Microsoft Edge Browser - Stop running services, updates & processes at Windows startup

If you like using Microsoft's Edge browser, but feel it may be sharing too much information with Microsoft, here are some recommended settings to help keep your private stuff, well, a bit more private.

Paste each one into the URL Address bar, and modify:

edge://settings/privacy/privacy

•   Send "Do Not Track" requests: ON
•   Send optional diagnostic data to improve Microsoft products: OFF
•   Help improve Microsoft products by sending the results from searches on the web: OFF
•   Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favorites, web content... : OFF

edge://settings/startHomeNTP?search=Preload

•   Preload your new tab page: OFF

edge://settings/system/manageSystem

•   Startup Boost: OFF
•   Continue running background extensions and apps when Edge is closed: OFF

edge://settings/privacy/sitePermissions/allPermissions/backgroundSync 

•   Allow recently closed sites to finish sending and receiving data: OFF
•   Background sync and Preload pages : OFF

edge://settings/profiles/sync

• Feature usage: OFF
• History: OFF
• Open Tabs: OFF

edge://settings/privacy/services

•   Suggest similar sites when a website can't be found: OFF
•   Save time and money with Shopping in Microsoft Edge: OFF
•   Save content using Collections in Microsoft Edge: OFF
•   Organize your tabs: OFF

edge://settings/privacy/services/search

•   Search engine used in the address bar: Google (Default)
•   Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar: Address bar

  

edge://settings/privacy/services/search/searchFilters

•   Customize suggestions: More history

Best way to quickly install most of your favorite apps on Windows 11 [Updated]

Let's say you install Windows 11 from scratch and need to install a bunch of apps. Tedious, and takes a long time to do.
Well, here's a simple install script to get you up and running in one go. You will need to run it from the built-in Windows Powershell v5.x, running as admin (not from Powershell 7.x pwsh).
You can copy the script directly to the console, or save it as Install_apps.ps1 and run it like that.
Feel free to comment (add # before the line) or uncomment any app you like.

# Note1: To check which apps are already installed, type: winget list
You can simulate actions without installing anything by setting $DryRun to $true.

# Note2: If you decide to run it as a PS1 script file, make sure to add an ampersand &  or   .\   before the path to the file, like in the screenshot below. Powershell requires one of these to execute the script.

# Note3: Apps have new version releases every now and then. winget updates take around 12 hours to propagate through Github and MS Store, meaning you might see (or get notified) that an app has a new version released, but when you check with winget upgrade,  you don't see the update immediately. Just wait a while longer and the new version will appear.

# Note4: If you get the error "install_apps.ps1 cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system", type:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser -Force
# To check, type: Get-ExecutionPolicy

# Note5: If it says that "winget" is not recognized as a command, the simplest solution is to open the MS Store and update "App Installer".

# Note6: I've added code to capture failed installations with a summery at the end.

# Note7: Some apps are known to fail with the message "This app can't run on your PC".
If you encounter such apps, just use other ways to install them (own installer, MS Store).

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Windows 11 - Find hidden URIs

Many people are using my method to install a local account instead of an MS online/cloud account by using the URI   ms-cxh://  

During OOBE, press Shift+F10 to open CMD and type: start ms-cxh://localonly to create a local user account and continue the installation from there. Note however, this method is known to Microsoft, and will be blocked in future builds.

You won't find the parameters that the URI ms-cxh:// can use anywhere online or in the Windows registry, as MS does not publish them - they're hidden inside files.

The URI command ms-cxh://localonly , for example, can be found in the file: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\js\errorHandler.js

This file was found using the Super God Mode script , which runs a Powershell script to search within files for hidden URIs.

BTW, you can run a similar search using Notepad++ :

Open Notepad++ as admin > Search > Find in files > Enter the search string, for example ms-cxh:  and directory, for example C:\Windows > CHECK "In all subfolders, CHECK "in hidden folders".

Add a filter if you like, for example: *.* !*.dmp !*.msi !*.msp !*.etl !*.log !*.jpg !*.png !*.wim !*.sys
and click "Find all". Wait for the results, they will appear at the bottom pane.

There are other ways to perform a deep search, such as using MS Sysinternals strings, Geoff McDonald's strings2 or Mandiant's floss.

Windows 11 - All the known ways to skip & bypass OOBE MS online account

Here are all the known ways and methods to skip & bypass Windows 11's OOBE MS online account requirement and use a local account instead.

 1st Method

Start the Windows 11 installation. When in OOBE and Win11 requires you to connect to the network,

press SHIFT+F10 to open a CMD window and type: OOBE\bypassNRO

The PC will restart, OOBE will start again, but this time it will offer the option "I don't have an internet connection". Continue for there.

2nd method

* By accessing the Developer Console, users can trigger a local account setup screen. 

1. Start Windows 11 Setup > Select region and keyboard layout.

2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + J to open the Developer Console.

3. Type: WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY")

This opens a GUI to add a local user account.   

   * Note: This command is case-sensitive. 

   * You can use Tab-completion to help you type it quickly & accurately.

 Press Escape to exit the Developer Console and return to the OOBE screen.

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• 3.5" 7200rpm SATA3 CMR HDD with 256MB cache.
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• Model # ST16000NE000   

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Windows 11 - Disable the controversial Recall feature

If you wish to stop the Recall feature from getting installed:

Step 1: Get PowerRun. This gives us TrustedInstaller privileges to basically do whatever we want.

Get VoidTools Everything - Best free search app for Windows.

Get RegCool - Best free Registry editor.

Get the Take-Own script - Install the reg script. This will add "Take Ownership" to the Context Menu in Windows 11. 

Step 2: Open CMD from PowerRun and paste:
schtasks /End /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Recall\PolicyConfiguration"
schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Recall\PolicyConfiguration" /Disable
schtasks /End /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Settings\InitialConfiguration"
schtasks /Change /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Settings\InitialConfiguration" /Disable

Or, if you prefer - Open Powershell from PowerRun and paste: :

Stop-ScheduledTask -TaskPath "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Recall\" -TaskName "PolicyConfiguration"
Disable-ScheduledTask -TaskPath "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Recall\" -TaskName "PolicyConfiguration"
Stop-ScheduledTask -TaskPath "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Settings\" -TaskName "InitialConfiguration"
Disable-ScheduledTask -TaskPath "\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI\Settings\" -TaskName "InitialConfiguration"

NOTE: If you have the Scheduled Tasks window open, refresh it (press F5) to see the change.

Step 3 (Optional - for advanced users): Use Everything from VoidTools, and search for %windir%\ UserExperience-Recall | userexperience-aix

It will list CAT and MUM files. They should be located under C:\Windows\servicing\Packages\ , under C:\Windows\System32\CatRoot\ and under C:\Windows\WinSxS\ .

Right-click and take ownership of these files (NOTE: taking ownership is limited to 15 items at a time)

Now you can actually delete these files. 

Step 4 (Optional - for advanced users): If you've deleted the files, you must also delete any reference to those files in the registry. Open RegCool, search for UserExperience-Recall . Wait until the search is finished, the results should be in the bottom window. Delete all the keys that contain reference to those CAT and MUM files. Do the same for UserExperience-AIX

You are now Recall-free. Cheers :-)

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GoMoWorld - Another great eSIM provider!

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Check out some of their eSIM plans:

 

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Homatics Home Click Smart Home Theater - Review [UPDATED] ✈

I've received the Homatics Home Click smart wireless home theater surround sound system for review (the white version).

*Update: Video review is now available on YouTube.

"Let's get something clear right away - you probably won't get a better sound system, with such features, at such an affordable price."

 

My review unit includes a wireless 100W 6-inch (15cm) subwoofer and a 4-meter Ambient LED Light strip - both are optional extras.

*Currently Homatics have product placements for a 100W sub and a 40W sub.

This Home Click set is advertised as having some unique features, and everything is controlled by an Android TV box with Google TV OS 14 - The Homatics Box R 4K Plus.

The basic set includes 4x satellite speakers, 1x center speaker and 1x Android TV box. Each piece comes with its own power adapter. The satellites are powered via a USB Type-C port located at the bottom, and have a label so it's easy to know where to place each one. The speakers connect using a private 5.8GHz wireless protocol, which really does a good job as I couldn't detect any latency.

The subwoofer has a regular 2-pin power connector and an on/off switch, right next to the down-firing 6" woofer. I have made a short video to illustrate its usable frequency range. The dimensions of the subwoofer unit are 24Dx23Wx38H cm, and it weighs 6.67 Kg.

The satellites are rather unique. They feature a down-firing 2.8" woofer, two side elements and an angled up-firing top element encased in a clear acrylic, specifically designed for Dolby Atmos. There's also a square LED light just under the top speaker, adding soft ambient lighting.

The center speaker is also quite special - The TV box sits neatly flush atop the center speaker and powers the center speaker via a USB Type-C port located at the bottom of the TV box. The center speaker also features a 4-character screen which is mostly used to indicate the listening mode. 

The FFM switch under the buttons enables or disables the far-field microphones (much like Amazon Alexa). When FFM is on, it allows the device to respond to voice commands even from a distance. When FFM is off it disables the far-field microphones for privacy or when you don't want the device to actively listen for voice commands. Could come in handy if you intend to use the Google Assistant a lot, and don't want to reach for the remote every time. However, I must note that this feature did not seem to work - setting FFM to ON and trying to speak directly to the center speaker did not pick up my voice. I'd suggest using the remote.

The (M)ode button displays the HummingEQ Pro menu for a brief few seconds, so you should really do that from the remote by long-pressing the Mute button.

Homatics Dongle G 4K - Product Review [Coupon Inside] ✈

I've received the Homatics Dongle G 4K for review.

It is a small Google TV certified media streaming device running Android 11, which is meant to be hooked up behind the TV to an HDMI port. The Dongle G 4K receives power via its 5W microUSB port. The USB cable can be connected to the TV as well if your TV has a 5W USB port (most modern TVs do). Otherwise, you can connect it to a wall power adapter (included in the box). A small white LED indicates that it is powered on.

The Dongle G 4K specs include 2GB LPDDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC built-in storage. The 2GHz quad-core CPU with the Mali-G31 GPU give it ample power to stream 4Kp60 content easily.

It is currently priced at $59.99 USD (less with discount code - see below). You can select which power adapter will be included (US / EU / UK).

* EDIT 2025-04-08: There's an upgraded model with 32GB storage, with a list price of $79.99.

Setup is quite easy and straight-forward. If you have the Google Home app installed on your phone, you just add a new device, scan the QR code that's displayed on the screen, and follow the procedure on your phone.

You'll see this screen when setup is finished

In the box you get the dongle, remote, power adapter, microUSB to USB Type-A cable, and 2x AAA batteries for the remote. The remote is Homatics' standard remote which features the Google Assistant button for voice instructions.

The dongle itself features the following: microUSB 5V DC port, RJ45 LAN port, USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.1 port and a Recovery button.

Wireless connectivity includes WiFi5 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0.

The Dongle G 4K supports Google's Widevine L1 and Microsoft's PlayReady SL3000 DRM, which means it can stream up to UHD 4K in all the major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc..).

Everything works as expected, and it plays YouTube and Netflix videos without any issue.

You can of course download games from the Google Play Store, and play them on the Dongle G 4K, but don't expect high-end gaming. For gaming, I recommend purchasing the Homatics Gamepad.

You can connect a storage device to the USB Type-C port, and transfer files from it. You can also play movies and audio directly from the USB device, using a media player such as MX Player (you'll need to download it from the Play Store).

All in all, the Dongle G 4K is a very nice discrete, inexpensive and low-power media streaming solution. Especially recommended for a kid's or guest's room. Thumbs up!

* If you use my special coupon discount code 1HDBIZ, you'll get a 10% discount.

* ✈ International Global shipping available.

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