A practical, operator-centric baseline for Windows 10 and Windows 11
Use local accounts only Disable Microsoft account sign-in prompts Disable OneDrive setup prompts Disable passwordless sign-in suggestions
Why: Prevents cloud sync, Store personalization, and background chatter.
Set the primary network to Metered Connection Turn OFF: Download updates over metered connections Turn OFF: Receive updates for other Microsoft products Disable Wi-Fi Sense / Hotspot 2.0 (if Wi-Fi is used)
Why: Prevents large updates, Store traffic, and background downloads.
Disable automatic driver updates Disable feature updates Disable optional updates If using Windows 10 ESU: manually trigger updates only when needed If Windows 11: pause updates for 5 weeks, renew as needed
Why: Keeps bandwidth predictable and prevents surprise reboots.
Windows 10:
Taskbar → News and Interests → Turn off Start Menu → Turn off Live Tiles
Windows 11:
Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Widgets OFF Settings → System → Notifications → Turn off: Windows welcome experience Tips and suggestions Suggested content
Why: These features constantly poll MSN and Microsoft endpoints.
Turn OFF Store auto-updates Windows 10 local accounts: Use Windows Update → Advanced options → Receive updates for other Microsoft products → OFF Disable background Store activity Avoid signing into the Store
Why: Store updates are huge and unpredictable.
Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Set Background app permissions → Never Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & feedback: Turn off Tailored experiences Turn off Improve inking & typing Disable advertising ID
Why: Cuts down telemetry and background sync.
Uninstall OneDrive Or disable it via Group Policy Or block it via firewall
Why: OneDrive is one of the biggest background traffic generators.
Connected User Experiences and Telemetry RetailDemo Service Windows Error Reporting Service Xbox services (Game Bar, Game DVR, etc.) Print Spooler (if no printer is attached)
Why: Reduces chatter and attack surface.
Avoid browsing from the remote PC Use your main PC to download Winlink/VARA updates Transfer via remote-access file transfer
Why: Eliminates the highest-risk activity on an out-of-support OS.
Block outbound traffic for: Widgets News feeds OneDrive Xbox Microsoft consumer services Allow only: Winlink VARA Remote-access tool Windows Update (if ESU is used)
Why: Ensures the machine only talks to what it needs.
Enable auto-restart after power loss in BIOS Disable Fast Startup Disable Sleep / Hibernation Set NIC to not power-down on idle
Why: Ensures the gateway comes back after outages — critical in rural sites.
Predictable bandwidth usage Minimal attack surface No cloud chatter No surprise updates No Store traffic No MSN feeds No OneDrive sync Stable, unattended operation Perfect for Winlink gateways, VARA nodes, and rural deployments
This is the exact kind of list that other SYSOPs will appreciate — practical, field-tested, and focused on operator control rather than Microsoft defaults.
If you want, I can turn this into a one-page printable version or a step-by-step guide you can hand out at club meetings or include in documentation for new gateway operators.