Computer-Setup

Collection of PowerShell scripts to automate initial setup of a new Windows computer and remove common pre-installed "bloatware" applications. These are example scripts intended for IT use and testing. Review and adapt them to your environment before running. Each script can run independently of each other.

Contents

• New_Computer_Setup.ps1 — Automates common post-imaging tasks: rename computer, join a domain, add a domain group to local Administrators, install applications via Chocolatey, configure a few system settings, and print a summary. Prompts for input where required.
• bloatware_removal.ps1 — Removes a set of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps and (optionally) OneDrive. Requires administrative privileges.

Quick start

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. (Optional) Set execution policy for the current session and run the script you want.

To run the bloatware removal script:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
.\bloatware_removal.ps1

To run the new computer setup script:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
.\New_Computer_Setup.ps1

Note: Both scripts attempt to self-elevate when not run as Administrator. Still, running PowerShell as Administrator before invoking them avoids an extra elevation prompt.

Requirements and assumptions

• Windows 10 / 11 (or Windows Server where Get-AppxPackage / Get-AppxProvisionedPackage are relevant).
• Administrative privileges (scripts will attempt to elevate).
• Internet access to install Chocolatey and packages (for New_Computer_Setup.ps1).
• Chocolatey is installed by the setup script if missing. You can skip that step if you prefer to manage Chocolatey separately.

What the scripts do (high level)

bloatware_removal.ps1:

• Contains a list of Appx packages to remove (examples: Clipchamp, GetHelp, Xbox components, Solitaire, Feedback Hub).
• Calls Get-AppxPackage and Remove-AppxPackage to remove the packages for the current user and Get-AppxProvisionedPackage / Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online to remove provisioned packages.
• Checks for OneDrive at %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe, %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe, and will run the uninstall switch if present.

New_Computer_Setup.ps1:

• Prompts for a new computer name and a domain to join. Calls Rename-Computer and Add-Computer (will prompt for credentials and may require a restart).
• Prompts for a domain group to add to the local Administrators group and calls Add-LocalGroupMember.
• Installs Chocolatey (if missing) and then installs a list of apps defined in the $apps array (googlechrome, keepass, googledrive by default).
• Configures a few example system settings: power plan, disables hibernation, sets time zone.

Customization

• Edit the list of bloatware in bloatware_removal.ps1 ($bloatware array) to add/remove applications you want to target.
• In New_Computer_Setup.ps1 change the $apps array to include the Chocolatey packages you want installed.
• Uncomment or modify additional sections (e.g., wallpaper, chocolatey uninstall) as needed. Lines that are intentionally commented are labeled in the script.
• Change timezone in the tzutil /s "Eastern Standard Time" line to your preferred timezone.

Safety and recommended workflow

1. Always review scripts before running. These scripts make system-level changes (rename, domain join, package removal, uninstallers).
2. Test in a virtual machine or a non-production device first.
3. Backup important data and create a system restore point or image before mass changes.
4. When joining a domain, be certain you have appropriate domain admin credentials and that a restart is acceptable.

Common troubleshooting

• Chocolatey install fails: check network/proxy settings and ensure TLS 1.2 is available. The script enables TLS 1.2 when invoking the installer.
• Appx packages not found: some packages are not installed for every image or may have different package names. Adjust the $bloatware array or run Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers to inspect installed packages.
• OneDrive uninstall not found: the script looks for %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe and %SystemRoot%\System32\OneDriveSetup.exe; OneDrive may be located elsewhere.

Notes and disclaimers

These scripts are provided as examples and are intended for use by system administrators. Use at your own risk. The author(s) are not responsible for data loss or system misconfiguration caused by these scripts.

License

No license specified.

---

// Created: 2025/09/26 08:00:00 // Last Modified: 2025/10/06 10:45:00