{
  "id": 18385243,
  "title": "Claude Code wrote the Windows setup script I kept putting off, and my fresh installs now finish in 20 minutes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/claude-code-wrote-the-windows-setup-script-i-kept-putting-off-and-my",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-05T22:00:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/claude-code-fresh-windows-install-script/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Throughout the process of installing a fresh copy of Windows, the author consistently follows a similar routine. Initially, they install a preferred web browser like Brave, download various everyday applications, disable annoying Windows settings, and remove unnecessary bloatware. The author acknowledges the potential of a setup script to automate this repetitive task but finds the process of compiling a script consisting of PowerShell commands, app IDs, and registry edits too tedious, thus postponing the task.\n\nThe author decides to let Claude Code, an AI, handle the creation of such a script. Claude promptly generates a PowerShell script that sets up a Windows system according to the author's preferences, completing the task in just a few minutes. No longer having to remember individual settings, the author appreciates Claude's assistance in streamlining the setup process. Claude's script is divided into sections for easy review and modification, including the apps to install, Explorer preferences, disabled features, and terminal appearance. It also includes a check before making changes, ensuring that rerunning the script won't cause any issues. A summary at the end provides a breakdown of all the actions performed by the script.\n\nClaude Code not only researches the necessary package IDs for winget and the required registry values but also provides commands for these tasks. However, the installation of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) requires a reboot, followed by a RunOnce entry to complete the process. The script installs apps before proceeding with other modifications. After installing apps, winget installs commonly used software such as Notepad++, Brave web browser, 7-Zip, VLC, Everything, VS Code, PowerToys, and several other programs using a simple loop. The script incorporates strict package ID matching for official installations and minimizes prompts during installation.\n\nFollowing the app installations, Claude Code executes a series of registry edits to toggle various settings, such as enabling dark mode system-wide, showing hidden files and file extensions, opening Explorer to the This PC folder by default, and confirming before sending files to the Recycle Bin. This is achieved with a single command per registry value, supplemented by variables for repetitive sections. The script then proceeds to debloat Windows by removing system annoyances like Copilot, Recall, Bing results in the Start menu, widgets, and Start menu recommendations. Finally, the script concludes with terminal settings adjustments and installing WSL. Upon rebooting, Ubuntu opens for the author to finalize WSL setup, as it's the only step that requires user input.\n\nThe author warns that editing registry keys or executing unknown PowerShell commands can lead to disastrous consequences, urging readers to treat Claude's generated script with caution. A new update might render some commands obsolete, so checking the script's logs after execution is advised. PowerShell scripts are plain text files, making it easy to verify commands against online documentation. Claude Code even cites its sources, allowing for easy verification of the information provided. Testing the script using Windows Sandbox is recommended to ensure its effectiveness before applying it to the actual system. The author emphasizes the value of Claude Code in finally completing a setup script that they had been putting off, highlighting the potential benefits of leveraging AI to automate tedious tasks.",
  "summary": "A Redditor has used Claude Code to reverse engineer Adobe’s professional applications for the purpose of creating open-source versions. Additionally, according to 9to5Mac, a user named FloatingFalafel shared an open-source project on GitHub called TVport. This project aims to recompile Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games to run natively on Apple TV.\n\nAs reported by 9to5Mac, Super Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are currently running on the project, with work ongoing for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Super Mario Odyssey runs at 60FPS with occasional stutters and specific audio issues near waterfalls, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons runs at 30FPS with no issues reported. The developer noted that the process currently works on a game-by-game basis due to different texture loading methods.\n\nRegarding Claude Code's functionality, Dev.to reports that users should inspect the .claude/skills/ folder in cloned repositories. Project skills can include pre-approved tools that run without permission prompts and commands that run upon loading. A project skill can also replace built-in commands or bundled skills, and most repos containing a project skill allow Claude to use it automatically if a request matches its description.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}