Introducing "DeployWorkstation"
A System-Wide/All-Users Debloating & Basic Application Installation
PowerShell Script For Windows 10 & Windows 11 Systems
https://github.com/Pnwcomputers/DeployWorkstation/tree/Version2-AllUsers%26NewAccounts
The Big Picture
When I first created DeployWorkstation, it solved a personal problem: setting up a clean, efficient Windows environment by removing bloatware and installing essential applications. But as the project gained traction, one limitation became clear; it only configured the current user.
Version 2.0 Alpha changes everything by introducing all-users functionality. Now, the script configures not just your current account, but:
✅ All existing user accounts on the system
✅ Future user accounts created after deployment
✅ System-wide policies that prevent bloatware return
✅ Default user profile pre-configuration
This makes it perfect for IT administrators managing multiple workstations, families with shared computers, or anyone who wants a truly clean Windows experience that persists across all users.
Video of Version1.0 (Alpha) In Action:
What Makes v2.0 Special
Advanced Registry Hive Management & All-Users Coverage
The biggest technical challenge was safely mounting and configuring multiple user registry hives simultaneously. Version 2.0 introduces:
Intelligent HKU: drive creation for PowerShell registry access
Multi-user registry hive mounting with proper error handling
Enhanced dismount procedures with retry logic and handle cleanup
Default user profile configuration for future account creation
Comprehensive Bloatware Removal
While v1.x removed apps for the current user, v2.0 goes system-wide:
21 bloatware patterns removed via Winget (Xbox, social media, streaming apps)
20+ UWP packages removed for all users and future installations
6 Windows capabilities completely uninstalled
13 unnecessary services disabled system-wide
McAfee auto-detection and removal
Privacy-First Configuration
Version 2.0 applies comprehensive privacy settings at multiple levels:
System-wide group policies disable telemetry and advertising
Per-user privacy settings for existing accounts
Default profile configuration ensures new users inherit clean settings
Consumer features disabled to prevent promotional content
What Gets Removed vs. Installed
Removed Applications (Examples):
Microsoft: Outlook, Clipchamp, OneDrive, Teams, Xbox suite
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn
Entertainment: Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Candy Crush
Utilities: Quick Assist, Remote Desktop, Mixed Reality Portal
Essential Applications Installed:
Security: Malwarebytes, BleachBit
Productivity: Google Chrome, Adobe Reader, 7-Zip, Zoom
Runtime: .NET 7 Desktop, Java Runtime Environment
Media: VLC Media Player
The philosophy is simple: remove the noise, keep the essentials.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
IT Administrators
Deploy across multiple workstations with consistent configuration:
# Deploy to all workstations with custom logging
.\DeployWorkstation-AllUsers.ps1 -LogPath "\\server\logs\$env:COMPUTERNAME-deploy.log"
Shared Family Computers
Ensure all family members get a clean experience:
# Configure existing accounts and future children's accounts
.\DeployWorkstation-AllUsers.ps1
Fresh Windows Installations
Start with a completely clean slate:
# Full deployment on new Windows install
.\DeployWorkstation-AllUsers.ps1
Targeted Updates
Apply just registry fixes after updates:
# Configuration-only run
.\DeployWorkstation-AllUsers.ps1 -SkipAppInstall -SkipBloatwareRemoval
The Technical Journey: Lessons Learned
Challenge 1: Registry Drive Access
PowerShell doesn't create HKU: drives by default. Solution: Dynamic drive creation with global scope and verification.
Challenge 2: Multi-User Registry Safety
Mounting multiple user hives safely required careful error handling and proper cleanup procedures.
Challenge 3: Future User Configuration
Configuring the default user profile involves mounting NTUSER.DAT from the Default user folder - a process that required enhanced dismount handling.
Challenge 4: Parameter Compatibility
PowerShell parameter names vary between versions. Extensive testing revealed the correct syntax for registry property types.
⚠️ Alpha Release: What to Expect
This is an alpha release, which means:
✅ What's Working:
Core bloatware removal (95%+ success rate)
Essential app installation (95%+ success rate)
Multi-user registry configuration (90%+ success rate)
System-wide policy application
⚠️ Known Limitations:
Registry dismount warnings (usually harmless)
Extended runtime on systems with many users
Potential conflicts in enterprise environments with strict policies
🔬 Testing Needed:
Various Windows 10/11 builds and editions
Enterprise domain environments
Systems with unusual user account configurations
Large-scale deployments
📈 Performance Metrics
Based on alpha testing across different systems:
Average Runtime: 10-15 minutes
Apps Successfully Removed: ~25-30 applications
Registry Settings Applied: 50+ privacy/bloatware prevention settings
Services Disabled: 13 unnecessary Windows services
Disk Space Recovered: Typically 2-4 GB
Roadmap to a Full Stable Release:
Immediate Priorities (v2.1):
Enhanced enterprise environment compatibility
Improved registry dismount reliability
Additional bloatware pattern detection
Performance optimizations for large user bases
Future Considerations (v2.2+):
GUI interface for non-technical users
Configuration profiles for different use cases
Remote deployment capabilities
Integration with common IT management tools
🚨 Important Considerations:
Backup and Testing
Always test on non-production systems first. Many changes are irreversible without Windows reinstallation.
Enterprise Environments
Check with IT policies before deployment. Some organizations may have restrictions on registry modifications or application removal.
Gaming Impact
Xbox-related features and Game Bar functionality will be removed. Consider your gaming needs before deployment.
🤝 Community and Feedback
The alpha release is available on GitHub with comprehensive documentation:
Complete Removal List - Every component that gets removed
Installation List - All applications that get installed
Changelog - Detailed version history and bug fixes
Your feedback is crucial for reaching a stable release. Please report:
Execution errors with log excerpts
Unexpected behavior or compatibility issues
Performance problems or suggestions
Feature requests for future versions
Final Thoughts
DeployWorkstation v2.0 Alpha represents a significant step forward in Windows system management. By extending beyond single-user configuration to system-wide deployment, it addresses real-world scenarios where multiple users share systems or where IT administrators need consistent, repeatable deployments.
The alpha release is about finding the edge cases, improving reliability, and ensuring compatibility across the diverse Windows ecosystem. Whether you're an IT professional, power user, or someone who just wants a cleaner Windows experience, your testing and feedback will help shape the final release.
Ready to try it? Head over to the GitHub repository and let me know how it works in your environment!
Have questions about DeployWorkstation v2.0 Alpha? Found a bug? Want to contribute? Reach out via GitHub Issues or connect with me through social media: www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers
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