored AI data end up disabled after this step
  • They create a system restore point before making changes

3) Zoikware “Remove Windows AI” tool (final AI/Copilot registry handling)

They also run Zoikware’s GitHub “Remove Windows AI”. It’s launched via a GUI from Terminal.

Key AI-focused options mentioned:

  • Disable AI registry keys
  • Prevent AI package reinstall

They avoid one specific option because it “might actually break Windows Update.”

They also leave some photo viewer behavior set to a preferred classic/legacy style.

Notes on Microsoft Edge retention

They keep Microsoft Edge, because removing it can break link-handling behavior in Windows (notably related to Outlook/link opening).

Results / lingering bloat observations

  • They show a couple of remaining preinstalled apps they still want removed, including:
    • LinkedIn
    • WhatsApp
  • After the cleanup, they transition back to their home setup:
    • NAS usage (UGREEN NAS referenced)
    • Media Player Classic as the preferred playback software

Takeaway / commentary on Windows 11 bloat

They argue that Windows 11 is:

  • Overly bloated “out of the box”
  • Predatory, especially for users who aren’t tech-savvy

They also claim that:

  • Even companies complain to Microsoft because background RAM/resource use makes low-RAM devices (e.g., 8GB) perform worse—hurting commercial viability/profits

They still acknowledge Microsoft/Windows’ historical value, but criticize Windows 11’s current implementation.

Main speakers / sources

Main speaker

  • The video creator (they mention “Lupe” as a companion/participant)

Sources/tools used

  • Chris Titus Tech (Chris Titus utility)
  • O&O ShutUp10++
  • Zoikware “Remove Windows AI”
  • Rufus (Windows 11 USB creation)
  • Ninite (bulk app installs)
  • Incogni (a privacy sponsor mentioned; not part of the debloat process)

Original video