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Piyush
Piyush

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Reborn Windows

#windows #learning #setup #apps

Reborn Windows: A Minimalist’s Guide to a Windows Machine

The Quest Begins

Every great adventure starts with a clean slate. Think of a fresh Windows install as your hero’s rebirth.

  1. 🔧 A lightweight option, consider TinyOS, a bloatware-free version of Windows that’s as nimble as a ninja.

  2. 💾 Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus.

  3. 📁 Before you start, back up your data.

Your Windows is now a blank canvas, but a hero needs tools! Here’s a curated list of free, lightweight apps to supercharge your PC without weighing it down:

  • 7zip: Unpack files faster than a shuriken throw.
  • Brave: A privacy-first browser that blocks ads like a shield.
  • VLC: A video player that handles every format like a master alchemist.
  • Sublime Text: A sleek text editor for coding ninjas.
  • Everything: Search files instantly, like a hawk-eyed tracker.
  • KDE Connect: Sync your phone and PC seamlessly.
  • SumatraPDF: A lightweight PDF reader that’s quick as lightning.
  • Espanso: Automate text snippets for ultimate efficiency.
  • PowerToys: Microsoft’s secret sauce for productivity boosts.
  • SyncThing: Keep files in sync across devices without the cloud.

Check out Gourav’s blog for more gems like Ditto Clipboard, ImageGlass, and FreeDownloadManager. These are your trusty kunai—sharp, simple, and effective.

  • Clipboard Mastery: Enable clipboard history (Settings > System > Clipboard) to store multiple items like a memory jutsu.
  • Multilingual Text: Turn on multilingual text suggestions (Settings > Time & Language > Typing) for faster typing.

Slow System?: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to fix corrupted files—it’s like a healing potion for your PC.

Printer Setup

  1. Rename your PC for easy network sharing (File Explorer > This PC > Properties > Rename).
  2. Enable network sharing (Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Private: Turn On, Password Protection: Off).
  3. Share folders (Right-click > Give Access > Everyone > Read/Write).
  4. Enable SMB in Windows Features (Control Panel > Programs > Turn
  5. Windows Features On/Off) for network sharing.
  6. Create a desktop shortcut to the network path (\Desktop-Name\Folder) for quick access.

Privacy & Security: Guard Your Dojo

Your PC is your sanctuary, so protect it like a hidden village:

  • Disable BitLocker: Unless you need encryption, turn it off to avoid slowdowns.
  • Windows Update: Pause updates via services.msc (Windows Update > Properties > Disable) to control when they run.
  • Privacy Settings:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Permissions and App Permissions. Turn off everything you don’t need (location, camera, etc.).
  • Disable background apps (Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Advanced Options > Never Run in Background).

  • Turn off Windows Backup, Device Usage, and Lock Screen “fun facts” (Settings > Personalization).

  • Browser Config: Import your old browser settings, but disable telemetry in Brave or Edge for extra privacy.

  • For encryption needs, use tools like hat.sh instead of BitLocker for lightweight file protection.

Optimization: Keep It Lean, Not Mean
Forget debloating scripts—they’re like cursed scrolls that mess with Windows Updates. Instead, tweak settings manually:

Personalization

  • Background: Use a static image, not a slideshow or Spotlight.
  • Taskbar: Turn off unused widgets and search.
  • Lock Screen: Disable fun facts (nobody needs them).

Apps

  • Startup: Disable unnecessary apps (Settings > Apps > Startup).
  • Share Across Devices: Turn off unless needed.
  • Visual Effects: Run SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe (Win + R) and select “Adjust for best performance” to disable animations and transparency.
  • Wi-Fi Issues: Update drivers in Device Manager and disable “Save Power” in Power Management settings.

Backup & Recovery

Every hero needs a backup plan. Create a system restore point (Control Panel > System & Security > System Protection > Create). If disaster strikes, boot into a Windows 10 bootable USB and use tools like Hiren’s BootCD to recover files or fix issues.

The Reborn Windows

Your Windows PC is now a sleek, privacy-focused, optimized machine—ready to take on any task like a shonen protagonist facing their final boss. Disable unnecessary startup apps, update drivers, and keep your system clean by removing temp files (Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files).

And there you have it, young shinobi! Your Windows is reborn, ready to slice through tasks with the precision of a samurai’s blade. Now go forth and conquer your digital adventures!

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