Windows Resources

Mostly just listing things for myself in case I forget. I sure hope this list can help somebody else though.

SecureUxTheme [Namazso] - C++, theme loader, open source, driverless, secure boot compatible [Recommended]
UltraUXThemePatcher [Manuel Hoefs] - C++, theme loader, closed source, secure boot compatible, modifies system files
Open-Shell [Open-Shell] - C++, collection of modifications [taskbar, file & internet explorer], open source
RetroBar [Dremin] - C#, taskbar replacement, open source, simple installation & configuration
ExplorerPatcher [Valinet] - C, file explorer modifier, open source

simplewall [henrypp] - C, wfp firewall, open source, request notifier [Recommended]
TinyWall [Pylorak] - C#, wfp firewall, open source

Scoop [Luke Sampson] - PowerShell, package manager, open source, no admin requirements, scriptable [Recommended]
Chocolatey [Rob Reynolds] - C#, package manager, open source, nuget reliance, pollutes path
paint.net [dotPDN] - C#, photo editor, closed source (praying for wine/proton direct2d support in the future)

UpdatePack [Simplix] - windows 7/server 2008 updates which have been modified to remove telemetry & processor checks [Recommended]
My Digital Life ISO Tool [Enthousiast] - collection of batch scripts to integrate drivers/updates/etc [Recommended]
UEFISeven [Manatails] - allows installation of windows 7 on uefi class 3 machines

LTSC IoT Service Documentation [Microsoft] - documentation on services in windows 11 ltsc iot, their behavior & if they're safe to disable or not [Recommended]
LTSC Installation & Optimization [Rentry] - in-depth writings on services, group policies, etc to configure [Recommended]
Windows XP Hardening [Geekyboo] - article on hardening xp & script that enables windows firewall / disables open ports / etc.