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48 changes: 36 additions & 12 deletions README.md
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# ExplorerPatcher

This project aims to enhance the working environment on Windows.
[Read more on the Wiki »](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki)


## How to?

1. Download the latest setup program from the [Releases page](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest).
* Choose `ep_setup.exe` if your device uses an Intel or AMD processor, or `ep_setup_arm64.exe` if your device uses a Snapdragon processor.
1. Download the latest setup program from the official [Releases page](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest). If your antivirus blocks or deletes the download, see the warning below about false detections.
- Choose `ep_setup.exe` if your device uses an **Intel or AMD** processor.
- Choose `ep_setup_arm64.exe` if your device uses a **Snapdragon** processor.
2. Run the installer. It will automatically prompt for elevation, after which it will close `explorer.exe` and install the necessary files. When done, you will see the desktop again and the Windows 10 taskbar.
3. Right-click the taskbar and choose "Properties".
4. To change the taskbar style, go to the "Taskbar" section and look for "Taskbar style".
Expand All @@ -15,28 +18,49 @@ This project aims to enhance the working environment on Windows.

That's it!

**Note:** Some features may be unavailable on some Windows versions.
> [!WARNING]
> **False antivirus detections**: the setup files are not digitally signed, so Windows Defender, SmartScreen, or other antivirus software may flag them as threats and block them from running (these are false positives).
> Make sure you download the setup file only from [valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest).
> If Windows Defender keeps blocking or removing the setup file, add an exclusion for it:
> 1. Open **Windows Security** > **Virus & threat protection**.
> 2. Under **Virus & threat protection settings**, click **Manage settings**.
> 3. Scroll down to **Exclusions** and click **Add or remove exclusions**.
> 4. Click **Add an exclusion**, choose **File**, and select the downloaded setup file.

> [!WARNING]
> **Windows updates**: with each new Windows 11 release, Microsoft removes more and more of the features inherited from Windows 10.
> ExplorerPatcher reimplements these features and integrates them back into the system, so after major Windows updates some features may temporarily stop working until the project is updated to support the new Windows version.

> [!NOTE]
> Some features may be unavailable on certain Windows versions.


## Uninstalling

* Right-click the taskbar then click "Properties" or search for "ExplorerPatcher", and go to "Uninstall" section or
* Use "Programs and Features" in Control Panel, or "Apps and features" in the Settings app or
* Run `ep_setup.exe /uninstall` or
* Rename `ep_setup.exe` to `ep_uninstall.exe` and run that.
You can uninstall ExplorerPatcher using any of the following methods:

- Right-click the taskbar, click "Properties" (or search for "ExplorerPatcher"), and go to the "Uninstall" section.
- Use "Programs and Features" in Control Panel, or "Apps and features" in the Settings app.
- Run `ep_setup.exe /uninstall`.
- Rename `ep_setup.exe` to `ep_uninstall.exe` and run it.


## Updating

* The program features built-in updates: go to "Properties" - "Updates" to configure, check for and install the latest updates. Learn more [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Configure-updates).
* Download the latest version's [setup file for x64](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest/download/ep_setup.exe) or [setup file for ARM64](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest/download/ep_setup_arm64.exe) and simply run it.
- The program features built-in updates: go to "Properties" > "Updates" to configure, check for and install the latest updates. Learn more [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Configure-updates).
- Download the latest version's [setup file for x64](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest/download/ep_setup.exe) or [setup file for ARM64](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest/download/ep_setup_arm64.exe) and simply run it.


## Donate

If you find this project essential to your daily life, please consider donating to support the development through the [Sponsor](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher?sponsor) button at the top of this page, so that we can continue to keep supporting newer Windows builds.


## Discord Server

Join our Discord server if you need support, want to chat regarding this project, or just want to hang out with us!
Join our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/gsPcfqHTD2) if you need support, want to chat regarding this project, or just want to hang out with us!

[![Join on Discord](https://discordapp.com/api/guilds/1155912047897350204/widget.png?style=shield)](https://discord.gg/gsPcfqHTD2)
<p align="center">
<a href="https://discord.gg/gsPcfqHTD2"><img src="https://discordapp.com/api/guilds/1155912047897350204/widget.png?style=shield" alt="Join on Discord"></a>
</p>

[Read more](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki)