---
title: Tweaks
description: Apply recommended Windows changes, review optional presets, and adjust supporting settings such as DNS and power plans.
sidebar:
  order: 3
---

import YouTubeEmbed from '../../../components/YouTubeEmbed.astro';

Use the Tweaks tab to apply recommended Windows changes, review optional presets, and adjust a few supporting settings such as DNS and power plans. Start with a preset unless you already know which individual tweaks you want.

![Image of Tweaks Tab](../../../assets/screenshots/tweaks-tab-new.png)

### Recommended Selections
Use the quick-selection buttons at the top of the Tweaks tab to speed up setup:

* **Standard**: Selects the recommended baseline set of tweaks for most users.
* **Minimal**: Selects a smaller, lower-impact set of common tweaks.
* **Advanced**: Selects a focused set of safer advanced tweaks. This preset intentionally skips restore point creation and cleanup tasks to avoid a long runtime.
* **Clear**: Clears all currently selected tweaks.
* **Get Installed Tweaks**: Best-effort detection for tweaks already applied to your system.

### Run Tweaks
* **Open the Tweaks tab**: Navigate to the **Tweaks** tab in the application.
* **Select Tweaks**: Choose the tweaks you want to apply. You can use the presets available at the top for convenience.
* **Run Tweaks**: After selecting the desired tweaks, click **Run Tweaks** at the bottom of the screen.

:::note
To see what each preset includes, view [preset.json](https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil/blob/main/config/preset.json).
:::

:::caution
Some tweaks take effect immediately, while others may require Explorer to restart, a sign-out, or a full reboot.
:::

### Undo Tweaks
* **Open the Tweaks tab**: Go to the **Tweaks** tab located next to **Install**.
* **Select Tweaks to Remove**: Choose the tweaks you want to disable or remove.
* **Undo Tweaks**: Click **Undo Selected Tweaks** at the bottom of the screen to apply the changes.

### AppX Packages

Open **AppX Removal** from the Tweaks tab to manage the listed Windows apps. Select one or more packages, then choose **Install Selected** or **Remove Selected**.

When installing a selected package, WinUtil first registers an existing local `AppxManifest.xml`. If no usable local manifest remains, WinUtil installs the package from the Microsoft Store through WinGet when a Store product ID is available.

During AppX installation or removal, the window-level progress bar shows the current package, completed package count, and overall progress. The Windows taskbar also reflects progress and the final success or failure state.

### Essential Tweaks
Essential Tweaks are the safest starting point for most systems. They focus on lower-risk changes that improve usability, reduce noise, and avoid the more invasive changes found in advanced options.

### Advanced Tweaks (CAUTION)
Advanced Tweaks are for users who understand the side effects of deeper Windows changes. Create a restore point first, review each item, and avoid treating the full advanced list as a one-click baseline.

### O&O ShutUp10++
[O&O ShutUp10++](https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10) can be launched from WinUtil with one click. It is a free privacy tool for Windows that helps users manage telemetry, update behavior, and app permission settings.

Watch a walkthrough:

<YouTubeEmbed id="3HvNr8eMcv0" title="O&O ShutUp10++ walkthrough" />

### DNS

Use the DNS section to switch both IPv4 and IPv6 DNS providers without editing adapter settings manually. Choose the option that best matches your priority: speed, filtering, or privacy.

* **Default**: Uses the default DNS settings configured by your ISP or network.
* **DHCP**: Automatically acquires DNS settings from the DHCP server.
* [**Google**](https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns?hl=en): A reliable and fast DNS service provided by Google.
* [**Cloudflare**](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/): Known for speed and privacy, Cloudflare DNS is a popular choice for enhancing internet performance.
* [**Cloudflare_Malware**](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setup/#:~:text=Use%20the%20following%20DNS%20resolvers%20to%20block%20malicious%20content%3A): Provides additional protection by blocking malware sites.
* [**Cloudflare_Malware_Adult**](https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setup/#:~:text=Use%20the%20following%20DNS%20resolvers%20to%20block%20malware%20and%20adult%20content%3A): Blocks both malware and adult content, offering more comprehensive filtering.
* [**Open_DNS**](https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/#familyshield): Offers customizable filtering and enhanced security features.
* [**Quad9**](https://quad9.net/): Focuses on security by blocking known malicious domains.
* [**AdGuard_Ads_Trackers**](https://adguard-dns.io/en/welcome.html): AdGuard DNS blocks ads, trackers, and other unwanted DNS requests. Visit the website and sign in for a dashboard, statistics, and additional server-side customization.
* [**AdGuard_Ads_Trackers_Malware_Adult**](https://adguard-dns.io/en/welcome.html): AdGuard DNS blocks ads, trackers, malware, and adult content, and enables Safe Search and Safe Mode where possible.

### Customize Preferences

Use Customize Preferences for smaller visual and behavior changes that do not fit the main tweak presets.

### Performance Plans

Use Performance Plans to enable or remove the Ultimate Performance power profile.

#### Add and activate the Ultimate Performance Profile:
* Enables and activates the Ultimate Performance Profile to enhance system performance by minimizing latency and increasing efficiency.
#### Remove Ultimate Performance Profile:
* Deactivates the Ultimate Performance Profile, changing the system to the Balanced Profile.
