Windows customization playbook for advanced users, built on the AME Wizard framework.
Download • Documentation • Website • Report Bug
This project is intended for educational and research purposes. It demonstrates Windows customization techniques using the AME Wizard framework. Users must understand the implications of system modifications and use this software responsibly.
Not recommended for:
- Production or work environments
- Users unfamiliar with Windows internals
- Systems requiring specific security compliance
Always:
- Create a full system backup before use
- Test in a virtual machine first
- Review all changes before applying
- Understand what each option does
Atom Playbook is an advanced Windows customization playbook designed for the AME Wizard framework. It provides power users with granular control over their Windows installation, enabling deep personalization and optimization.
- Deep customization – Modify Windows behavior and appearance
- Granular control – Choose exactly which changes to apply
- Performance tuning – Optimize system resources
- Privacy options – Configure telemetry and tracking settings
- Custom theming – Apply the exclusive Atom visual theme
- Fully documented – All changes are transparent and logged
- Custom Atom theme with wallpaper and color scheme
- Streamlined taskbar and Start Menu
- Enhanced File Explorer settings
- Removal of pre-installed apps and bloatware
- Removal of unnecessary UWP apps (40+ applications)
- Configuration of Windows services
- Storage optimization
- Reduction of background processes
- Boot performance improvements
- Telemetry settings control
- Web search integration options
- Advertising preferences
- Location and tracking settings
- Cloud sync configuration
- Browser selection (Brave, Zen, Chrome)
- Legacy Internet Explorer removal
- OneDrive configuration with data preservation
- Custom application preferences
Users may optionally configure:
- System security settings
- Windows Update behavior
- Default browser preferences
- System component management
Advanced options should only be used by experienced users who understand their implications.
| Version | Build | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 21H2 | 19044 | Supported |
| Windows 10 22H2 | 19045 | Supported |
| Windows 11 21H2 | 22000 | Supported |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 22621 | Supported |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 22631 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 23620 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 26100 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 26200 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27000 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27100 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27200 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27300 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27400 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27500 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27600 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27700 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27800 | Supported |
| Windows 11 | 27900 | Supported |
- Internet connection
- No pending Windows updates
- Device plugged into power
- AME Wizard installed
- System backup created
- Understanding of Windows system administration
Before proceeding, ensure you have:
- Created a full system backup or restore point
- Saved all important work
- Tested in a virtual machine (recommended)
- Read and understood all options
- Accepted the risks of system modification
- Visit ameliorated.io
- Download the latest AME Wizard
- Extract and run
AME Wizard.exe
- Go to Releases
- Download
AtomPlaybook_0.0.5.apbx - Verify file integrity (checksums provided in release)
- Open AME Wizard
- Drag and drop
AtomPlaybook_0.0.5.apbxinto AME Wizard - Carefully review all available options
- Select your preferences:
- Browser (Brave, Zen, Chrome, or None)
- Theme (Default or Atom Theme)
- Advanced options (if applicable)
- Click Run and wait for completion
- Restart your computer when prompted
- Internet Explorer (legacy browser)
- OneDrive integration (with data preservation)
- Pre-installed UWP applications
- Web search integration in Start Menu
- Telemetry scheduled tasks
- Privacy and telemetry configurations
- File Explorer display options
- Taskbar appearance
- Start Menu recommendations
- Search behavior (local-focused)
- Visual effects and performance
- Atom custom theme (optional)
- Browser of choice installation
- Optimized visual settings
- Enhanced user interface
The following Windows services are completely stripped or disabled by the playbook for maximum efficiency:
Click to expand the complete list
| Service Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AeLookupSvc | Application Experience – telemetry and compatibility checks. |
| ALG | Application Layer Gateway Service – legacy firewall component. |
| AppIDSvc | Application Identity – used for AppLocker (not needed). |
| AppMgmt | Application Management – group policy software installation. |
| AppReadiness | App Readiness – prepares apps on first login; not essential. |
| AutoTimeUpdater | Auto Time Zone Updater – time zone can be set manually. |
| BITS | Background Intelligent Transfer Service – background Windows Update downloads. |
| Browser | Computer Browser – old network browsing (deprecated). |
| BTAGService | Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service – if no Bluetooth. |
| bthserv | Bluetooth Support Service – if no Bluetooth. |
| CDPSvc | Connected Devices Platform Service – sync with phones. |
| CDPUserSvc | Connected Devices Platform User Service – same as above. |
| DiagTrack | Connected User Experiences and Telemetry – major telemetry service. |
| DispBrokerDesktopSvc | Display Policy Service – not critical for gaming. |
| DPS | Diagnostic Policy Service – collects diagnostic data. |
| WdiServiceHost | Diagnostic Service Host – same as DPS. |
| WdiSystemHost | Diagnostic System Host – same as DPS. |
| DmEnrollmentSvc | Device Management Enrollment Service – MDM enrollment. |
| dmwappushservice | Device Management WAP Push – unused telemetry channel. |
| DoSvc | Delivery Optimization – update sharing (unused when updates off). |
| EFS | Encrypting File System – rarely used on custom builds. |
| Fax | Fax Service – obsolete component. |
| fhsvc | File History Service – backup architecture (not needed). |
| FontCache | Windows Font Cache – disabling saves memory; fonts still work fine. |
| GraphicsPerfSvc | GraphicsPerfSvc – graphics performance logging. |
| hidserv | Human Interface Device Service – safe off for standard mouse/keyboard. |
| ICSSvc | Internet Connection Sharing – network hotspot sharing. |
| IpxlatCfgSvc | IP Translation Configuration Service – IPv6 transition. |
| Kdc | Kerberos Local Key Distribution Center – domain network architecture only. |
| KtmRm | KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator – rare deployment. |
| lfsvc | Geolocation Service – location tracking background agent. |
| LicenseManager | Windows License Manager Service – activation persists; can be disabled. |
| lltdsvc | Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper – local network mapping tool. |
| MapsBroker | Downloaded Maps Manager – handles offline desktop maps. |
| MicrosoftEdgeUpdateService | Microsoft Edge Update Service – updates Edge (user managed). |
| MicrosoftEdgeUpdateServicem | Microsoft Edge Update Service (second instance). |
| MSDTC | Distributed Transaction Coordinator – legacy database coordination. |
| NcaSvc | Network Connectivity Assistant – corporate deployment framework. |
| NetSetupSvc | Network Setup Service – redundant deployment tracking. |
| NetTcpPortSharing | Net.Tcp Port Sharing – architectural framework not used. |
| P2PImSv | Peer Networking Identity Manager – legacy peer-to-peer structure. |
| P2PSvc | Peer Networking Grouping – legacy infrastructure. |
| PerfHost | Performance Counter DLL Host – infrastructure diagnostics. |
| pla | Performance Logs & Alerts – logging overhead background agent. |
| PNRPsvc | Peer Name Resolution Protocol – unused networking layer. |
| PolicyAgent | IPsec Policy Agent – IPsec VPN routing infrastructure. |
| PrintNotify | Print Device Configuration Service – unnecessary if no printer used. |
| Spooler | Print Spooler – handles core printer configurations. |
| PcaSvc | Program Compatibility Assistant Service – runs background diagnostic scans. |
| RemoteAccess | Routing and Remote Access – corporate dial-up/routing layer. |
| RemoteRegistry | Remote Registry – critical security and performance optimization risk. |
| RetailDemo | Retail Demo Service – pre-installed loop presentation bloatware. |
| SCardSvr | Smart Card – physical hardware authentication infrastructure. |
| SensrSvc | Sensor Service – redundant infrastructure on desktop hardware. |
| SensorDataService | Sensor Data Service – system environment scanning profiles. |
| SensorMonitoringService | Sensor Monitoring Service – environment evaluation tracking. |
| SharedAccess | Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) – mobile hotspot layer. |
| ShellHWDetection | Shell Hardware Detection – powers standard device AutoPlay. |
| SmsRouter | Microsoft Windows SMS Router Service – mobile device messaging layer. |
| SNMPTRAP | SNMP Trap – legacy tracking layer protocols. |
| Spectrum | Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service – diagnostic audio logging. |
| SSDPSRV | SSDP Discovery – automatic DLNA hardware discovery. |
| SysMain | SysMain (Superfetch) – addresses potential extreme background disk bottlenecks. |
| TabletInputService | Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel – completely unused on standard displays. |
| TapiSrv | Telephony – obsolete legacy infrastructure. |
| TermService | Remote Desktop Services – remote server control tracking. |
| UmRdpService | Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector. |
| UsoSvc | Update Orchestrator Service – primary component of Windows Update. |
| WaaSMedicSvc | WaaSMedicSvc – Windows Update background repair agent. |
| WalletService | WalletService – completely unused transaction interface. |
| WarpJITSvc | Warp JIT Service – dynamic execution optimization tracking. |
| wbengine | Block Level Backup Engine – system recovery platform services. |
| WbioSrvc | Windows Biometric Service – fingerprint/facial sign-in layer. |
| WcnSvc | Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar – wireless network automation setup. |
| Wecsvc | Windows Event Collector – remote server diagnostic syncing. |
| WEPHostSvc | Windows Encryption Provider Host Service – secondary cryptographic framework. |
| WFDSConMgrSvc | Wi-Fi Direct Services Connection Manager – unused desktop network layer. |
| WiaRpc | Still Image Acquisition Events – tracking interface for external scanners. |
| wisvc | Windows Insider Service – monitoring system build configurations. |
| WManSvc | Windows Management Service – non-essential background service management. |
| WMPNetworkSvc | Windows Media Player Network Sharing – digital media distribution system. |
| WpcMonSvc | Parental Controls – user account filtering management software. |
| wscsvc | Security Center – managing desktop alert notifications only. |
| WSearch | Windows Search – removes file content indexing overhead; standard query continues. |
| wuauserv | Windows Update – completely controls automated operating system alterations. |
| XboxGipSvc | Xbox Accessory Management Service – peripheral hardware syncing profiles. |
The recommended way to revert changes is through System Restore:
- Open System Restore
- Select a restore point created before running Atom Playbook
- Follow the wizard to restore your system
Most settings can be adjusted through:
- Windows Settings app
- Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
- Registry Editor (for advanced users)
- Services management (services.msc)
Removed apps can be reinstalled from:
- Microsoft Store
- Windows Settings > Apps > Optional Features
- Windows installation media (for system components)
Some modifications may require Windows repair or reinstallation to fully revert.
| Metric | Typical Result |
|---|---|
| Boot Time | 20–40% improvement |
| RAM Usage (Idle) | 30–40% reduction |
| Background Processes | 40–50% fewer |
| Disk Space | 5–10 GB freed |
| Telemetry Connections | Significantly reduced |
Results vary based on hardware, Windows version, and selected options.
- OneDrive files are moved to local folders before any removal
- User documents, pictures, and videos are automatically preserved
- Desktop items are backed up
- No data loss occurs during the customization process
- All changes are documented in YAML files
- Open-source codebase for community review
- No hidden modifications or telemetry
- Detailed execution logs are available
- No obfuscated code
- No external connections during installation
- No data collection or tracking by Atom Playbook
- Community-verified and reviewed
- Transparent and auditable code
- Users are responsible for understanding security implications
We welcome contributions from the community.