TOC
Something that I’ve gotten accustomed to over the last few years of using linux and macOs systems is being able to quickly rebuild my computer and setup custom development environments without having to lookup all the settings I like. I knew this was possible in windows, but was a little nervous about the differences in package management and the extra fun of wanting to use WSL.
Why WSL is awesome
I find it much easier to navigate a system, and perform development related tasks from the command line. For the past few years this has meant zsh. I was pleasantly surprised with how nice the default WSL shell was, and I didn’t have any problems running Zsh as usual within it.
Package managment
Choco was suprisingly similar to homebrew, no real issues getting up and running with it. A little bit of concern with the difficulty in validating packages are authentic, but otherwise a great experience.
Getting Started
As with any software project, it’s best to see what’s already out there, and build upon the work of others, rather than try to invent your own special solution. In this case, I found a number of excellent articles and github projects.
https://github.com/Microsoft/windows-dev-box-setup-scripts https://blog.questionable.services/article/accidentally-macos-wsl-windows-development/ https://github.com/elithrar/dotfiles/blob/master/windows-boxstarter.ps1 https://blog.jessfraz.com/post/windows-for-linux-nerds/
More stuff
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| # Description: Boxstarter Script | |
| # Author: Jess Frazelle <jess@linux.com> | |
| # Last Updated: 2017-09-11 | |
| # | |
| # Install boxstarter: | |
| # . { iwr -useb http://boxstarter.org/bootstrapper.ps1 } | iex; get-boxstarter -Force | |
| # | |
| # You might need to set: Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned | |
| # | |
| # Run this boxstarter by calling the following from an **elevated** command-prompt: | |
| # start http://boxstarter.org/package/nr/url?<URL-TO-RAW-GIST> | |
| # OR | |
| # Install-BoxstarterPackage -PackageName <URL-TO-RAW-GIST> -DisableReboots | |
| # | |
| # Learn more: http://boxstarter.org/Learn/WebLauncher | |
| #---- TEMPORARY --- | |
| Disable-UAC | |
| #--- Fonts --- | |
| choco install inconsolata -y | |
| #--- Windows Settings --- | |
| Disable-BingSearch | |
| Disable-GameBarTips | |
| Set-WindowsExplorerOptions -EnableShowHiddenFilesFoldersDrives -EnableShowProtectedOSFiles -EnableShowFileExtensions | |
| Set-TaskbarOptions -Size Small -Dock Bottom -Combine Full -Lock | |
| Set-TaskbarOptions -Size Small -Dock Bottom -Combine Full -AlwaysShowIconsOn | |
| #--- Windows Subsystems/Features --- | |
| choco install Microsoft-Hyper-V-All -source windowsFeatures | |
| choco install Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux -source windowsfeatures | |
| #--- Tools --- | |
| # choco install git -params '"/GitAndUnixToolsOnPath /WindowsTerminal"' -y | |
| # choco install poshgit | |
| choco install sysinternals -y | |
| # choco install vim | |
| #--- Apps --- | |
| choco install googlechrome | |
| choco install docker-for-windows | |
| choco install sharex | |
| # choco install microsoft-teams | |
| # choco install vcxsrv | |
| #--- Uninstall unecessary applications that come with Windows out of the box --- | |
| # 3D Builder | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.3DBuilder | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Alarms | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsAlarms | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Autodesk | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Autodesk* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Bing Weather, News, Sports, and Finance (Money): | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingFinance | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingNews | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingSports | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingWeather | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # BubbleWitch | |
| Get-AppxPackage *BubbleWitch* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Candy Crush | |
| Get-AppxPackage king.com.CandyCrush* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Comms Phone | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.CommsPhone | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Dell | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Dell* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Dropbox | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Dropbox* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Facebook* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Feedback Hub | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsFeedbackHub | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Get Started | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Getstarted | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Keeper | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Keeper* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Mail & Calendar | |
| Get-AppxPackage microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Maps | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsMaps | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # March of Empires | |
| Get-AppxPackage *MarchofEmpires* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # McAfee Security | |
| Get-AppxPackage *McAfee* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Uninstall McAfee Security App | |
| $mcafee = gci "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" | foreach { gp $_.PSPath } | ? { $_ -match "McAfee Security" } | select UninstallString | |
| if ($mcafee) { | |
| $mcafee = $mcafee.UninstallString -Replace "C:\Program Files\McAfee\MSC\mcuihost.exe","" | |
| Write "Uninstalling McAfee..." | |
| start-process "C:\Program Files\McAfee\MSC\mcuihost.exe" -arg "$mcafee" -Wait | |
| } | |
| # Messaging | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Messaging | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Minecraft | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Minecraft* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Netflix | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Netflix* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Office Hub | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # One Connect | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OneConnect | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # OneNote | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # People | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.People | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Phone | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsPhone | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Photos | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Plex | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Plex* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Skype (Metro version) | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SkypeApp | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Sound Recorder | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsSoundRecorder | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Solitaire | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Solitaire* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Sticky Notes | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Sway | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.Sway | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage *Twitter* | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Xbox | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| # Zune Music, Movies & TV | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ZuneMusic | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ZuneVideo | Remove-AppxPackage | |
| #--- Windows Settings --- | |
| # Some from: @NickCraver's gist https://gist.github.com/NickCraver/7ebf9efbfd0c3eab72e9 | |
| # Privacy: Let apps use my advertising ID: Disable | |
| If (-Not (Test-Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo")) { | |
| New-Item -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo | Out-Null | |
| } | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo -Name Enabled -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # WiFi Sense: HotSpot Sharing: Disable | |
| If (-Not (Test-Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\WiFi\AllowWiFiHotSpotReporting")) { | |
| New-Item -Path HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\WiFi\AllowWiFiHotSpotReporting | Out-Null | |
| } | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\WiFi\AllowWiFiHotSpotReporting -Name value -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # WiFi Sense: Shared HotSpot Auto-Connect: Disable | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\WiFi\AllowAutoConnectToWiFiSenseHotspots -Name value -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # Start Menu: Disable Bing Search Results | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search -Name BingSearchEnabled -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # To Restore (Enabled): | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search -Name BingSearchEnabled -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Disable Telemetry (requires a reboot to take effect) | |
| # Note this may break Insider builds for your organization | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection -Name AllowTelemetry -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # Get-Service DiagTrack,Dmwappushservice | Stop-Service | Set-Service -StartupType Disabled | |
| # Change Explorer home screen back to "This PC" | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name LaunchTo -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Change it back to "Quick Access" (Windows 10 default) | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name LaunchTo -Type DWord -Value 2 | |
| # Better File Explorer | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name NavPaneExpandToCurrentFolder -Value 1 | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name NavPaneShowAllFolders -Value 1 | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name MMTaskbarMode -Value 2 | |
| # These make "Quick Access" behave much closer to the old "Favorites" | |
| # Disable Quick Access: Recent Files | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer -Name ShowRecent -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # Disable Quick Access: Frequent Folders | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer -Name ShowFrequent -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # To Restore: | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer -Name ShowRecent -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer -Name ShowFrequent -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Disable the Lock Screen (the one before password prompt - to prevent dropping the first character) | |
| If (-Not (Test-Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization)) { | |
| New-Item -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows -Name Personalization | Out-Null | |
| } | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization -Name NoLockScreen -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # To Restore: | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization -Name NoLockScreen -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Lock screen (not sleep) on lid close | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power' -Name AwayModeEnabled -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # To Restore: | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power' -Name AwayModeEnabled -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # Use the Windows 7-8.1 Style Volume Mixer | |
| If (-Not (Test-Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\MTCUVC")) { | |
| New-Item -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name MTCUVC | Out-Null | |
| } | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\MTCUVC" -Name EnableMtcUvc -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # To Restore (Windows 10 Style Volume Control): | |
| # Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\MTCUVC" -Name EnableMtcUvc -Type DWord -Value 1 | |
| # Disable Xbox Gamebar | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR" -Name AppCaptureEnabled -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\System\GameConfigStore" -Name GameDVR_Enabled -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| # Turn off People in Taskbar | |
| If (-Not (Test-Path "HKCU:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\People")) { | |
| New-Item -Path HKCU:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\People | Out-Null | |
| } | |
| Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\People" -Name PeopleBand -Type DWord -Value 0 | |
| #--- Restore Temporary Settings --- | |
| Enable-UAC | |
| Enable-MicrosoftUpdate | |
| Install-WindowsUpdate -acceptEula | |
| #--- Rename the Computer --- | |
| # Requires restart, or add the -Restart flag | |
| $computername = "acidburn" | |
| if ($env:computername -ne $computername) { | |
| Rename-Computer -NewName $computername | |
| } |