How to Create a Custom Lightweight Windows 11 Installation
Windows 11, while visually appealing and feature-rich, can be a resource hog due to its excessive pre-installed applications and background services. Fortunately, customizing a lightweight version of this operating system is feasible and can significantly enhance your computing experience. This guide explores effective methods to slim down your Windows 11 installation, making it faster and more aligned with your unique needs.
Three Approaches to Slim Down Windows 11
You can optimize your Windows 11 installation through any of the following three methods:
- Custom ISO Creation: Utilize tools such as MSMG Toolkit and DISM to build a completely personalized Windows 11 installation image tailored to your specifications.
- Automated ISO Creation: Use automation tools like Tiny11 or AtlastOS, which streamline the process by removing common bloatware and configurations automatically with minimal user interaction.
- Post-Installation Debloating: After installation, leverage tools like Win11Debloat or Bloatynosy to optimize your current system by eliminating unnecessary features and tweaking settings.
Comparison of Slimming Approaches
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Estimated Time | Required Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom ISO Creation | Maximum customization and minimized installation footprint | Complex and time-consuming | 2-3 hours | High |
| Automated ISO Creation | Quick and predictable outcomes with easy setup | Limited customization options | 30-45 minutes | Low |
| Post-Installation Debloating | Can optimize current installations; changes are reversible | May not achieve as minimal a footprint as other methods | 15-30 minutes | Low |
For most users, tools like Tiny11 or post-installation scripts provide a balanced approach, yielding significant performance benefits without extensive manual configurations.
Creating a Custom Lightweight Windows 11 ISO
Developed by NTDEV, Tiny11 is an open-source script that effortlessly creates a reduced-size Windows 11 ISO without sacrificing essential features. This tool simplifies the process by automatically removing fundamental bloatware such as Clipchamp, Edge, OneDrive, News, and Weather, ensuring your system remains agile and responsive.
Tiny11 comes in two versions:
- Standard Tiny11: Ideal for daily tasks, it retains Windows Update functionality and allows for adding features back if required.
- Tiny11 Core: A minimalist option that offers an ultra-light environment, but does not support updates or feature reinstatement—the perfect choice for specialized needs.
Here’s how to get started with Tiny11:
First, download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s website (look for the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices”section) and the Tiny11 Builder from GitHub.
Next, mount the Windows 11 ISO by right-clicking on it in File Explorer and selecting “Mount.”Remember to note the assigned drive letter. Open PowerShell as an administrator by pressing Win + X. Then, execute this command to permit the Tiny11 script to run:
Afterward, extract the Tiny11 Builder files into a folder, and start the script by right-clicking and selecting Run with PowerShell. You’ll be prompted to provide the drive letter of your mounted Windows 11 ISO and select the desired Windows edition that matches your license.
Tiny11 Builder will handle the heavy lifting, configuring everything automatically and generating a new ISO accordingly. This operation usually lasts around 30–45 minutes, and your custom ISO file (tiny11.iso) will be saved in the same directory as the script.
Optimizing Your Existing Windows 11 Installation
If starting from scratch isn’t your preferred option, you can utilize debloater tools to optimize your current Windows 11 setup. I highly recommend Win11Debloat for its user-friendly interface and efficiency in cleaning up the system.
In addition to app removal, Win11Debloat has the capability to disable telemetry and several UI elements that may clutter your experience. Importantly, any adjustments made are reversible, allowing you to restore original settings if desired.
To utilize Win11Debloat, open PowerShell as an administrator and enter this command:
The script will automatically download and launch Win11Debloat.
You can choose from two modes:
- Default Mode: This mode swiftly removes typical bloatware and applies suggested settings. It’s ideal for most users.
- Custom Mode: Allows detailed selection of what to remove. While this provides enhanced control, scrutinize the options thoroughly to avoid undesired changes.
Upon making a selection, the script executes, typically completing the process in 15–30 minutes. A reboot will be required upon completion.
Additionally, Win11Debloat supports several command-line features for advanced users, including:
- Using
-DisableCopilotto remove Windows Copilot. - Using
-TaskbarAlignLeftto align taskbar icons to the left. - Using
-DisableWidgetsto eliminate the widgets panel. - Using
-RevertContextMenuto restore the classic Windows 10 right-click menu.
Although Win11Debloat is generally safe, I recommend creating a system restore point or a full backup using tools like CloneZilla before implementing substantial alterations to your system.
Images and screenshots by David Morelo.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of creating a lightweight Windows 11 installation?
Creating a lightweight Windows 11 installation helps to improve performance by removing unnecessary bloatware and services, leading to faster boot times, reduced resource usage, and an overall smoother experience.
2. Is it safe to use Tiny11 for creating an ISO?
Yes, Tiny11 is a reputable tool designed to help users create a streamlined version of Windows 11. However, always back up your data before proceeding with any modifications to your operating system.
3. Can I revert the changes made by Win11Debloat?
Yes! Win11Debloat allows you to reverse its changes easily, giving you the flexibility to go back to your original settings whenever necessary.
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