ShutUp10 update with Lockscreen tweaks
O&O ShutUp10 is one of many privacy tools created specifically for Windows 10's operating system. All of these programs are designed to block Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system from collecting and transferring data to Microsoft.
Some go farther than that, by blocking advertisement and providing users with options to disable other privacy related settings.
O&O ShutUp10 is a well designed program that lists all of its tweaks in a simple interface. Tweaks are filed in categories such as Windows Update, Privacy or Security, and listed with a short description and toggles.
Note: O&O ShutUp10 does not need to be installed, you can run it from any location. It does require the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.x though, but that is part of Windows 10.
O&O ShutUp10
The toggles are color coded. Green indicates that the preferences has been adjusted for privacy, and red that it has not (the default Windows 10 state).
Icons at the end of the line indicate whether the tweak is recommended, recommended but with limitations, or not recommended.
The difference between the first two is that the list of recommended tweaks usually don't interfere with system functionality while the latter may. If you disable Internet access of Windows Digital Rights Management for instance, you may not be able to play media that relies on it.
A click on any preference opens a small text field below it with a short description of its purpose. It is recommended to make sure that you don't need functionality before disabling the feature. While you can go ahead and undo the change should you run into any issues, you may save yourself from finding out which setting to restore when you do run into issues.
The actions menu at the top enables you to apply changes quickly. You may use it to apply all recommended settings with two clicks, or apply all recommended and limited tweaks.
There is also an option to load and save configuration files.
The first time you apply a tweak during a session you are prompted to create a system restore point. This is recommended unless you have other means of restoring changes.
Changes in version 1.4.1384.1
The big new feature in O&O 1.4.1384.1 is the new lockscreen category. It contains four tweaks in total:
- Disable Windows Spotlight. Windows Spotlight pushes a new image to the lockscreen on a daily basis. Most images are taken from Bing while some may be advertisement (e.g. a great looking video game wallpaper).
- Disable fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen. The feature may display tips about Windows 10 on the lock screen, but also advertisement at times.
- Do not display last users on lock screen. Hides the most recent users on the lock screen.
- Do not show user ID on lock screen. Hides the user ID so that it and the password need to be entered to sign in.
Closing Words
O&O ShutUp10 is one of the easier to use Windows 10 privacy apps. It offers explanations for each setting, supports System Restore, and ships with recommendations on top of that. While it may not be the most complete software of its kind, it seems to cover all major areas well.
Now You: Which privacy tweaks do you consider essential on Windows 10?
“Yes, I did have a backup, but lost all my login + passwords”.
?
Sorry for your experience. So, what did you do regarding O&O Shutup.
O&O support may be interested in your feedback.
O&O support was responsive to my inquiry.
Just saying.
Hi, Thanks for feedback. I stopped using Fast Startup earlier, as it caused problems after updates.
Yes, I did have a backup, but lost all my login + passwords. I may have, by accident, pressed key combinations that swapped keyboard to UK. Fixed that. Willem.
Hi Martin,
had problems with the new features. Could not login to any local or other id.
No easy recovery.
Eventually downloaded zesoft Recovery Suite 4.1 and reset my passwords.
Phew!
Willem
WOW! so set restore point as O&O prompts could not help.
quote major geeks:
Please remember that backups are only slightly less important than your heart beat. Always backup before making changes so you can restore your computer if you have any problems.
>> forgot to ask Willem. Do you have Fast Startup On. Any change to Shutup 10, program or switch, besides set restore point before change….also needs machine restart after change…not under the influence of Fast Startup. Just saying.
Martin,
Thanks again for identifying O&O ShutUp10 and for the notice of the new version.
I start with the recommended settings then work my way through each description for the other settings and pick what suits my needs and usage patterns.
One minor hiccup: For reasons unknown, turning OFF telemetry (3 of 3) will occasionally be turned back on. Happened with both the old and this new version.
So, I occasionally open ShutUp10 to check for that. If it has been turned back on, then I ‘revert’ to the OFF setting, reboot, and it usually sticks.
This is an essential tool for all Windows 10 users and unusually fun to use, too. Extremely well-designed, as Martin said. W10Privacy also got a fairly recent update – http://www.winprivacy.de/english-home/
Is there a similar Program that does the same job on Win 8.1 Pro ??
Have already applied some of your ideas. Windows mail took about 10
minutes to load this morning, perhaps gremlins are already being introduced
in by “Security” updates, or am i becoming paranoid??
P.S. Am saving to buy a MAC PC.
Thanks for O&O 1.4.1384 article.
Agree, O&O ShutUp10 is easy to use Windows 10 privacy app.
I’m always all On. I’ll Off one to run Windows Update.
O&O ShutUp10 is entirely free and does not have to be installed – it can be simply run directly and immediately on your PC. And it will not install or download retrospectively unwanted or unnecessary software.
If you want real privacy, abandon all forms of technology by becoming a hermit somewhere in the Andes.
My preference is just not to install win10 and stick with win7. Privacy is something I value above anything win10 offers me over 7. Until that changes I’ll stick with the devil I know.
The latest updates show Microsoft is busy ‘updating’ Win7 with just the same kind of telemetry spying gimmicks as Win10. So unless you stick to Win7 AND never update it again, you’re hosed anyway. Either suck it up or switch to a civilised OS.
At some point Win7 wil become so obsolete that you cannot reasonably use it anymore.
Privacy is a boolean, it either is or it isnt. And Windows 7 it surely isnt.
Mark, I second your statement.
Unless you make and run your own linux on pre uefi and tpm hardware and do not use a phone registered in your name, your privacy is most certainly compromised even if YOU think running windows 7 is some kind of magical privacy os over 10. Further more unless you use a secure email and search engine as well as tweak your browser you still are not very private even using linux.