Hardentools

Hardentools: Harden your computer's security by disabling multiple Windows, Office and Acrobat Reader features at once, such as macros, ActiveX, autorun and autoplay

Hardentools is a friendly piece of software that enables you to boost your Windows security with ease. With a single click, the application will disable several system tools which casual users don't rely on but increase your computer's vulnerability to exploits, hijacking, and other types of malware.

You can directly launch the executable as installation is not needed although it will need to be run with administrative permissions as it requires access to Windows utilities.

It's recommended to create a system restore point before running Hardentools to make sure you can rever to a working state of the operating system should you experience any issues.

The "Harden!" button will instantly disable VBScript / Windows Script Host, macros and ActiveX, Office packager objects, autorun and autoplay, Command Prompt and PowerShell, the opening of PDF embedded objects, as well as JavaScript in Acrobat reader. The developer's website provides information regarding each of these Windows utilities should you be interested in learning about them.

Once the task is complete, a pop-up notification will prompt you to restart your PC to apply the changes.