A Windows security tool that reduces the attack surface by disabling risky features in Windows, Office, Adobe Reader, and LibreOffice.
Hardentools is a security tool for Microsoft Windows that reduces the attack surface by disabling risky features in Windows 10/11 and applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF Reader, and LibreOffice. It targets features commonly abused by attackers to execute malicious code, providing an extra layer of security for individuals at risk. The tool is not an antivirus but focuses on hardening the system configuration to prevent exploitation of low-hanging fruit vulnerabilities.
Individuals at risk, such as activists, journalists, or privacy-conscious users, who want to enhance their Windows security at the cost of some usability. It is not intended for corporate environments.
Developers choose Hardentools because it offers a simple, focused approach to Windows hardening by disabling specific risky features that are often unnecessary for regular users. Its user-specific application, restore functionality, and CLI support provide flexibility and control over security modifications.
Hardentools simply reduces the attack surface on Microsoft Windows computers by disabling low-hanging fruit risky features.
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Disables specific risky features in Windows 10/11, Office, Adobe Reader, and LibreOffice that are commonly abused by attackers, directly addressing low-hanging fruit vulnerabilities.
Applies changes only to the Windows user account running the tool, allowing individual hardening without affecting other users on the same system.
Includes a restore function to quickly revert all changes back to original settings, providing a safety net if modifications cause application malfunctions.
Offers a command-line version (hardentools-cli.exe) for use in virtual machines or remote desktops where the graphical interface fails due to OpenGL issues.
Disables essential tools like the command-line terminal and complex Excel functionalities, which can severely impact productivity for users who rely on them.
The graphical interface requires OpenGL 2.0 and may not work in virtual machines or systems with basic graphics drivers, forcing users to use the less intuitive CLI.
Windows ASR rules hardening fails if Windows Defender is not active or if a third-party antivirus is installed, reducing the tool's effectiveness in such setups.