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About AtlasOS

AtlasOS (or Atlas) is an open-source Windows modification that enhances your Windows experience by applying privacy, performance, and usability optimizations while maintaining core functionality and customizability.Atlas is built using AME Wizard Playbooks - a transparent, auditable scripting system that modifies Windows settings, removes telemetry, disables unnecessary services, and configures your system for optimal performance.Key improvements:
  • Enhanced privacy through telemetry removal and group policies
  • Optimized performance by removing bloatware and unnecessary background processes
  • Improved usability with better defaults and reduced advertisements
  • Customizable security features with transparent trade-offs
  • Open-source and auditable modifications
AtlasOS makes extensive modifications to Windows:Privacy:
  • Removes most Windows telemetry and data collection
  • Disables activity tracking and advertising IDs
  • Implements restrictive group policies
  • Removes pre-installed Microsoft apps and bloatware
Performance:
  • Removes unnecessary background processes
  • Disables unneeded Windows services
  • Optimizes power settings for performance
  • Disables storage sense and content delivery
  • Removes scheduled tasks that aren’t essential
Usability:
  • Removes Windows advertisements and suggestions
  • Disables widgets and news feeds
  • Simplifies Windows interface
  • Removes OneDrive integration (can be re-enabled)
  • Configures better default settings
Software:
  • Installs essential utilities (7-Zip, Visual C++ Runtimes, DirectX)
  • Optionally removes Microsoft Edge
  • Optionally installs alternative browsers
  • Optionally installs AtlasOS Toolbox
All modifications are documented in the open-source Atlas repository.
AtlasOS is fundamentally different from custom Windows ISOs:AtlasOS (Playbook-based):
  • Uses AME Wizard with transparent Playbook scripts
  • You start with genuine Windows installation
  • All modifications are auditable (open source)
  • Complies with Microsoft licensing terms
  • No risk of pre-installed malware
  • Easier to trust and verify
Custom ISOs:
  • Pre-modified Windows installation images
  • Difficult to audit what changes were made
  • Multiple entry points for malicious code
  • Often violates Microsoft licensing terms
  • Must trust the ISO creator completely
  • May contain malware or unwanted modifications
Atlas Playbooks are essentially renamed ZIP files (password: malte) containing mostly plain text configuration files, making them easy to inspect and verify.
AtlasOS is developed by an open-source community of contributors. The project is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/Atlas-OS/Atlas where you can:
  • View all source code and modifications
  • See the complete contributor list
  • Report issues and bugs
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit pull requests
  • Review changes before they’re merged
The project is licensed under GPLv3, ensuring it remains free and open source.

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Safety and Security

AtlasOS is safe when used with proper understanding:What makes it safe:
  • Completely open source and auditable
  • Uses official Windows installation as base
  • Transparent about all modifications
  • Active community review and testing
  • No malware or backdoors
  • Binaries are open source with published hashes
Security considerations:
  • Some security features can be disabled for performance
  • Disabling Windows Defender reduces protection
  • Disabling CPU mitigations can expose vulnerabilities
  • You must maintain good security practices
Recommendation: Use the default “Enable Defender” and “Default Windows Mitigations” options during installation for best security while maintaining performance improvements.
Atlas provides configurable security rather than blanket removal:Optional security features you can disable:
  • Windows Defender - Not recommended for most users
  • CPU mitigations - Only consider on older CPUs
  • Core Isolation/VBS - Small performance gain, security reduction
  • Windows Update automation - Manual updates still possible
Security features that remain:
  • Windows Firewall (unchanged)
  • User Account Control (configurable)
  • SmartScreen (if Defender enabled)
  • Windows Update (available on-demand)
  • Secure Boot (unchanged)
  • BitLocker (can be disabled for compatibility)
Atlas is transparent about security trade-offs and provides documentation for each option. Choose settings based on your security needs and risk tolerance.
Yes, but with important considerations:Windows Defender:
  • Can be enabled during Atlas installation (recommended)
  • Toggleable in the Atlas folder after installation
  • Provides adequate protection for most users
Third-party antivirus:
  • Must be uninstalled before Atlas installation
  • Can be reinstalled after Atlas is installed
  • May cause conflicts with some Atlas optimizations
  • Often unnecessary if Defender is enabled
Recommendation: Use Windows Defender for best compatibility with Atlas modifications. Third-party antivirus is generally unnecessary and may impact performance.

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System Compatibility

Yes, AtlasOS is designed to maintain gaming compatibility:Maintained features:
  • DirectX support (DirectPlay enabled during installation)
  • Full GPU driver compatibility
  • Game Bar and Full Screen Optimizations (toggleable)
  • Anti-cheat compatibility (when security features enabled)
  • Steam, Epic Games, Xbox app all work normally
Important notes:
  • Some anti-cheat systems require Core Isolation/VBS enabled
  • Competitive games may require Windows Defender enabled
  • Kernel-level anti-cheat works when mitigations are enabled
For competitive gaming, use recommended security settings (Defender enabled, default mitigations) to avoid anti-cheat issues.
Most applications work without issues on AtlasOS:Fully compatible:
  • Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, etc.)
  • Office applications (Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, etc.)
  • Creative software (Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, etc.)
  • Development tools (Visual Studio, VS Code, Git, etc.)
  • Gaming platforms (Steam, Epic, Battle.net, etc.)
May require adjustments:
  • Some Microsoft Store apps (Store can be restored)
  • OneDrive (can be re-enabled in Atlas folder)
  • Windows Hello/Biometrics (may need manual setup)
  • Some enterprise software (may need specific services enabled)
Troubleshooting: If an application doesn’t work, use “Set services to defaults.cmd” in the troubleshooting folder to restore Windows services.
Yes, AtlasOS works on laptops, but consider these factors:Laptop-specific considerations:
  • Power-saving features can be disabled for performance
  • Battery life may be reduced if you disable power saving
  • Hibernation can be disabled (frees disk space)
  • Laptop manufacturer utilities usually work fine
  • Function keys and special buttons remain functional
Recommendations for laptops:
  • Keep power-saving enabled for better battery life
  • Enable hibernation if you use it frequently
  • Test battery life after installation and adjust settings
  • Keep manufacturer drivers updated
The “Maximum Performance” option during installation disables power saving - consider skipping this on laptops.

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Reversibility and Modifications

Atlas modifications can be reversed, though not with a single click:Partial reversal options:
  • Reset services - “Set services to defaults.cmd” in troubleshooting folder
  • Re-enable features - Use Atlas folder to toggle individual features
  • Restore components - “Repair Windows Components.cmd” repairs system files
Complete reversal options:
  • Reset this PC - Windows built-in reset (keeps or removes files)
  • Reinstall Windows - Clean installation from official Microsoft media
Atlas modifications are extensive and integrated, so complete removal requires Windows reset or reinstallation rather than a simple uninstaller.Best practice: Create a system backup before installing Atlas so you can restore to your previous state if needed.
Yes! Customization is a core feature of AtlasOS:Atlas folder location: C:\Windows\AtlasDesktop (also on desktop)Available customizations:General Configuration:
  • Windows Updates (automatic/manual)
  • Power saving settings
  • Hibernation and sleep
  • Search indexing
  • Background apps
Security:
  • Windows Defender (enable/disable)
  • CPU mitigations
  • Core Isolation/VBS
Interface Tweaks:
  • File Explorer settings
  • Taskbar configuration
  • Context menus
  • Visual effects
Advanced Configuration:
  • Windows services
  • Network settings
  • Process Explorer integration
All options are accessible via scripts in the Atlas folder. Most changes require administrator privileges and a system restart.

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Windows Updates

Atlas modifies how Windows Updates behave:During installation, you can choose:
  • Disable Automatic Updates - Updates don’t download/install automatically
  • Enable Automatic Updates - Updates download and install like normal Windows
Regardless of choice:
  • Update notifications still appear when updates are available
  • You can manually check for and install updates anytime
  • Security updates are still accessible
  • Windows Update service remains functional
After installation:
  • Change update behavior via Atlas folder > General Configuration > Automatic Updates
  • Toggle between automatic and manual updates anytime
Recommendation: Even with automatic updates disabled, check for and install security updates regularly to maintain system security.
Yes, installing Windows Updates is recommended:Why you should update:
  • Security patches protect against vulnerabilities
  • Bug fixes improve system stability
  • Driver updates enhance hardware compatibility
  • Feature updates may add useful functionality
How to update safely:
  1. Check for updates: Settings > Windows Update
  2. Review available updates
  3. Install updates (or select specific ones)
  4. Restart when prompted
  5. Verify system stability after updates
If updates cause issues:
  • Use “Repair Windows Components.cmd” in troubleshooting folder
  • Reset services to defaults if features break
  • Check Atlas GitHub for known update issues
Atlas is designed to remain compatible with Windows Updates, but feature updates may occasionally require adjustment.
No, AtlasOS does not affect your Windows license:What Atlas does NOT do:
  • Modify Windows activation status
  • Bypass license checks
  • Alter product keys
  • Change licensing information
  • Enable piracy or circumvent activation
Your Windows license:
  • Remains exactly as it was before installation
  • OEM licenses stay OEM
  • Retail licenses stay retail
  • Digital licenses remain linked to your Microsoft account
  • All activation methods continue working normally
Atlas simply modifies Windows settings and configuration - it has no interaction with the licensing system.
AtlasOS usage depends on your Windows license:AtlasOS itself:
  • Free and open source (GPLv3 license)
  • Can be used personally or commercially
  • No cost or restrictions from Atlas project
Windows licensing:
  • You must have a valid Windows license
  • Commercial use requires appropriate Windows license
  • Atlas doesn’t bypass Windows licensing requirements
  • Follow Microsoft’s licensing terms for your use case
Recommendation: Ensure your Windows installation has proper licensing for your intended use (personal/commercial). Atlas itself adds no restrictions beyond normal Windows licensing.

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Support and Community

Multiple resources are available for AtlasOS support:Official channels:Before asking for help:
  1. Read the documentation thoroughly
  2. Search existing issues and discussions
  3. Check the FAQ sections
  4. Try troubleshooting tools in Atlas folder
When reporting issues:
  • Specify Atlas version (v0.5.0)
  • Include Windows build number
  • Describe steps to reproduce
  • Provide hardware specifications
  • Mention any error messages
Yes! AtlasOS welcomes community contributions:Ways to contribute:
  • Code contributions - Submit pull requests on GitHub
  • Bug reports - Report issues you encounter
  • Documentation - Improve or translate documentation
  • Testing - Test pre-release versions
  • Community support - Help other users on Discord
  • Feedback - Share your experience and suggestions
Getting started:
  1. Read contribution guidelines: https://docs.atlasos.net/contributing/contribution-guidelines/
  2. Fork the repository on GitHub
  3. Make your changes or improvements
  4. Submit a pull request
  5. Participate in code review
Contributors follow the Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct.

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