Windows 10: 2 odd issues - anyone familair w/ the inner workings able to help?

So heres the deal. after reformatting my entire PC due to a networking issue - ive gotten it ALMOST back to where I want it.

I'll be the first to admit ive disabled a couple services, and ive removed all the microsoft bloatwares. That being said, ive noticed some odd behavior I basically HAVE to fix before i go any further.

Otherwise im spinning my wheels while i wait to start over and do another format.

So heres the deal.

A) windows will NOT stop installing the garbage metro apps to my start menu. Ive disabled it in the settings/personalize/start tab. Ive disabled it in group policy. Ive disabled it in the registry. One after another in an effort tog et it to stop.

B) whenever windows instlals one of these apps, OR if I install something of my own - I cannot select it in the start menu at all, its like mousing over an empty space. This is fixed by either restarting the pc, or by simply using task manager to restart the explorer process.

Ideas?

:)

 

Windows 10 Free Upgrade - Inner Workings?

Thanks for that.

I have another question to put to you. Is there any way to check the progress of the download? The Windows 10 FAQ says reserving the free upgrade will download files to your computer before the GA date. Is there any way to check the progress of said downloads?

 

Windows 10 Free Upgrade - Inner Workings?

Hey,

I just want to ask a few questions regarding the Windows 10 free upgrade.

1. What does the GWX app actually do? How does it tie in with Windows Update?

2. How long will reserved computers have to wait to receive the 7/29 build?

3. How does activation work with the free upgrade? Do you get a new product key, or is it the same key, just given a new flag on the activation servers?

4. Is there any chance the upgrade can completely stuff a computer? Give me the odds, please. My family will
kill me if that happens to our lounge device.

Thanks,

Callum

 

Hello, it's really not worth bothering to try to remove the default apps. They use hardly any CPU time (ok, they update quite regularly), and not a vast amount of space.

They will reappear at each major upgrade, and if you do an in-place upgrade repair install.
You can set which ones run in the background in Settings.

Better to spend time actually installing what you want and using your PC.
Trying to change things can cause you unnecessary problems.

Your last but one para appears to be a problem, but may well be one you've caused by trying to reconfigure your system (noted services being changed, things removed).

I assume you did start by creating a disk image (e.g. Macrium reflect (free) so you could always restore your system should these changes cause problems. Strongly recommended- saves a huge amount of stress and time- allows you even to deal with a failed disk/unbootable PC.

Turning to the start menu- it sounds like you don't want to see universal apps in the start menu. As you'll have noted, the Win 10 start menu isn't really very configurable.

If you don't want to be faced with the apps, use a replacement start menu. There are several.
I use Classic Shell- wonderfully configurable, and great for desktop users. Optionally it can also launch universal apps, which are in a separate folder (= you wouldn't see them).