Windows 11 - Autopilot - remove Consumer Shortcuts

OK - I lied. While this removes the offending faux shortcuts, it also removes any customization that was done before and after. This is not the results I want. I just want the faux shortcuts removed and any customization done after that to be honored.

Success!!

I was able to get this working by customizing the JSON file and using a configuration profile. Directions can be found here:

[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/customize-start-menu-layout-windows-11

I was able to add and subtract apps to the Start menu. Here is the JSON I used which is the default minus the consumer apps:

{"pinnedList":[{"desktopAppLink":"%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Microsoft Edge.lnk"},{"desktopAppLink":"%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Word.lnk"},{"desktopAppLink":"%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Excel.lnk"},{"desktopAppLink":"%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\PowerPoint.lnk"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy!microsoft.windows.immersivecontrolpanel"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.Todos_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.WindowsCalculator_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.WindowsAlarms_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.Paint_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App"},{"packagedAppId":"Microsoft.ZuneVideo_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.ZuneVideo"},{"desktopAppLink":"%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\OneNote.lnk"},{"desktopAppLink":"%APPDATA%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\File Explorer.lnk"}]}

With Windows 11 Ent, I don't see any crapware, just MAIL and Teams Consumer which icon can be removed with Settings Catalog.

Multiple options you got.. As those apps you mentioned are Store Apps and are installed in the c:\windows\systemapps if I am not mistaken. It also depends if the user is admin or not.... but this is one example to remove it with PowerShell

One example to remove spotify

$RunningApp =Get-Process -Name "spotify*"

If ($RunningApp){Stop-Process -InputObject $RunningApp -Force}

Get-AppPackage -NAMESpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic | Remove-AppPackage

In the past I used the Microsoft store for business (I know... ) so I could add the apps in there and just select the uninstall when the app was synced to Intune. (the new Microsoft store app functionality doesn't have those apps if I am not mistaken).

So maybe you could use the agentexecutor from the device to uninstall the apps, just like I am mentioning in this blog below

[https://call4cloud.nl/2022/12/hotel-microsoft-store-apps-transformania/

Feel free to reach out to me on social media if you have any additional questions about it

The apps will show up when you are using Pro SKU. Or are you noticing it on Ent as well? No built-in profile to address these apps, but you can use a script or perhaps sync the apps from the store and push them as uninstall.