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win: improve documentation for "Get Help" app #280
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- Update script name to mention breaking behavior.
- Add documentation to explain what the app does and how it impacts
  system functionality.
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undergroundwires committed Dec 1, 2023
1 parent 807ae6a commit 8f5d7ed
Showing 1 changed file with 25 additions and 3 deletions.
28 changes: 25 additions & 3 deletions src/application/collections/windows.yaml
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -8846,14 +8846,36 @@ actions:
packageName: Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller
publisherId: 8wekyb3d8bbwe
-
name: Remove "Get Help" app
name: Remove "Get Help" app (breaks built-in troubleshooting)
docs: |-
[Microsoft Store Page](https://web.archive.org/web/20231003200627/https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/get-help/9PKDZBMV1H3T)

This script removes the "Get Help" app.
This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows [1] [2].

"Get Help" is an application designed to assist users with Windows-related issues [3]. It offers solutions through
troubleshooters, instant answers, and Microsoft support articles. It connects users with Microsoft support agents
and the Microsoft community for personalized assistance [3].

Removing "Get Help" not only supports a minimalist system approach but also helps reduce potential data collection.
Typically, support tools like "Get Help" gather diagnostic data and user interactions, which are used to improve service and
provide tailored support. By uninstalling this app, users can enhance their privacy by reducing their digital footprint.

However, removing "Get Help" disrupts some system support functionalities. For instance, the built-in internet
troubleshooting feature will cease to function [4]. Attempts to diagnose network problems from the system tray will result in
an error message, indicating the absence of an application to manage the troubleshooting process [4].

The script also affects system-generated URLs such as `ms-contact-support://oem/<Manufacturer>`, which direct to OEM-specific
support services [5]. Post-removal, users will need to identify alternative support options for system troubleshooting.

See also: [Microsoft Store Page](https://web.archive.org/web/20231003200627/https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/get-help/9PKDZBMV1H3T)

> **Caution:** Removing the "Get Help" app limits access to Windows' built-in support resources and troubleshooting tools.
> This action may hinder your ability to receive direct assistance from Microsoft and utilize automatic problem-solving features for system issues.

[1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727081048/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10 "Windows 10 - Apps - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Docs"
[2]: https://web.archive.org/web/20221101231811/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/provisioned-apps-windows-client-os "Get the provisioned apps on Windows client operating system - Windows Application Management | Microsoft Learn"
[3]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231003200627/https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/get-help/9PKDZBMV1H3T "Get Help - Microsoft Store Apps | apps.microsoft.com"
[4]: https://github.com/undergroundwires/privacy.sexy/issues/280 '[BUG]: Removing "Get Help" breaks internet troubleshooting · Issue #280 · undergroundwires/privacy.sexy | github.com/undergroundwires'
[5]: https://web.archive.org/web/20231106214139/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/customize-get-help-app "Customize the Get Help app | Microsoft Learn | learn.microsoft.com"
call:
function: UninstallStoreApp
parameters:
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