Let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to give up Windows 7 Professional will [maybe] Windows 10 comes out. I see desktops from all over the place and I have the same conclusions, an unclean desktop bugs me.
Here’s my list of GPO changes to add to your domain for a clean windows desktop every time. If you don’t like GPO then put these into your image and apply it to the default user profile.
- Use small icons (for the smaller height taskbar.
- Turn of “First Run” for Internet Explorer!
- Use Classic Logon.
- Do not remember the last username.
- Set up the Windows Firewall to allow ICMP Replies (If you are too paranoid to turn off the firewall completely)
- Always Open Control Panel to All Items
- Hide Network Locations icon on Desktop
- Prohibit Adjusting Desktop Toolbars
- Remove the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
- Disable ActiveDesktop
- Add Log Off to the Start Menu
- Do not display custom toolbars on taskbar
- Force Classic Start Menu
- Lock The Taskbar
- Prevent changes to task bar and start menu settings
- Prevent Grouping of Taskbar items – The stacking of multiple windows confuses users and they don’t seem to always be able to recognize the 32×32 icon. They need to see the title.
- Remove Balloon Tool Tips on start menu items
- Remove Documents icon from start menu
- Remove Favorites from Start Menu
- Remove Help from Start Menu
- Remove links and access to Windows Update
- Turn off notification area cleanup
- Turn off Personalized Menus
- Configure Outlook Express (Disable)
- Disable AutoComplete for Forms (Enabled)
- Disable changing home page settings
- Prevent Changing Proxy Settings
- Prevent managing the phishing bar -> Select phishing filter (Off)
- Turn off favorites bar (Disabled)
- Turn off managing smart screen for IE8
- Turn off the auto-complete feature for web addresses (Enabled)
- Turn On Suggested Sites (Disabled)
- Turn off the auto-complete feature for usernames and passwords on forms (Enabled)
- Do not allow Messenger to be run (Disabled)
- Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially (Enabled)
- Remove all access to use all Windows Update features (Enabled)
- Do not display the ‘Install Updates and Shutdown’ option in Shutdown Menu