Windows Answer Files: How to Debloat and Optimize Windows 10/11 During Installation with Autounattend XML

Imagine doing a clean install of Windows 10 or Windows 11 using the official Microsoft ISO file, and when you finally get to the desktop, everything just looks… perfect. No Microsoft Edge. No OneDrive nagging you to sign in. No pre-installed bloatware apps like Widgets or Copilot taking up space. Just a clean start menu and a system that feels fast, smooth, and responsive right from the moment you log in.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. I’ve been using a Windows answer file to automate my Windows installation process, and it’s completely changed how I approach fresh Windows installs. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how you can use an autounattend XML file to debloat and optimize Windows during the installation process so you never have to manually remove bloatware again.

Key Takeaways

Here are the three most important things you need to know about using a Windows answer file:

• Automate Windows Setup: Answer files let you automate the Windows installation process and customize settings before Windows even loads for the first time, saving hours of manual configuration.
• Safe and Official: This method uses Microsoft’s official deployment feature, so you don’t need to download sketchy custom ISO files from untrusted sources or rely on third-party debloating tools after installation.
• Permanent Bloatware Removal: With the right configuration, removed bloatware stays removed even after Windows updates, thanks to automatic removal scripts that run via Task Scheduler.

Requirements

Before you get started with creating a debloated Windows installation, here’s what you’ll need:

• A Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO file downloaded directly from Microsoft
• The autounattend.xml file from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub repository
• A USB flash drive (8GB or larger) for creating bootable installation media
• One of the following tools: Microsoft Media Creation Tool, Rufus, AnyBurn, or WIMUtil contained in Winhance (my recommended method)
• An internet connection to download the required files and tools

Why Use a Windows Answer File to Debloat Windows During Installation?

Let’s be honest – Windows has gotten bloated over the years. Every fresh install comes packed with apps you’ll never use, privacy settings that send data back to Microsoft, and annoying features like Copilot and Recall that you have to manually disable.

I used to spend hours after every Windows installation going through settings, uninstalling apps, disabling telemetry, and tweaking the interface to my liking. It was tedious, repetitive, and frankly, exhausting.

That’s why I started using Windows answer files. Microsoft originally created this deployment feature for IT professionals who need to install Windows on hundreds of computers in corporate environments. But there’s no reason you can’t use it for your personal setup too.

What I love most about this approach is the transparency. You can inspect every single change the answer file will make before you use it. There’s no mystery about what’s happening to your system. Plus, since you’re using the official Windows ISO directly from Microsoft, you know your installation media is clean and trustworthy.

Understanding Windows Answer Files and How They Work

What Are Windows Answer Files?

Windows answer files, also called unattended files, are XML configuration files that Microsoft officially supports as part of their Windows deployment toolkit. These files contain instructions that the Windows setup reads and executes during different phases of the installation process.

Think of an answer file as a recipe that tells Windows exactly how you want it configured. Instead of clicking through setup screens and adjusting settings after installation, the answer file does all of that automatically based on your preferences.

The AutoUnattend.xml File Explained

The specific file we’re working with is called autounattend.xml. This name is important because Windows setup automatically searches for a file with this exact name in specific locations on your installation media.

When Windows setup finds the autounattend.xml file, it reads the commands inside and executes them during the appropriate installation phases. This lets you customize everything from which apps get installed to what privacy settings are enabled, all before you even see the desktop for the first time.

Important: Answer files are executed during the Windows installation process itself, which makes them more powerful and permanent than post-installation debloating tools.

How Windows Setup Finds and Uses Answer Files

The Windows setup process automatically searches for answer files in specific locations on your installation media. The most common location is the root folder of the ISO file – that’s the main folder that contains all of the Windows setup files.

When you include a file named autounattend.xml in this root folder, Windows setup will automatically detect it and begin executing the commands it contains during different stages of installation.

Downloading the UnattendedWinstall Answer File

Now that you understand how answer files work, let me show you how to get the UnattendedWinstall autounattend.xml file that I created and maintain on GitHub.

Accessing the UnattendedWinstall GitHub Repository

I’ve made the UnattendedWinstall answer file freely available on GitHub. This is version 3 of the file, which I recently updated with new features and improvements based on community feedback.

To download the file:

1. Navigate to the UnattendedWinstall GitHub page
2. Look for the autounattend.xml file in the repository
3. Click on the file name to open it
4. Click the “Download” button on the next page
5. Save the file to a location you’ll remember

Tip: Always download the autounattend.xml file directly from the official GitHub repository to ensure you’re getting the latest version.

Methods for Adding the Answer File to Windows Installation Media

There are several different ways to add the autounattend.xml file to your Windows installation media. I’ll walk you through all of them, but I’ll also tell you which method I personally use and recommend.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Media Creation Tool

This is the simplest method if you’re just getting started:

1. Download and run the Microsoft Media Creation Tool
2. Use it to create a Windows 10 or Windows 11 bootable USB flash drive
3. Once the tool finishes, don’t remove the USB drive yet
4. Copy the autounattend.xml file to the root folder of the USB flash drive (the main folder, not inside any subfolders)
5. Safely eject the USB drive

Your bootable USB is now ready to install Windows with the answer file.

Method 2: Using Rufus

Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives, and it works great with answer files:

1. Download Rufus from the official website
2. Insert your USB flash drive
3. Open Rufus and select your Windows ISO file
4. Configure your settings in Rufus

Important: Do not select any of the checkboxes in Rufus that offer to “Remove requirement for Microsoft account” or similar options. These create their own answer file that could override your autounattend.xml settings.

5. Click Start to create the bootable USB drive
6. After Rufus finishes, copy the autounattend.xml file to the root of the USB flash drive
7. Safely eject the USB drive

Method 3: Using AnyBurn to Edit ISO Files

If you want to create a modified ISO file instead of working directly with a USB drive, AnyBurn is a great free tool:

1. Download and install AnyBurn
2. Open AnyBurn and select the option to edit an image file
3. Select your Windows ISO file
4. Add the autounattend.xml file to the root directory of the ISO
5. Save the modified ISO file with a new name

Once you have this modified ISO file, you can use it in two ways:

• Install Windows in a virtual machine by mounting the ISO directly
• Create a bootable USB drive using Ventoy, then copy the ISO file to the Ventoy drive for installing Windows on physical hardware

Method 4: Using WIMUtil (Highly Recommended)

This is the method I use personally, and I think it’s the best option for most people. I created a utility called Winhance that includes a feature called WIMUtil (Windows Installation Media Utility), and it makes this entire process so much easier.

Here’s why I recommend this method:

What Makes WIMUtil Special

WIMUtil can do everything the other methods can do, but it also has a killer feature: it can automatically extract and include all the device drivers from your current computer in the Windows installation media.

This means when you install Windows on the same computer, all your drivers are automatically installed during setup. No more hunting down network adapters, graphics drivers, or USB controllers after installation. Everything just works from the moment you boot into Windows.

How to Use WIMUtil to Create Custom Windows Installation Media

Here’s my complete step-by-step process for using WIMUtil:

Step 1: Extract Your Windows ISO

1. Open Winhance and navigate to the WIMUtil section
2. Select your Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO file
3. Click to extract the contents to your computer
4. Wait for the extraction to complete

Step 2: Add Your Answer File

Once the ISO is extracted, you have three options for adding an answer file:

• Use Winhance-generated XML: Create a custom answer file based on your selections in Winhance
• Use latest UnattendedWinstall XML: WIMUtil automatically downloads the latest version from GitHub (this is super convenient!)
• Use your own XML file: Select a custom autounattend.xml file you’ve created or downloaded from another source like Schneegans

Note: You can only choose one of these options. XML files from different sources don’t work together and will conflict with each other.

Step 3: Include Device Drivers (Optional but Recommended)

This is where WIMUtil really shines:

1. Check the option to extract and add drivers from your current operating system
2. WIMUtil will pull all the device drivers from your current Windows installation
3. These drivers get integrated into the Windows installation media

Now when you install Windows, all your hardware will be supported immediately without any manual driver installation.

Tip: If you only want to add drivers to your Windows installation media without using an answer file, you can skip step 2. WIMUtil works great for just adding drivers too!

Step 4: Create Your Custom ISO File

1. Choose a location to save your new customized ISO file
2. Give it a descriptive name so you remember what it contains
3. Click “Start Creating” to build the ISO file
4. Wait for WimUtil to finish creating the ISO

Once it’s done, you can use this ISO file to install Windows in a virtual machine, or create a bootable Ventoy USB drive and copy the ISO to it for installing on physical hardware.

Installing Windows with Your Answer File

The Windows Installation Process

Once you’ve created your installation media with the autounattend.xml file, the actual installation process is pretty straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

Standard Installation Steps You’ll Still Need to Complete (unless you specified other options yourself):

Even with the UnattendedWinstall or Winhance answer file, Windows setup will still prompt you to manually:

• Select your region and language preferences
• Provide a valid Windows product key (or select “I don’t have a product key”)
• Choose which drive to install Windows on
• Format and create partitions as needed

These are normal parts of the Windows installation process that the UnattendedWinstall or Winhance answer file doesn’t automate, but it can be automated too if preferred. Check out Schneegans Unattend Generator for more info.

What Happens During Installation

While Windows is installing, the autounattend.xml file is working in the background. The Windows setup reads the file and executes all the commands in it during different installation phases.

You won’t see any obvious indication that the answer file is working other than some PowerShell or Command Prompt windows flashing briefly.

The Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)

When you reach the Windows onboarding screen after installation, you’ll notice the first difference:

You can only create a local account.

The UnattendedWinstall and Winhance answer file has disabled the Microsoft account sign-in option during initial setup. Don’t worry though – if you really want a Microsoft account later, you can still create an additional user account and sign in with a Microsoft account on that account.

I personally prefer local accounts for my main user, so this is actually a feature I appreciate.

Your First Look at the Desktop

This is where you’ll really see the difference. When you finally load into Windows for the first time and see the desktop, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Everything is clean. Everything is fast. Everything is exactly how Windows should be.

You’ll notice:

• A clean start menu with minimal apps
• No Microsoft Edge
• No OneDrive nagging you
• No Copilot or Widgets taking up space
• Disabled notification spam
• Optimized privacy settings already configured
• Fast, responsive system performance

Post-Installation Setup and Configuration

Installing Device Drivers (If Needed)

If you used WIMUtil and included your device drivers in the installation media, your drivers should already be installed. But just in case they’re not all installed automatically, here’s how to manually install them:

1. Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager)
2. Find any device with a yellow warning icon
3. Right-click the device and select “Update Driver”
4. Choose “Browse my computer for drivers”
5. Navigate to C:\Windows\Drivers
6. Make sure the checkbox is selected to “Include subfolders”
7. Click Next to continue with the installation

The device driver(s) should install successfully if all goes well.

Installing Software Without a Browser

Since there’s no browser installed on your fresh Windows setup, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to download and install software.

This is where the synergy between UnattendedWinstall version 3 and Winhance comes in.

Using the Winhance Installation Shortcut

I’ve included a convenient shortcut on the desktop called “Install Winhance” that makes this process super simple:

1. Make sure you’re connected to the internet
2. Double-click the “Install Winhance” file on your desktop
3. The script will automatically download Winhance
4. Follow the prompts to install it

Once Winhance launches, you’ll have access to tons of external software you can install with just a few clicks.

Installing External Software with Winhance

Here’s how to use Winhance to install the software you need:

1. Open Winhance
2. Navigate to the “External Software” section
3. Browse through the available software options
4. Select the software you want to install
5. Click the “Install” button
6. Wait for the installation to complete

Winhance handles all the downloading and installing automatically. It’s seriously one of my favorite features.

Managing Windows Apps and Features with Winhance

This next part is really important, so pay close attention.

Why You Should Use Winhance for Windows Apps

I strongly advise that you use Winhance to install any Windows apps or change any Windows settings after doing a clean install with UnattendedWinstall.

Here’s why: Winhance automatically updates the removal scripts and scheduled tasks based on your selections.

How the Automatic Removal System Works

Remember how I mentioned that bloatware stays removed even after Windows updates? That’s because UnattendedWinstall creates removal scripts and scheduled tasks that automatically uninstall specific apps every time Windows starts.

These removal scripts are stored on your system and run via Task Scheduler. This is how bloatware that gets reinstalled by Windows updates gets automatically removed again.

The Microsoft Edge Example

Let me give you a concrete example with Microsoft Edge:

If you install Edge using Winhance:

• Winhance automatically deletes the Edge removal script
• Winhance deletes the scheduled task that would uninstall Edge
• Edge stays installed and won’t be automatically removed on next startup

If you install Edge manually (without Winhance):

• The Edge removal script is still active
• The scheduled task is still enabled
• Edge gets automatically uninstalled the next time you boot into Windows
• You’d have to manually delete or disable the scheduled task in Task Scheduler to keep Edge installed

This automatic management applies to any Windows app, legacy feature, or capability that you’ll find in the Windows Apps and Features section of Winhance.

Best Practice: Always use Winhance to install or enable Windows apps and features to ensure they stay installed and don’t get automatically removed.

Manually Managing Removal Scripts and Tasks

If you want more control over the automatic removal system, Winhance gives you that option too.

Accessing Removal Status Controls

1. Open Winhance
2. Navigate to the Windows Apps and Features section
3. Click the Help button
4. You’ll see removal status icons for each app

Disabling Automatic Removal

To stop an app from being automatically removed:

1. Click on the relevant removal status icon
2. This deletes the removal script and scheduled task associated with that app
3. The app will no longer be automatically removed

Warning: If you disable the automatic removal for an app, any bloatware that gets reinstalled by Windows updates will NOT be automatically removed anymore. You’ll have to manually uninstall it if it comes back.

Reviewing and Reverting Settings

One of my favorite features of Winhance is that you can see all the settings that UnattendedWinstall modified during installation.

You can review every single change that was made and adjust any of these settings according to your personal preferences. This level of control and transparency is exactly why I created Winhance in the first place – to give users a way to revert or modify the changes made by the UnattendedWinstall answer file.

Customizing the Answer File for Your Needs

When You Might Want to Customize

The UnattendedWinstall answer file I’ve created works great for most people, but you might have different preferences. For example:

• Maybe you don’t want Calculator or Paint installed
• Maybe you actually prefer to keep Microsoft Edge
• Maybe you want Light Mode instead of Dark Mode as the default
• Maybe you have specific apps you always want included

If that sounds like you, you have options for customization.

Editing the XML File Manually

You can open the autounattend.xml file in any code editor and make changes manually if you know what you’re doing. The XML structure is fairly readable once you understand the syntax.

If you’re not comfortable editing XML yourself, you can ask an AI model like Claude or ChatGPT to help you make specific modifications. Just describe what you want to change, and the AI can help you find and modify the right sections.

You can also add your own registry entries or PowerShell code to v3.x.x of the XML file. Here’s a brief explanation.

System Wide Code

For registry entries or PowerShell Code that can be applied system wide (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT), find this section of the file:

# ADD YOUR SYSTEM WIDE POWERSHELL SCRIPT CONTENTS BELOW

# Start here

# End here

Add the code between the # Start here and # End here lines.

User Specific Code

For registry entries or PowerShell Code that should be applied to the user profile (HKEY_CURRENT_USER), find this section of the file:

# ADD YOUR USER SPECIFIC POWERSHELL SCRIPT CONTENTS BELOW

# Start here

# End here

Add the code between the # Start here and # End here lines.

Creating Your Own Answer File with Winhance

But honestly, I would advise you to just create your own XML file with Winhance instead of manually editing.

Since release #8 (v25.11.03) Winhance gives you the ability to create your own autounattend.xml answer file based on your app and settings selections right within the Winhance interface.

Benefits of Creating Your Own Answer File

Here’s why this approach is better:

• Full control: You choose exactly which apps to remove and which settings to apply
• Visual interface: No need to understand XML syntax or structure
• Perfect integration: Since UnattendedWinstall version 3 and onwards are created by Winhance, files you create have the same synergy with Winhance
• No compromises: Create the perfect version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 for your specific needs

You’re not losing anything by creating your own file. In fact, you’re gaining complete customization while keeping all the benefits of the UnattendedWinstall approach.

How the Automatic Bloatware Removal Works

The Task Scheduler Integration

One of the most common questions I get is: “But will it stay debloated after Windows updates?”

The answer is yes, and here’s how it works.

The autounattend.xml file doesn’t just uninstall bloatware once during installation. It also creates removal scripts and scheduled tasks that run automatically every time Windows starts.

What Happens When Windows Updates Reinstall Bloatware

Sometimes Windows updates will reinstall bloatware like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, or other apps you removed. It’s frustrating, but it happens.

With the UnattendedWinstall setup, here’s what happens:

1. Windows update reinstalls bloatware (like Edge or OneDrive)
2. You shut down or restart your computer
3. During the next Windows startup, the scheduled task runs
4. The removal script executes and automatically uninstalls the reinstalled bloatware
5. By the time you see the desktop, the bloatware is gone again

It all happens automatically in the background. You don’t have to do anything.

Disabling Automatic Removal When Needed

If you ever decide you actually want to keep one of the apps that’s being automatically removed, you have two options:

1. Install it using Winhance (which automatically updates the removal scripts)
2. Manually delete or disable the scheduled task in Task Scheduler

I recommend option 1 because it’s cleaner and Winhance handles all the management for you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Answer File Not Being Detected

If Windows setup doesn’t seem to be using your answer file:

• Make sure the file is named exactly autounattend.xml (all lowercase, no spaces)
• Verify the file is in the root folder of your installation media, not in a subfolder
• Check that you didn’t select conflicting options in Rufus if you used that tool
• Try recreating your installation media from scratch

Drivers Not Installing Automatically

If you used WIMUtil but drivers aren’t installed:

• Follow the manual driver installation process I outlined earlier
• Make sure you selected the correct option to include drivers when creating the ISO
• Verify the drivers were actually compatible with the version of Windows you installed

Conclusion

Using a Windows answer file to debloat and optimize Windows during installation has completely changed how I approach fresh Windows setups. Instead of spending hours after installation removing bloatware, disabling telemetry, and tweaking settings, I now have a system that’s clean, fast, and configured exactly how I want it from the moment I boot to the desktop.

The autounattend.xml approach is safe because it uses Microsoft’s official deployment features. It’s transparent because you can inspect every change before you use it. And it’s permanent because the automatic removal scripts keep your system clean even after Windows updates try to reinstall bloatware.

Whether you use my UnattendedWinstall answer file as-is or create your own custom version with Winhance, you’re taking control of your Windows installation in a way that most users never discover. And honestly, once you experience a truly clean Windows setup, you’ll never want to go back to the bloated default experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will Windows updates break the debloating and reinstall all the bloatware?

No, they won’t. That’s one of the best features of this approach. The autounattend.xml file creates scheduled tasks that run every time Windows starts. If a Windows update reinstalls bloatware like Microsoft Edge or OneDrive, these scheduled tasks automatically detect and remove the reinstalled apps on the next startup. You don’t have to do anything manually – it all happens automatically in the background.

Can I use a Microsoft account with Windows installed this way?

Yes, you can. The answer file disables the Microsoft account sign-in option during the initial out-of-box experience, so you’ll create a local account first. However, you can create additional user accounts after installation and sign in with a Microsoft account on those accounts if you prefer. Or you can convert your local account to a Microsoft account later through Windows settings.

Is it safe to use an answer file from UnattendedWinstall?

Absolutely. The answer file uses Microsoft’s official deployment features, which means you’re not using any hacks or unofficial modifications. Plus, since it’s open source on GitHub, you can inspect every single line of the XML file to see exactly what changes it makes to your system. There’s complete transparency, which is much safer than downloading pre-modified Windows ISO files from unknown sources.

What happens if I manually install an app that UnattendedWinstall removed?

It depends on how you install it. If you install the app using Winhance, the utility automatically updates the removal scripts and scheduled tasks so the app stays installed. But if you install it manually without using Winhance, it will get automatically removed the next time you start Windows. To prevent this, you’d need to either use Winhance or manually disable the scheduled task associated with that app in Task Scheduler.

Can I create my own custom answer file with different settings?

Yes! If you want different apps installed or different settings configured, you can create your own custom autounattend.xml file using Winhance. The latest version of Winhance includes a feature that lets you select which apps to remove and which settings to apply, then generates a custom answer file based on your selections. This gives you complete control over your Windows installation while keeping all the benefits of the automated setup process.