Well Windows 7 has been RTM’d, so I thought I’d get a bit geeky with it.
I have spent the last 26 hours or so removing one package at a time using DISM and installing Windows 7 everytime to log any differences.
The point of this is so that people know what can be removed safely from Windows 7.
These are the results from Windows 7 7600, X64 Professional.
Safe for removal
Virtualisation
Virtual PC / Virtual XP Back end files
Hyper V Packages (May possibly break the ability to boot from VHD…I don’t have the ability to test this at the moment)
Mobility
Tablet PC Components
Desktop Applications / Utilities
Sticky Notes
Snipping Tools
Windows XPS Foundation (Doesn’t remove the entry for XPS services in Add/Remove Windows features)
Windows Gadget Platform
Media
WMP Network Sharing Service
WMP Troubleshooting Package
WMP Player Package – Removes DVD Maker
WMP Playback OC Package
WMP Codec Basic Encoder
WMP Codec Pack Basic
Mindless Bloat
Windows Anytime Upgrade
Music Samples
Not safe for removal
Parental Controls : Seems to cause funny behaviour in UAC & installation of some applications that require administrative privileges (Firefox)
Peer 2 Peer Network Packages : Seem to stop windows from setting network settings on first boot.
Windows Media DVD Registration Package : Causes a DISM exitcode – will look into.
Current Installation Size : 8.04gb
I will continue to test when I have time
Remember : you saw it here first!
