⚙️ Forged

Forged/
├── forge-iso.sh                 # Main Linux ISO builder (Bash)
├── autounattend.xml             # Windows unattended setup (TPM bypass + OOBE skip)
├── payload/
│   ├── Forge-PostInstall.ps1    # Full post-install script (13 phases)
│   ├── MinSudo.exe              # TrustedInstaller elevation tool
│   ├── RemoveEdge.ps1           # XOS Edge uninstaller (region spoof + own setup)
│   ├── onedrive.bat             # XOS OneDrive annihilation script
│   ├── taskbar.bat              # XOS taskbar cleanup script (runs on every logon)
│   ├── W11STARTMENU.ps1         # XOS start menu pin cleaner
│   ├── LayoutModification.xml   # Zero-pins layout for new users
│   ├── services-disable.reg     # Disables Defender/WU services before OOBE
│   ├── driver-exclude.reg       # Prevents Windows Update from installing drivers
│   ├── Forged.png               # Default wallpaper (optional)
│   └── trpad.exe                # TinyRetroPad (lightweight Notepad replacement)

Build

git clone https://github.com/fernbacher/Forged.git
cd Forged

./forge-iso.sh /path/to/windows.iso

The script:

1. Extracts the ISO with 7z
2. Finds the Windows 11/10 Pro index and exports only that edition
3. Mounts the WIM with wimlib-imagex
4. Injects all payload files + AppX debloat offline
5. Commits changes
6. Builds a UEFI+BIOS hybrid ISO with xorrisofs

Example output: Forged-Win11.iso in the Forged/ directory.

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Dual-Boot with CachyOS (or any Linux)

1. Shrink your Linux partition (or use a separate drive) before installing.
2. Install Forged Windows to the empty space or separate drive. The installer won't touch your Linux partitions.
3. After installation, Windows will override the boot order. Use your UEFI boot menu to choose your Linux bootloader.
4. Windows UTC clock — Forged sets RealTimeIsUniversal=1 so your Linux and Windows clocks stay in sync.

For Limine users: adding a Windows entry takes two commands.

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Recommendations Once You're on Forged

• Install dotNetFx35 on Windows 10
• Use Alt App Installer to install NVIDIA Control Panel without the Microsoft Store (use https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nf8h0h7wmlt?hl=en-US&gl=RO)
• Install VC Redist and DirectX
• Install Open-Shell on Windows 11, I recommend this skin

Do this and you'll have a flawless experience on a Forged Windows install for your games that don't run on Linux.

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Security & Performance Trade-Offs

• Defender — fully annihilated (services disabled Start=4, TamperProtection=0, DisableAntiSpyware=1, scheduled task re-kills, boot-time safety task, IFEO blocks). If you need real-time protection, this is not for you.
• Edge — completely removed (browser + updater + DevTools). WebView2 Runtime preserved for app compatibility.
• UAC — disabled (EnableLUA=0). Everything runs as admin.
• Windows Update — paused until 2038, WSUS nulled, driver updates blocked. Manual update checks may revert tweaks.
• VBS / HVCI — toggle scripts on desktop (VBS-ON.bat / VBS-OFF.bat). Required for any kernel anti-cheat that doesn't work on Linux (Valorant, FACEIT, etc.). Exception: League of Legends doesn't need it. Not required on Windows 10.

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Website

Documentation, build guide, dual-boot instructions, and a live source code viewer on the website forgedapp.surge.sh.

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Pre-Built ISOs

Pre-built ISOs are Discord-exclusive and will only ever be shared there. It's recommended to use the ISO builder on Linux if you want a specific Windows version (like LTSC Windows 10 or an older Windows 11 version). Browsers are not included, bring your own on a USB drive.

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License & Credits

• Forged is a personal project — use at your own risk.

• All registry and service lists are derived from the work of:

• ValleyOfDoom — PC-Tuning

• djdallmann — GamingPCSetup

• XOS Playbook by imribiy

• Revision

• MinSudo — TrustedInstaller elevation by M2Team

• RemoveEdge — Edge uninstaller from XOS Playbook

• TinyRetroPad — lightweight Notepad replacement by Plummer's Software LLC

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Final Words

This is my last Windows project. I've moved full-time to CachyOS and the Linux gaming ecosystem. Forged is meant to be the "get in, play your kernel-level game, get out" Windows install — no fluff, no tracking, just performance.

— fernbacher