Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I uninstall Winutil?

You do not have to uninstall Winutil. As it is a script you run from PowerShell, it only loads into your RAM. This means as soon as you close Winutil, it will be cleared from your system. Winutil doesn’t install itself permanently on your computer.

Is Winutil safe to use?

Yes, Winutil is open source and the code is publicly available on GitHub. Thousands of users run it daily. However, like any system modification tool, you should:

  • Run it as Administrator (required)
  • Create a restore point before major changes
  • Understand what tweaks you’re applying
  • Download only from official sources

Do I need to keep running Winutil?

No. Once you’ve applied tweaks or installed applications, you can close Winutil. Changes persist after closing. You only need to run Winutil again when you want to make additional changes or undo tweaks.

Does Winutil require internet access?

  • For downloading: Yes, installing applications requires internet
  • For tweaks: No, most tweaks work offline
  • Initial run: Yes, to download the latest script

How often is Winutil updated?

Winutil is actively maintained with frequent updates. New features, bug fixes, and application additions are released regularly. The script auto-downloads the latest version each time you run it.

Installation & Running

How do I run Winutil?

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
  2. Run: irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex
  3. Wait for the GUI to appear

Why do I need Administrator rights?

Winutil makes system-level changes (registry edits, service modifications, software installation) that require elevated permissions. Without admin rights, most features won’t work.

The script won’t download. What do I do?

Try these solutions in order:

  1. Use the direct GitHub link:

    irm https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/Winutil/releases/latest/download/Winutil.ps1 | iex

  2. Force TLS 1.2 (for older Windows):

    [Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

  3. Change DNS to Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8)

  4. Use a VPN if GitHub is blocked in your region

I get an “Execution Policy” error. How do I fix it?

Run this command first to allow script execution:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process -Force
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex

This only affects the current PowerShell session and is safe.

Tweaks & Modifications

I applied a tweak and now something doesn’t work. What do I do?

If you applied a tweak and it breaks something, you can revert it:

  1. Open Winutil again
  2. Go to the Tweaks tab
  3. Select the same tweak you applied
  4. Click “Undo Selected Tweaks”
  5. The system will revert to the previous state

Alternatively, use System Restore if you created a restore point.

Which tweaks are safe to apply?

Safe for everyone (Essential Tweaks):

  • Disable Telemetry
  • Disable Activity History
  • Disable Location Tracking
  • Delete Temporary Files
  • Run Disk Cleanup
  • Create Restore Point

Caution needed (Advanced Tweaks):

  • Remove Microsoft Store
  • Disable Windows Defender
  • Remove all bloatware
  • Disable system services

Start with Essential Tweaks. Only use Advanced Tweaks if you understand the implications.

Will tweaks survive Windows Updates?

Most tweaks persist through updates, but some may be reset by major Windows updates (feature updates). You may need to reapply certain tweaks after major updates.

Can I create my own tweak presets?

Currently, Winutil uses predefined presets (Desktop, Laptop, Minimal, Standard). Custom presets aren’t directly supported in the GUI, but you can script your preferred configuration.

What’s the difference between Essential and Advanced tweaks?

  • Essential Tweaks: Safe for most users, improve performance/privacy with minimal risk
  • Advanced Tweaks: More aggressive changes that may break functionality or compatibility. Use with caution.

Application Installation

How does Winutil install applications?

Winutil uses Windows Package Manager (WinGet) and Chocolatey to automate installations. It downloads applications from official sources and installs them silently without bloatware.

Can I install multiple applications at once?

Yes! Check the boxes for all applications you want, then click “Install Selected”. They’ll install sequentially.

WinGet isn’t working. How do I fix it?

  1. Go to the Config tab
  2. Find Fixes section
  3. Click “WinGet Reinstall”
  4. Wait for completion
  5. Try installing applications again

Do installed applications have bloatware or bundled software?

No. WinGet and Chocolatey install clean versions of applications without bundled offers, toolbars, or bloatware.

Can I uninstall applications through Winutil?

Winutil focuses on installation. To uninstall:

  • Use Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
  • Or use the application’s built-in uninstaller

Will installed apps auto-update?

Applications with built-in update mechanisms will auto-update. You can also update them via WinGet/Chocolatey commands or through Winutil’s “Upgrade Selected” feature.

MicroWin

What is MicroWin?

MicroWin is a feature that creates custom Windows installation ISOs with bloatware removed, optimizations applied, and unnecessary components stripped out before installation.

Is MicroWin legal?

Modifying Windows ISOs is a gray area legally. Use MicroWin for personal/educational purposes. You still need a valid Windows license to use the resulting installation.

Can I install Windows updates on MicroWin?

Yes, Windows Update works normally on MicroWin installations. Some removed components may be restored by updates.

How much smaller is a MicroWin ISO?

Depends on what you remove. Typically:

  • Standard Windows 11: ~5.5 GB ISO, ~20-25 GB installed
  • MicroWin (aggressive): ~3.5 GB ISO, ~10-15 GB installed

Will all software work on MicroWin?

Most desktop applications work fine. Microsoft Store apps won’t work if you removed the Store. Some features may be missing if you removed their dependencies.

Updates & Maintenance

Should I disable Windows Updates?

Generally, no. Security updates are important. However, you might:

  • Use “Security Updates Only” to avoid feature updates
  • Pause updates temporarily for stability
  • Disable only during critical work periods

How do I re-enable updates after disabling them?

  1. Open Winutil
  2. Go to Updates tab
  3. Click “Enable Updates”
  4. Updates will resume normally

What’s the difference between “Security Updates Only” and “Disable Updates”?

  • Security Updates Only: Installs critical security patches, blocks feature updates (major versions)
  • Disable Updates: Blocks ALL updates including security (not recommended)

Troubleshooting

Winutil won’t open after running the command

Possible causes:

  1. Antivirus blocking: Add PowerShell exception
  2. Not run as Admin: Restart PowerShell as Administrator
  3. Corrupted download: Close PowerShell, reopen, try again
  4. Windows Defender: Allow the script

My antivirus flags Winutil as malicious

This is a false positive. Winutil makes system changes that antivirus programs may flag. The code is open source and audited. Add an exception if needed.

An application failed to install

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Try installing just that one application
  3. Review error messages in the output panel
  4. Check if antivirus is blocking
  5. Try the WinGet Reinstall fix

Network tweaks broke my internet connection

  1. Open Winutil
  2. Go to Config > Fixes
  3. Click “Reset Network”
  4. Restart your computer
  5. Connection should be restored

I can’t access certain Windows features after applying tweaks

Undo the tweaks that might have affected those features:

  1. Reopen Winutil
  2. Select the tweaks you applied
  3. Click “Undo Selected Tweaks”

If that doesn’t work, use System Restore to revert to a previous state.

Advanced Topics

Can I run Winutil on Windows Server?

Yes, Winutil works on Windows Server editions, though some features may not be applicable or may behave differently.

Does Winutil work with Windows LTSC?

Yes, Winutil works with Windows 10/11 LTSC editions. Some applications may not be available depending on your configuration.

Can I use Winutil in a corporate/enterprise environment?

Yes, but check your organization’s policies first. Some tweaks may conflict with group policies or corporate requirements.

How do I automate Winutil for multiple PCs?

See the Automation Guide for details on:

  • Configuration files
  • PowerShell parameters
  • Batch deployment
  • Silent installation

Can I contribute to Winutil?

Yes! Contributions are welcome:

  • Report bugs on GitHub Issues
  • Submit pull requests for fixes/features
  • Improve documentation
  • Help others in Discord

See the Contributing Guide for details.

Privacy & Security

Does Winutil collect any data?

No, Winutil itself doesn’t collect or transmit any user data. It’s a local PowerShell script.

What telemetry does the Disable Telemetry tweak block?

It disables:

  • Windows diagnostic data collection
  • Activity history tracking
  • Feedback requests
  • Usage statistics
  • Error reporting (optional)

Is it safe to disable Windows Defender?

Generally not recommended. Only disable Defender if:

  • You have alternative antivirus installed
  • You understand the security risks
  • You’re in a controlled/isolated environment

Will removing Microsoft Store affect security updates?

No, Windows security updates are independent of the Microsoft Store.

Performance

Will Winutil make my PC faster?

Tweaks can improve performance by:

  • Reducing background processes
  • Disabling unnecessary services
  • Cleaning temporary files
  • Optimizing startup programs

Results vary based on your system and which tweaks you apply.

What’s the best preset for gaming?

Use the Desktop preset, then additionally apply:

  • Disable GameDVR
  • Ultimate Performance power plan
  • Disable fullscreen optimizations (Advanced)
  • Set display for performance (Advanced)

How much RAM does Winutil use?

Winutil itself uses ~50-100MB while running. Once closed, it’s removed from memory.

Error Messages

“Access Denied” errors

  • Ensure PowerShell is running as Administrator
  • Check if antivirus is blocking changes
  • Verify you have ownership of files/registry keys

“File not found” errors during MicroWin

  • Verify source ISO isn’t corrupted
  • Ensure sufficient disk space (20GB+)
  • Check ISO is an official Windows ISO

WinGet configuration prompt won’t go away

Type Y and press Enter in the PowerShell window. This only happens on first use and configures WinGet for your system.

Still Need Help?

Can’t find your answer? Try these resources:

Last Updated: January 2026
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