5.2.5

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed emerging exceptions in debugging mode:
  • Fixed HttpRequestException by improving request handling and response validation.
  • Fixed NullReferenceException by skipping unnecessary registry key Properties for Realtek.
• Fixed progress bar animation for "RebootWindow", which previously only reached 1%.
• For determining the actual user settings (language and regional parameters) for the active language and DNS server, the utility now uses CurrentUICulture rather than InstalledUICulture.
• Updated the English translation with corrections.
• Korean localization was updated with corrections by @VenusGirl. #48
• Added Italian localization of the utility #49. Translated by @Zephyris-Pro.
• Changed language sorting so that languages are arranged by ISO-639-1 codes for better understanding.

• Chnaged: The utility's parameters are now stored in the registry in accordance with accepted Windows practices.

P.S. If you haven't removed GTweak, the settings will be reset to defaults on the first launch.

• Overall code Improvement.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

0ED3031CE41FB95CC13050E8A53DD58E7A4901511ECBA134242B07C085AFCC6D

5.2.4

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed issue with missing parameters when retrieving the memory capacity of virtual graphics devices. Now, if the parameters are absent from both the registry and WMI, the output displays "N/A". #45
• Fixed error with closing the "system not supported" message window, which inadvertently triggered error logging with the message "error opening boot window."
• Fixed bug where changes made to the utility’s settings in the registry were not reflected in its cached parameters and user interface.
• Animation refactoring: replaced DoubleAnimation calls with a universal FadeAnimation class
• Ukrainian localization was updated with corrections by @Kopejkin.
• Added: If Windows is installed with a language pack using the be-BY code (as well as ru-BY), the utility will default to Russian upon its first launch.
• Added French localization of the utility #43 & #44. Translated by @Zephyris-Pro.

• Overall code Improvement.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

EB689B37AD38A3305DFA6739D402F1B947730D84F87ADA52186735D21309BE3A

5.2.3

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed the access rights conflict on the Windows Defender services settings key, which previously prevented their deactivation.
• Fixed error (DirectoryNotFoundException) by adding a check for the existence of Defender scan directories.
• Correcting margins for cards.
• Added disabling of Microsoft Defender cloud protection.
  Path: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Cloud Key: DisableBlockAtFirstSeen & CaptureBetaFeatures
• Added disabling of Windows Defender event collector autostart when Windows Defender is disabled. (related to calls to Windows Defender API functions).

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderApiLogger
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger\DefenderAuditLogger
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WINEVT\Channels\Microsoft-Windows-Windows Defender/Operational
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WINEVT\Channels\Microsoft-Windows-Security-Diagnostic/Operational

• Added three new interface themes: Cold Blue, Dark Athemistite, Cobalt. Also, the notification icon itself will dynamically adapt to the selected theme.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

C27DB527A2EEA31A047F556D44D9BE439C05BBFBA22A65F2ED2533232BEFE122

5.2.2

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed the "The handle is invalid" error encountered when asynchronously waiting for process termination during application (pakages) removals by disabling synchronization context capture using ConfigureAwait(false).
• Simplified application (pakages) removal process: commands now run in a single PowerShell session, reducing system load.
• The removal of pre-installed applications has been changed - now they are removed from all Windows accounts, both existing and future.
• Added support for the -uninstall argument: triggers a self-uninstall process that removes created settings and folders.

Example of launching silent self-deletion using an argument
"System Disk:\Program Files\GTweak.exe" uninstall

• Added a more detailed description specifying dependencies for the “Services related to the operation of Windows Kiosk” tweak #36. @kalimaenergy
• Unique Identifier for the downloaded executable file Instead of a static name.
• Localization correction and updating of most of the Ukrainian translation by @Kopejkin. #39
• Overall Code Improvement.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

AD1A12CC39DABA500B992A9275BAA07DBC42FF9B5AAF12FF1205E8B4A9A5E034

5.2.1

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed the issue where log files did not have a default program assigned for opening: the non-standard Notepad in use either did not set an association, or no association existed at all. Now the utility associates log files with the program in the same way as files with the .txt extension. Additionally, exceptions occurring during process launch are now handled, and the encoding is switched to UTF8.
• Fixed an error where upon reapplying the tweak, if duplicate rules were accidentally created, only one copy was deleted instead of all of them.
• Fixes bug and error #34:
  • Fixed an error where the tweaker did not rename the executable files of the Update Center.
  • Resolved an issue where deletion sometimes failed to remove folders associated with the Edge browser and Windows Update cache files and folders.
  • Fixed a problem where disabling services related to additional monitor support prevented the scaling mode from activating to full-screen size.
• A "load text" animation has been added to the import window's text - identical to the one used during loading - and the frame rate for all animations has been adjusted.
• Added the ability to disable the "Recommended" section when applying the tweak to change the Start menu layout, although this feature is not supported in Windows Home edition. #33
• Added the ability to remove the Windows.old folder: when using the "Clearing the memory" feature, if the folder is detected, a prompt appears offering to delete it along with the temporary files. #32

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

3ED3D88E42F0F91A58D17077BA747404F4BE119E7BE6E49822409D2D83EFBFC5

5.2.0

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Fixed an issue where, during data updates, information about missing drivers or device details was sometimes incorrectly displayed. Added a temporary cache to preserve updated information for storage devices, playback, and network adapters
• Modification of the tweak to remove services (DiagTrack and dmwappushservice) on the "Confidentiality" page:
  • Added removal of the service diagsvc.
  • Full restoration of services in the registry when reverting the tweak. Code
  • Renaming and updating the tweak description with dependency specification.

• Added handling of exceptional situations for system viewing and scanning methods when launching the utility for detailed error reporting.
• Added DNS servers for Arabic-speaking countries - bing.com, while yandex.kz is now used for Kazakhstan, and seznam.cz is now used for the Czech Republic.
• Added backup web-service providers for retrieving IP addresses: https://ipapi.co/json/, https://api.db-ip.com/v2/free/self, and http://ip-api.com/json/?fields=61439. The first two enforce daily request limits and offer secure data encryption, whereas the last lacks encryption but allows 45 requests per minute. The primary web-service is ipapi.co, while the other two serve as fallbacks if a web-service is not accessible in a particular country, is temporarily unavailable, or if the request limit has been reached.
• Fixed: Previously, when there was no network connection, the “Hide/Show IP” button disappeared before the blur effect was removed, if it was enabled. This happened because the check was based on network availability rather than the validity of the obtained IP address. Now, the status updates faster, and the button disappears in sync with the blur effect.
• Revising the interpretation of a specific tweak's description and refining the descriptions for the Ukrainian translation.
• Fixed a bug that prevented the tweaker from adding and switching power plans.
• Changed waiting icon (Sandtime) in the process of removing applications.
• Added cleanup of temporary printing files when printing-related services are disabled.
• Added functionality to both enable and disable NTFS compression, along with the option to enable defragmentation.
  For compression to work correctly, the directory must reside on an NTFS partition - otherwise, the tweaker will notify you of an unsuitable partition.

The compression mechanism is most effective for textual data and certain files (e.g., .docx, .txt, .xml, .json, etc.), as they contain repetitive sequences that are ideal for compression. For files that already employ built-in compression methods (e.g., .jpeg, .png, .mp3, .zip, etc.), the size reduction will be minimal.

Important

Additionally, it is not advisable to immediately attempt compressing system files or the Windows directory, as only individual folders and a few files may be compressed; system files are either already compressed or locked from modification even with elevated privileges.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

907C3B64100B5A3A08D7ECF3E11E71E39977A97BEEBE824F4DC87E26C919FFBA

5.1.9

🆕 Recent Updates and Fixes

• Added automatic launching of the error log file, as well as additional information about the calling object using the attribute CallerMemberName.
• Fixed the issue with removing applications that have non-standard names containing spaces.
• Fixed the standard language selection issue. Now, if a parameter is changed to a value not included in the list, it will automatically be set to "en." Previously, this scenario resulted in an empty field appearing in the language selection menu.
• Fixed processing of RAM module information: previously, memory capacities below 1024 MB were incorrectly displayed as 0 GB due to the absence of conversion to megabytes. Now, the logic has been corrected - if the memory size is less than 1024 MB, it is shown in megabytes; otherwise, it is displayed in gigabytes. This ensures more accurate output, especially for virtual machines with non-standard memory configurations.
• Fixed the import of the tweak related to Windows Defender settings.
• Fixed: When removing Edge without EdgeWebView, EdgeCore, EdgeUpdate, and corresponding registry parameters are retained to ensure proper system functionality.
• Improvement disabling Windows Defender (redesigned method):
  • Added a list of services that will be disabled when Windows Defender is turned off.
    SgrmAgent, SgrmBroker, MsSecCore, MsSecFlt, MsSecWfp, webthreatdefsvc, webthreatdefusersvc
  • Added cleanup of folders containing Windows Defender scan files, including History, Cache, and Support, upon its deactivation.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

B3410066171BD4E1F9042BAF4813BC2D2C1EEDD70A373F959C4DEFBA1632F93C

5.1.8

🆕 Updates and changes

• Added a darkened screen when turning Windows Defender on/off. You will need to wait as the process will take some time, it all depends on your PC.
• Added backup for Windows Defender. When Windows Defender is disabled, backup copies of the settings and rights files will be created. In cases where you want to turn on Windows Antivirus again, this will allow you to fully restore the Defender settings to their original state at the time of disconnection.
  Folder path: System Disk\Windows\System32\Config\WDBackup_GTweak
  Files: BackupData.json and BackupRights.acl

Note

It is not recommended to delete the folder, otherwise the value in the registry will be restored, but there is a possibility that some switching options will be blocked. it is not included in the removal list when the utility is uninstalled. If you ever need to restore, you can do it without any problems.

If the service related to the antivirus was initially broken or deleted, no magic will happen — its purpose is to save and restore YOUR SETTINGS BEFORE USE.

• Added logging of unhandled exceptions. In the case of such an exception, the GTweak_Error.log file will be created together where the utility is located.
• Added disabling "Learn about this picture" on the desktop when using the tweak - Icons and buttons on the taskbar.
• The approach to determining pre-installed Windows packages (applications) has been changed. Previously, GTweak sent a request via PowerShell, but now it collects the names of subkeys in the registry (HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModel\Repository\Packages), which takes less time.
  At the same time, the changes concerned:
  • The method for verifying the installation status has been modified. (This resolves the issue of detecting installed Microsoft Edge; the Regex pattern has been changed).
  • The approach to switching images for packages has been modified, making it more understandable and maintainable.
• In addition to checking whether you're running Windows 10 or 11, the build version is verified, as specified in the system requirements (min build version 18362.116). If your build falls below this threshold, a window will appear notifying you that the utility cannot be launched.
• Fixed of the interface window size and element spacing when scaling the screen above 100%.

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🛡 Verified SHA-256 Hash for executable

703B3FADEE1E5E7C8E0CC3917167D499705CA0C97B4BF3E5497700705414D1E5

5.1.7

RU

• Исправлено обновления изображений пакетов на странице Приложения.
• Исправлен вылет после активации Windows, при высвобождении ресурсов занятых классом - DisablingWinKeys.cs.
• Добавлена возможность активации Windows с помощью HWID. Ранее доступен был только метод KMS, который теперь используется в качестве резервного, если основной способ не сработает.
  Активация методом HWID является постоянной – в отличие от KMS, требующего обновления каждые 180 дней, она сохраняется навсегда, даже после переустановки системы. Единственное требование – наличие интернет-соединения во время активации, иначе GTweak отменит процесс.

P.S. Не отключайте службы магазина и обновлений Windows, прежде чем активировать.

• Добавлен выбор перед удалением браузера Edge.

EN

• Fixed updates to package images on the Applications page
• Fixed crash after Windows activation, when releasing resources occupied by the class - DisablingWinKeys.cs.
• Windows activation via HWID has been added. Previously, only the KMS method was available, which will now serve as a backup if the primary method fails.
  HWID activation is permanent – unlike KMS, which requires renewal every 180 days, it remains forever, even after reinstalling the system. The only requirement is an internet connection during activation; otherwise, GTweak will cancel the process.

P.S. Do not disable the Windows Store and Update services before activating.

• Added a choice before deleting the Edge browser.

5.1.6

RU

• Исправление локализации.
• Исправлен черный экран во время импорта при определенных обстоятельствах - причина (перезапуск проводника). Теперь проводник при необходимости будет перезагружен один раз в конце импорта.
• Исправлена ошибка, возникающая при получении значения null для параметра названия видеокарты в Win32_VideoController. В подобных случаях GTweak будет извлекать название из реестра, используя параметры DriverDesc или HardwareInformation.ChipType.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class{4d36e968-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}

• Исправлена ошибка, возникающая при попытке поиска информации об устройствах хранения данных из класса MSFT_PhysicalDisk. В случае возникновения исключения будет применяться универсальный класс Win32_DiskDrive.
• Изменение контекстного меню:
  • Если службы, связанные с принтером, отключены, пункт "Печать" будет убрана из меню. Когда службы будут включены, этот пункт будет возвращен.
  • Когда вы удалите приложение 3D Paint, связанные с ним ассоциации файлов будут удалены. В результате пункт "3D-печать с помощью 3D Builder" исчезнет из меню. (Без восстановления)
  • Когда вы удалите приложение Твой телефон, из контекстного так же удаляются пункты "Отправить" (Поделиться) и "Передать на устройства". (Без восстановления)
• Улучшена очистка кэша центра обновления Windows при его отключении.

System Disk\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
System Disk\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
System Disk\Windows\System32\catroot2
System Disk\Users%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization

• Добавлены два новых твика на страницу "Система":

  

• Добавлены два новых твика на страницу "Интрефейс":

  
  Примечание: Твик "Завершить задачу" доступен с Windows 11 - Build: 22621.2361

Warning

1. Импорт настроек интерфейса из более старых версий будет искажен
2. Новые твики временно не были переведены на корейский язык, их замена будет произведена на английском языке.

EN

• Localization correction.
• Fixed a black screen during import under certain circumstances - the reason (restarting explorer). Now the file explorer will be reloaded once at the end of the import, if necessary.
• Fixed an error that occurs when getting the null value for the video card name parameter in Win32_VideoController. In such cases, the tweaker will extract the name from the registry using the DriverDesc or HardwareInformation.ChipType parameter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class{4d36e968-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}

• Fixed an error that occurs when trying to search for information about storage devices from the MSFT_PhysicalDisk class. In case of an exception, the universal Win32_DiskDrive class will be applied.
• Changing the context menu:
  • If the printer-related services are disabled, the "Print" option will be removed from the menu. When the services are enabled, this item will be returned.
  • When you uninstall the 3D Paint app, its associated associations will be removed. As a result, the item "3D Print with 3D Builder" disappears from the menu. (Without recovery)
  • When you delete the Your Phone app, the "Send To" (Share) and "Cast to Device" items are also removed from the context menu. (Without recovery)
• Improved clearing the Windows Update cache when it is disabled.

System Disk\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
System Disk\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
System Disk\Windows\System32\catroot2
System Disk\Users%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization

• Added two new tweaks to the "System" page:

  

• Added two new tweaks to the "Interface" page:

  
  Note: The "End task" tweak is available with Windows 11 - Build: 22621.2361

Warning

1. Importing interface tweaks from older versions will be distorted
2. The new tweaks have not been translated into Korean temporarily, there will be a substitution in English.