Blackbird Guide & Instructions

This page provides a detailed guide for using Blackbird v1.0.85.3, a powerful privacy and security tool for Windows. Below you’ll find information from the official README, including known bugs, features, usage, and command-line switches.

1. Preface

Blackbird is a one-time run tool designed to disable Windows telemetry, ads, and data collection. It does not install services or run in the background. Internet access is only required to resolve hosts for network blocking.

2. Known Bugs & Limitations

  • Windows Server and Insider builds are not officially supported
  • LAN/VPN issues possible — fixable with L key in main menu
  • Task View / Virtual Desktops may crash due to disabled services
  • Notifications and Device Settings may not appear on Windows 10
  • OneDrive re-enabling requires additional steps
  • 32-bit builds have limitations (Windows 7/8/10)

3. What Blackbird Does

Highlights of Blackbird’s functionality:

  • Disables telemetry, Cortana, OneDrive, Bing, Wi-Fi Sense
  • Blocks ads, diagnostic tracking, error reporting, SmartScreen
  • Removes WGA, GWX triggers, telemetry updates, bloatware
  • Blocks 500+ tracking servers (IPv4/IPv6, supports custom lists)
  • Includes App Manager, Spy Task Destroyer, and backup/restore

4. Using Blackbird

  1. Run blackbird.exe as Administrator
  2. Optionally back up current settings (press B)
  3. Press any other key to apply tweaks
  4. Reboot when prompted

You can also use HOSTS.TXT and UPDATES.TXT for custom blocking.

5. Command-line Switches

Blackbird supports many CLI switches. Examples:

  • blackbird -scan → Full privacy scan
  • blackbird -app → App Manager (block/unblock system apps)
  • blackbird -std → Spy Task Destroyer
  • blackbird -bak → Backup current settings
  • blackbird -r → Recovery mode (restore changes)
  • blackbird -o → Enable/disable OneDrive
  • blackbird -u → Control Windows Updates
  • blackbird -d → Disable/enable Defender

Full list available in the README or by running blackbird -?.

6. Spy Task Destroyer (STD)

Used to force-remove stubborn Windows telemetry tasks. Warning: tasks removed with STD cannot be restored without reinstalling Windows.

7. App Manager

Lets you block or unblock built-in Windows apps easily. Safer than using command-line switches.

8. FAQ

Key notes:

  • Free forever, supported by user donations (Patreon/PayPal)
  • May be flagged as malware (false positives)
  • Networking issues can be fixed via L key
  • Recovery mode (R) restores Windows defaults

9. Changelog

v1.0.85.3 (latest):

  • Supports Windows 10 22H2
  • Added new switches (e.g. -j)
  • Disabled more telemetry services and tasks
  • Fixed backup restore issues

See full changelog on official site.

10. License

Blackbird is freeware (BGB 1.0 License). Free for everyone, always. No warranty provided.

Useful Links

⚠️ Disclaimer: Blackbird makes deep changes to Windows. While tested, it may disable features like Windows Update, Cortana, or notifications. Always back up your system or create a restore point before applying.