As the clock ticks down to the end-of-life for Windows 10, many users are contemplating their next steps. With October’s arrival marking the cessation of support for Windows 10, the migration to Windows 11 is becoming a pressing consideration. While some users may opt for the official channels to secure a complimentary year of security updates, others are leaning towards the allure of Windows 11. However, the new operating system comes bundled with a plethora of pre-installed applications that may not be to everyone’s taste. Fortunately, there exists a method to streamline Windows 11, shedding unnecessary components while also bypassing the stringent system requirements check.
Using Tiny11 to make the thin Windows 11 ISO
Prepping for the installation
To embark on this journey, one can utilize Tiny11 to create a lightweight Windows 11 ISO. Currently in development, Tiny11 may lack some of the user-friendly features found in more established applications. For instance, users will need to navigate through PowerShell to execute commands, and the option to selectively retain or discard specific applications is not available. Nevertheless, it remains an effective tool for trimming down the Windows 11 ISO.
Start by downloading Tiny11 from its GitHub repository alongside the Windows 11 ISO. Once the ISO is opened in File Explorer, it will automatically mount. Next, launch PowerShell with administrative privileges and input the command Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process, followed by hitting Enter. After this, navigate to the location where Tiny11 is saved and execute either tiny11Coremaker or tiny11maker. For a more streamlined installation, the latter is recommended, which will remove the following applications:
- Clipchamp
- News
- Weather
- Xbox
- GetHelp
- GetStarted
- Office Hub
- Solitaire
- PeopleApp
- PowerAutomate
- ToDo
- Alarms
- Mail and Calendar
- Feedback Hub
- Maps
- Sound Recorder
- Your Phone
- Media Player
- QuickAssist
- Internet Explorer
- Tablet PC Math
- Edge
- OneDrive
If you choose tiny11Coremaker, it will remove the same applications as above, in addition to:
- Windows Component Store (WinSxS)
- Windows Defender (disabled but can be re-enabled)
- Windows Update (non-functional without WinSxS)
- WinRE
Once the script is executed, direct it to the mounted Windows 11 drive (excluding the colon) and select your desired version of Windows 11. Tiny11 will then process the ISO, eliminating the unwanted applications.
Using Rufus to make a bootable drive
Getting the media ready
With the ISO successfully created, the next step involves crafting a bootable drive using Rufus. Renowned for assisting users in upgrading to Windows 11 while circumventing system requirements, Rufus proves invaluable in this context as well.
Creating a bootable drive is straightforward. Insert your USB drive and launch Rufus. Ensure that Rufus recognizes your USB as the target; if not, select it from the dropdown menu. When prompted to choose an ISO, select the one generated by Tiny11. Initiate the media creation process and await its completion. Once finished, connect the USB drive to the PC designated for the Windows 11 installation and boot from the USB.
Enjoying a thinner Windows 11
All the fluff is gone
Upon installation, users will immediately notice the absence of pre-installed applications, a direct result of the Tiny11 process. The outcome is an operating system that is significantly less bloated, allowing for more space dedicated to essential applications. This streamlined version is particularly advantageous for those upgrading older, incompatible Windows 10 devices to Windows 11, as it enables better performance on legacy hardware.
Cut Windows 11 down to size
As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, users are increasingly considering upgrades to Windows 11, regardless of their system specifications. Thankfully, there is no need to accept the default offerings from Microsoft. By leveraging Tiny11 and Rufus, users can create a lightweight installation media that not only keeps the system lean but also navigates around the stringent system requirements—an ideal solution for those looking to upgrade older PCs.
