Tiny11 Archives

Winsage

May 25, 2026

5 things Microsoft isn’t fixing with Windows 11 that I’d love to see happen

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with significant updates, including a revamped Windows Update, performance improvements, and customization options for the Start menu and taskbar. The company is addressing device driver issues and engaging with the Windows 11 community for feedback. Users desire features such as a toggle to eliminate advertisements and recommendations, the option to remove references to OneDrive, Bing, Edge, and Game Pass, and the ability to disable web search results in Windows 11 search. The requirement for a Microsoft account for Windows 11 installation has frustrated users who prefer local accounts, prompting calls for the restoration of this option. Users also seek meaningful control over default app installations and the ability to turn off telemetry easily, as current settings are complex. Additionally, there are long-standing projects in Windows 11 that require completion, such as fully integrating dark mode, incorporating the Light Switch feature from PowerToys, and accelerating the migration of legacy features from the Control Panel to the Settings app.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Use Tiny11 to Rescue a Computer Running Windows 10

Microsoft has ended official updates and security patches for Windows 10, raising security concerns for users. Tiny11, an unofficial and streamlined version of Windows 11, serves as an alternative for those unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations. Tiny11 reduces bloat by removing preinstalled applications but lacks regular updates and robust security protections. A valid Windows 11 license key is required to use Tiny11. Users can obtain a Tiny11 ISO by downloading it from the Internet Archive or creating their own using a script from the Tiny11 GitHub page alongside an official Windows 11 ISO. To create a bootable USB drive for installation, users need at least an 8 GB USB drive and a program like Rufus.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Switcher 2026: Minimizing the Microsoft in Windows 11 ⭐

Many users of Windows 11 seek to minimize reliance on Microsoft products while still utilizing the operating system's capabilities. This can be achieved through a thoughtful configuration of the system. Two laptops, the Surface Laptop 7 (Windows 11 Pro) and the HP OmniBook 5 (Windows 11 Home), were reset using the "Reset this PC" feature for a clean setup. A local account can be created during the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) by bypassing the online requirement. After connecting to Wi-Fi, updates were installed, and account security was enhanced by adding a password, PIN, and facial recognition. For Windows 11 Pro users, BitLocker can be enabled for disk encryption, while Windows 11 Home users may need to upgrade to Pro for this feature. Unnecessary Microsoft applications, such as OneDrive, OneNote, and Microsoft 365, were uninstalled, and the Start menu was cleaned up. Preferred applications were installed using web-based methods and the Windows Package Manager (winget). A preferred web browser was set as the default, and measures were taken to prevent Microsoft Edge from launching unexpectedly. OneDrive was uninstalled in favor of an alternative cloud storage client, and File Explorer was configured to improve usability. The Copilot key was repurposed to avoid accidental activation, and optional diagnostic data transmission was disabled to enhance privacy. Additional configurations included removing unnecessary taskbar items and adjusting power settings for a more personalized experience.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Switcher 2026: Privacy, Security, and What Really Matters ⭐

Windows 11 offers potential for users seeking to minimize Microsoft's influence and restore a sense of nostalgia for earlier versions. Tools like Tiny11 Builder and Win11Debloat can facilitate significant modifications to Windows 11 installations. The video by "The Internet Privacy Guy" suggests that the only safe way to use Windows 11 is by eliminating the Microsoft account (MSA), which raises concerns about conflating privacy with security. Signing in with an MSA is actually the most secure method for using Windows 11, despite privacy implications such as telemetry collection. Users can opt for local accounts, but this requires diligence in securing their PCs, as local accounts can expose personal data without proper encryption. Users can also configure Windows 11 to resemble earlier versions by removing certain Microsoft services.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

I used Win11Debloat on my PC, and I could never install Windows without it again

In August of last year, Windows was reinstalled on a dedicated SSD for gaming, and non-gaming applications were later added. The use of Win11Debloat significantly improved the experience, making it hard to consider installing Windows without it. Win11Debloat does not make major system changes and is simpler than alternatives like Tiny11. It removes unwanted software such as TikTok, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Copilot, Recall, and Xbox Game Bar, while also addressing perceived downgrades in Windows 11, such as a less intuitive context menu and cluttered taskbar. The tool disables excessive telemetry and advertisements, contributing to a cleaner interface and allowing resource allocation to important applications. Users can choose to reinstall removed applications from the Microsoft Store. Win11Debloat implements registry changes to disable unnecessary features, making it a valuable option for minimizing bloat and telemetry in Windows installations.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

De-Enshittify an Existing Install of Windows 11 ⭐

Win11Debloat is a tool designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by allowing users to remove unwanted elements while keeping desired features. It operates via a PowerShell script and offers a user-friendly graphical interface. Users can uninstall applications, adjust Windows 11 features, and specify whether changes apply to the current user or all users. Key functionalities include: - Uninstalling applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and various bundled apps. - Adjusting privacy settings, including disabling telemetry and targeted advertisements. - Modifying Windows Update settings to prevent automatic restarts. - Disabling Bing web search in the Start menu. To use Win11Debloat, users must follow specific instructions on GitHub, execute a script, and navigate through three main screens to make selections. The tool allows for the creation of a system restore point and offers options to apply changes to all users or just the current user. Users are advised to update apps before using Win11Debloat to prevent the Microsoft Store from reinstalling removed applications. If some apps remain after using the tool, they can be uninstalled manually. The tool's changes are reversible, and most removed apps can be reinstalled, except for the Microsoft Store app. Users are encouraged to take their time with the options available and can reapply settings if future updates from Microsoft alter their configurations.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

Microsoft, drop your AI obsession and give us what we really want: a lightweight Windows 11 that nails the basics

Recent sentiments surrounding Microsoft are negative, with stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction with Windows. Investors are concerned about the slow uptake of Copilot features, consumers feel overwhelmed by unwanted AI tools, and gamers are disappointed with the stability of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. Former Microsoft engineers advocate for a streamlined Windows experience, emphasizing fixes over new features. Tiny11, an unofficial version of Windows, offers a simplified experience by removing AI features and bloatware but raises security concerns. The rising costs of PC components make a leaner OS more appealing, especially as Microsoft pushes for 16GB of RAM as a standard. The removal of the TPM 2.0 requirement could help older devices upgrade to Windows 11. Essential core applications could include Calculator, Calendar, Camera, Settings, and File Explorer, with a browser and access to the Microsoft Store for additional software. Despite the appeal of a streamlined OS, Microsoft is unlikely to pursue this direction due to its commitment to integrating AI. The outlook for Windows in 2026 appears pessimistic, with expectations of further complications.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

Windows 11 Users Demand Leaner OS to Cut AI Bloat and Boost Speed

Microsoft is facing significant user criticism regarding Windows 11, particularly due to its emphasis on artificial intelligence features, which many users find unnecessary and detrimental to performance. Complaints include sluggish interfaces, increased resource consumption, and a cluttered user experience, leading to calls for a more streamlined version that prioritizes speed, reliability, and efficiency. Users have reported issues such as slow file explorers and excessive RAM usage, often linking these problems to AI-driven functionalities. Community-driven alternatives like Tiny11 have emerged, focusing on eliminating bloatware and AI features to enhance efficiency, especially on older hardware. Microsoft has acknowledged user concerns and promised improvements, but the integration of AI tools continues to dominate updates. The company is also reconsidering its strategy in response to backlash, including relaxing system requirements for certain versions of Windows. However, there remains a strong demand for a lightweight version that balances innovation with core functionalities, as users express frustration over imposed features and a lack of choice.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Windows 7 Shrinks to 69MB: A Minimalist’s Achievement

Enthusiast @XenoPanther has reduced a running copy of Windows 7 to just 69 megabytes, significantly smaller than the typical installation size of tens of gigabytes. This stripped-down version is mostly non-functional, lacking essential system libraries and graphical interface elements, but can still load the desktop and run simple console applications. Minimal versions of operating systems are useful for virtual machines and test environments. Microsoft previously attempted to create a lightweight version called Windows Server Nano, which was around 400 megabytes. Despite Windows 7 being outdated and no longer receiving security updates, the minimal file set can still run older applications.