virb3 / compatteloverride

Persistently disable the Compatibility Telemetry in Windows 10

CompatTelOverride v2

Note

CompatTelOverride is now obsolete!

Here is a better, safer alternative:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\compattelrunner.exe]
"Debugger"="systray.exe"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\wsqmcons.exe]
"Debugger"="systray.exe"

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Description

CompatTelRunner is a telemetry feature in Windows 10 that runs periodically and drains considerable system resources. This causes old hardware to hang and freeze during the process, often for up to 5 minutes. CompatTelOverride disables this telemetry and makes sure it stays that way.

Features

• Automatic ownership/permission handling
• All modified files retain high security permissions
• Automatic backup
• Uninstallation support

How to install

1. Run CompatTelOverride.exe as Administrator
2. Click Yes when prompted to install.

How to uninstall

1. If already installed, re-run CompatTelOverride.exe as Administrator
2. Click Yes when prompted to uninstall.
3. Click No when prompted to re-install.

How to force uninstall

1. Run CompatTelOverride.exe, as Administrator, with argument: /uninstall

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Before:

After:

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Technical details

This project has three modules: an installer, an override (dummy exe), and a service.

The installer (CompatTelOverride.exe) manages installation and uninstallation of this project. Once installed, the service (CompatTelWatch.exe) replaces the original CompatTelRunner.exe with a dummy one that, if started, will sleep forever, preventing telemetry. This happens on every boot, so even if Windows replaces the file, it will get reverted. The service also locks the telemetry runner, so it doesn't get modified while Windows is running.

Note to developers

The two dependancy DLLs are intended to be merged into the main executables before deployment. If you wish to use them as-is, some code tweaks will be required.