DOSBox MSKB Win32 - sgml/signature GitHub Wiki

Performant Alternatives to Default Applications

system_utilities:
  windows_defender:
    replaces: "Built-in antivirus and firewall"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Bitdefender Free"
        url: "https://www.bitdefender.com/"
      - name: "Kaspersky Free"
        url: "https://www.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus"
      - name: "Malwarebytes"
        url: "https://www.malwarebytes.com/"
    notes: "Third-party antivirus may offer more advanced features or lighter resource usage"

  file_explorer:
    replaces: "Windows File Explorer"
    alternatives:
      - name: "One Commander"
        url: "https://onecommander.com"
      - name: "Files"
        url: "https://files.community"
    notes: "Tab support, dual-pane UI, and theme customization"

  taskbar:
    replaces: "Windows Taskbar"
    alternatives:
      - name: "TaskbarX"
        url: "https://chrisandriessen.nl/taskbarx"
      - name: "RoundedTB"
        url: "https://github.com/torchgm/RoundedTB"
    notes: "Custom alignment, animations, and transparency"

  start_menu:
    replaces: "Default Start menu"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Start11"
        url: "https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/"
      - name: "Open-Shell"
        url: "https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/"
    notes: "Classic Start menu layouts and full customization"

  clipboard_manager:
    replaces: "Windows Clipboard history"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Ditto"
        url: "https://ditto-cp.sourceforge.io/"
      - name: "ClipboardFusion"
        url: "https://www.clipboardfusion.com/"
    notes: "Advanced clipboard tracking, formatting, and syncing"

  volume_mixer:
    replaces: "System sound mixer"
    alternatives:
      - name: "EarTrumpet"
        url: "https://github.com/File-New-Project/EarTrumpet"
    notes: "Per-app volume control with fluent UI"

ui_customization:
  file_preview:
    replaces: "Preview pane"
    alternatives:
      - name: "QuickLook"
        url: "https://github.com/QL-Win/QuickLook"
    notes: "macOS-style spacebar previews for files"

  system_clock:
    replaces: "Taskbar date/time widget"
    alternatives:
      - name: "T-Clock"
        url: "https://github.com/White-Tiger/T-Clock"
    notes: "Custom fonts, formats, and tooltips"

  desktop_organization:
    replaces: "Icon grouping"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Fences"
        url: "https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/"
    notes: "Organize desktop shortcuts into movable zones"

  widgets_and_skins:
    replaces: "None (extra feature)"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Rainmeter"
        url: "https://www.rainmeter.net/"
    notes: "Custom desktop HUDs and visualizations"

power_tools:
  screenshot_tool:
    replaces: "Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch"
    alternatives:
      - name: "ShareX"
        url: "https://getsharex.com/"
      - name: "Snipaste"
        url: "https://www.snipaste.com/"
    notes: "Advanced annotations, automation, and uploads"

  file_search:
    replaces: "Windows Search"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Everything"
        url: "https://www.voidtools.com/"
    notes: "Lightning-fast indexed file searching"

  automation:
    replaces: "Windows Shortcuts and scripting"
    alternatives:
      - name: "AutoHotkey"
        url: "https://www.autohotkey.com/"
    notes: "Powerful scripting language for automation"

  system_tweaker:
    replaces: "Group Policy / Registry manual editing"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Winaero Tweaker"
        url: "https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker/"
    notes: "Unified UI for advanced system settings"

web_network:
  web_browser:
    replaces: "Microsoft Edge"
    alternatives:
      - name: "Firefox"
        url: "https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/"
      - name: "Vivaldi"
        url: "https://vivaldi.com/"
      - name: "Brave"
        url: "https://brave.com/"
    notes: "Privacy-friendly and feature-rich alternatives"

  network_monitor:
    replaces: "Basic Task Manager networking tab"
    alternatives:
      - name: "GlassWire"
        url: "https://www.glasswire.com/"
      - name: "NetLimiter"
        url: "https://www.netlimiter.com/"
    notes: "Track bandwidth, block traffic per app"

footer:
  default_behavior_changes: |
    Installing a third-party alternative may change Windows default behavior in one of the following ways:

    1. **Manual reassignment**:
       - You often need to manually set the new application as the default in Settings → Apps → Default Apps.
       - For system-level tools (e.g. Explorer, Taskbar), some changes may require registry edits or shell overrides.

    2. **Automatic replacement**:
       - Some utilities (like antivirus software or web browsers) prompt users to make them default during installation.
       - Advanced tools (e.g. Start11 or EarTrumpet) may hook into system APIs or override shell behaviors without modifying core system files.

    3. **Fallback behavior**:
       - Windows may restore defaults after updates or security scans (notably with Defender or Start Menu mods).
       - It's recommended to recheck and reapply defaults after major system updates.

    These changes are generally reversible and isolated, but administrative access is often required. Always back up registry or system configurations when applying deep customizations.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/snap-your-windows-885a9b1e-a983-a3b1-16cd-c531795e6241

https://www.irfanview.com/

https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Windows-Defender-in-Windows-10

Sandboxing

Steam Sandboxing Options on Windows

Method Isolation Level Cost Memory Consumption License Type Best For Documentation
Windows Sandbox High Free (Windows Pro/Enterprise) Default: 4 GB; configurable up to 8 GB+ Proprietary (Windows entitlement) Disposable, secure testing Microsoft Learn
Sandboxie Plus Medium Free (Open Source) Lightweight; varies by app, ~2–5 GB typical Mixed: GPLv3 core, custom UI license, LGPL components Lightweight app isolation Sandboxie Docs
VirtualBox Very High Free (Open Source) Configurable; typically 1–4 GB per VM GPLv3 for base; PUEL for Extension Pack Full VM testing, modding VirtualBox Docs
Hyper-V Very High Free (Windows Pro/Enterprise) Configurable; reserve 2 GB for host; dynamic memory supported Proprietary (Windows Server license required for guests) Enterprise-grade virtualization Hyper-V Licensing Guide

Steps to Sandbox as an alternative to Installing an exe

(sandboxie-installation
  (goal "Run installer inside sandbox to isolate changes")
  (steps
    (download-exe
      (location "outside sandbox")
      (note "Do not run it yet"))
    (launch-sandboxie
      (method "Right-click Sandboxie tray icon")
      (select "DefaultBox or custom sandbox"))
    (run-exe-sandboxed
      (method "Run Sandboxed")
      (path "Drag downloaded .exe to the sandbox")
      (action "Execute inside sandbox"))
    (monitor-installation
      (sandbox-indicators "[#] window title" "yellow border"))
    (post-install
      (access "Sandboxie Start Menu")
      (optional "Create shortcut via 'Add Shortcut Icons'"))
    (persistence
      (setting "Disable automatic sandbox deletion")
      (option "Keep contents after closing")))

Windows 10 ISO Debloat Process

How to Debloat a Standard Windows 10 ISO (Fully Offline, Before Installation)

  1. Download and Extract ISO

    • Get the official ISO from Microsoft.
    • Use tools like 7-Zip or mount it to extract contents.

  2. Load into NTLite

    • Download NTLite and open the extracted Windows image.
    • Select your Windows edition (e.g., Home, Pro) for editing.

  3. Remove Components

    • Within NTLite’s Components section:
      • Uncheck or remove:
        • Cortana
        • Edge
        • Xbox/UWP apps
        • OneDrive
        • Telemetry & Cloud Experience Host
        • Microsoft Defender Antivirus
          • Located under: Security > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
          • Set to Remove to ensure it's stripped entirely from install media

  4. Disable Defender-Related Scheduled Tasks & Services

    • Still in NTLite:
      • Navigate to the Services section and disable:
        • Windows Defender Service (WinDefend)
        • Security Center (wscsvc)
      • Under Scheduled Tasks, disable:
        • Windows Defender Cache Maintenance
        • Windows Defender Cleanup
        • Windows Defender Verification

  5. Apply Changes and Rebuild ISO

    • Use NTLite to apply changes.
    • Rebuild the ISO with the modified image.

  6. Create Bootable USB

    • Use Rufus or Ventoy to flash the new ISO to a USB stick.

  7. Install the OS

    • Boot from USB and install your fully debloated Windows 10—no post-install cleanup required.

Fat32 Boot Image Creation

Anti-Malware Alt

How Third-Party Antivirus Disables Windows Defender

  1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-compatibility
  2. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000132198/how-to-disable-windows-defender
  3. https://superuser.com/questions/1628749/how-to-check-windows-defender-status-via-the-command-line

Windows Update Alt

Windows Backup and Restore