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Harden Windows Security v.0.7.2
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@HotCakeX HotCakeX released this 07 Jan 12:23
· 52 commits to main since this release
Hardening-Module-v.0.7.2
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Learn about vigilant mode.

What's New

This update is full of new features 🎉

Ability to Remove built-in pre-installed apps

Introduced the ability to remove built-in apps using the Harden Windows Security module. This functionality is available on a dedicated page. The list of removable apps is stored in a JSON file, providing flexibility and extensibility.

When apps are removed using the Harden Windows Security module, they are removed for all users, and they won't come back when you create a new user. They are re-installable from the Microsoft Store if necessary.

The JSON file currently includes 37 apps. More apps can easily be added to it in the future without requiring to modify the code.


Ability to Remove Individual Optional Windows Features and Capabilities

Added a new page for managing Optional Windows Features. While the Harden Windows Security module already includes an Optional Features category in the hardening measures section, this new page allows for granular control, enabling you to fine-tune which features to enable or disable. It also includes additional optional features that can be removed.


Online File Reputation Check via Smart App Control/SmartScreen through Microsoft Defender

Using Microsoft Defender, queries a file's reputation based on either the Smart App Control or SmartScreen, depending on whichever is in control. It doesn't need Admin privileges. It's in a new dedicated tab available in the GUI. Simply browse for a file and detect its reputation and some other advanced details. You can use this feature while other tasks in the Harden Windows Security module are running.


Added Reduced Telemetry Policies

Added reduced telemetry policies to the Miscellaneous Category in the Harden Windows Security module. They are a sub-category and include the following policies:

  • Disable Online Tips. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable Find My Device feature. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable Automatic Update of Speech Data. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Turn off the advertising ID. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Turn off cloud optimized content. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Do not show Windows tips. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Do not show feedback notifications. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Turn off Automatic Download and Update of Map Data. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable Message Service Cloud Sync for cellular text messages. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable support for web-to-app linking with app URI handlers. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable "Continue experiences on this device" feature. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Disable Font Providers. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Don't search the web or display web results in Search. Rotating green checkmark denoting CSP CSP

  • Do not allow web search. More Info


AppControl Manager Installer Integration

You can now install the AppControl Manager right from the Harden Windows Security module. This is a very convenient way to install it as it only requires a click/tap of a button.


image


Other Changes

  • Compliance Checking Enhancement: Added support for VBScript compliance checks.

  • Code Improvements: Implemented several code enhancements and optimizations.

  • UI Enhancements: Updated the button styles on the ASR Rules and Unprotect pages. The new design replaces the previous animated buttons with play icons, offering a cleaner and more modern look.

  • Added description texts to the top of the pages.

  • Changed Only Elevated Signed sub-category name to Only Elevate Signed, it was a typo.

  • Updated the readme.

  • Updated the demo gif to reflect the changes in the GUI.


Harden Windows Security module


Auto generated release notes 👇

  • AppControl-Manager-DownloadLink-Version-Update-Version-1.8.2.0 by @github-actions in #500
  • Implemented Apps and Windows Features Removal by @HotCakeX in #506
  • Implemented online file reputation verification in the Harden Windows Security moulde by @HotCakeX in #507
  • Added AppControl Manager native installer to the Harden Windows Security Module by @HotCakeX in #508
  • Improved the bootstrapper script by @HotCakeX in #509
  • Added reduced telemetry policies by @HotCakeX in #510

Full Changelog: AppControlManager.v.1.8.2.0...Hardening-Module-v.0.7.2


Contributors

HotCakeX
Assets 2
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