Step 1: Download from a Reputable Source
Do not download from random file-sharing sites. Look for repositories that provide SHA-256 checksums. The official developer’s Telegram or GitHub (archived) is ideal. The file should be named something like AACT_v4.3.0_Portable.zip.
Step 2: Verify the Hash Before extracting, use PowerShell to check the hash:
Get-FileHash .\AACT_v4.3.0_Portable.zip -Algorithm SHA256
Compare this with the developer’s posted hash. aact v4.3.0 portable
Step 3: Create a System Restore Point Even though the app is portable, it modifies system settings. Go to Windows Search > "Create a restore point" and make one manually.
Step 4: Extract and Run
Right-click the ZIP file and select "Extract All" to a folder like D:\PortableApps\AACT. Navigate inside and run AACT.exe (as Administrator if you are making system-wide changes). AACT v4
Step 5: Explore the Interface The UI of v4.3.0 is tab-based:
On a 2014 laptop with 4GB RAM and a mechanical HDD, applying “Extreme Tweak” mode (disabling animations, prefetch, and all non-critical services) made Windows 10 boot in 45 seconds instead of 2 minutes. Compare this with the developer’s posted hash
| Feature | AACT v4.3.0 Portable | O&O ShutUp10++ | WPD (Windows Privacy Dashboard) | |---------|----------------------|----------------|----------------------------------| | Portable? | Yes | Yes (installer option) | Yes | | Bloatware removal | Excellent (batch AppX) | Moderate (registry only) | Good | | Service tweaking | Granular (risk levels) | Basic | Moderate | | Telemetry blocklist | 150+ entries | ~120 entries | ~90 entries | | Windows 11 support | Full (v4.3.0) | Full | Partial | | Learning curve | Intermediate | Beginner | Beginner |
AACT excels for advanced users who want fine-grained control. Beginners may prefer O&O ShutUp10’s “recommended” and “strict” presets, but AACT offers deeper access.
Unlike the native services.msc, AACT categorizes services by risk level: Green (safe to disable), Yellow (caution advised), Red (avoid disabling). Version 4.3.0 adds correct handling for the new Windows License Manager service (ClipSVC fork) and WaaSMedicSVC.
Windows 10 and 11 come pre-loaded with apps many users never touch. AACT v4.3.0 Portable can: