Windows 11 has garnered its share of critics, primarily due to its telemetry features, mandatory inclusion of Microsoft Edge, and various background processes that can detract from user experience. These resource-consuming tasks can negatively impact performance, leaving users feeling somewhat constrained. While there are debloating scripts available to enhance system performance, AtlasOS emerges as a unique and innovative solution in this space.
Setting up AtlasOS
An unusual, but effective approach
AtlasOS distinguishes itself from typical debloating scripts by offering a structured setup process that requires two key components. It is advisable to start with a clean installation of Windows 11 using a local account. Users must obtain an official Windows 11 ISO and proceed with the installation until prompted to connect to the internet. At this juncture, pressing Shift+F10 opens the Command Prompt, allowing users to bypass the internet connection by typing start ms-cxh:localonly. This enables the setup of the PC without a Microsoft account.
Once on the desktop, users can download two essential components from the AtlasOS website: the AME Wizard and the Atlas Playbook. The AME Wizard applies the necessary modifications, while the Atlas Playbook contains the specific changes to be implemented. Notably, the AME Wizard is designed to accommodate various playbooks, hinting at future possibilities. For now, the Atlas Playbook suffices.
After loading the Playbook, users must disable all four toggles in the Virus & threat protection section of the Windows Security app to allow the AME Wizard to proceed. Preferences are set, including options to disable mitigations against known vulnerabilities, automatic Windows updates, and the removal of built-in tools. Users can choose to replace Microsoft Edge with one of four alternative browsers: Brave, LibreWolf, Firefox, or Google Chrome.
With selections made, users can navigate through the setup, leading to the application of changes and a subsequent restart of the PC. This guided debloating experience is refreshingly different from the norm.
A clean, fast Windows experience
AtlasOS goes deep
Upon completing the installation of AtlasOS, the desktop experience feels notably different. The taskbar aligns to the left, and a new wallpaper is introduced, albeit these changes are minor. More significant alterations include the disabling of animations, resulting in quicker opening times for applications. Delving deeper reveals an entirely new power plan optimized for latency and performance, which disables the standard power modes in Windows 11 Settings.
In addition to the removal of Microsoft Edge, Bing search is eliminated from the Windows search bar, restricting it to app and settings searches only. While this may appear to be a limitation, it enhances the speed of search results, transforming the search bar into an efficient app launcher. The transition to Brave from Edge also offers a quieter and smoother browsing experience, complemented by the installation of NanaZip for ZIP file management.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of AtlasOS is its commitment to privacy. The Settings app reveals that options under Speech and Inking and typing personalization are disabled, and many privacy-related pages are removed entirely. This means users cannot inadvertently enable intrusive features, as the telemetry service is also disabled. Even location permissions are absent, ensuring that apps cannot access user location data.
AtlasOS represents a thorough approach to enhancing Windows, prioritizing user privacy and eliminating unnecessary features without resorting to a modified ISO. By adhering to Microsoft’s terms, it provides a streamlined experience that many users have long desired.
Is it actually faster?
Don’t expect too much
With these modifications in place, one might anticipate a significant performance boost compared to standard Windows installations. However, the reality is more nuanced. Initial tests comparing CPU and RAM usage in Task Manager during idle periods show that both configurations maintain similar CPU usage, often around 1%. However, AtlasOS appears to stabilize this usage, with memory consumption slightly lower at 12% to 13%, compared to the 17% observed in standard Windows.
Benchmark tests conducted on the Minisforum V3 tablet yielded slightly higher scores in Geekbench 6 for AtlasOS, though the differences fell within the margin of error. Cinebench 2024 results were comparable across both systems, indicating that while there are minor gains, they may not translate into substantial performance improvements.
| Standard Windows 11 (24H2) | AtlasOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single/multi-core) | 2,519 / 10,359 | 2,603 / 10,517 |
| Cinebench 2024 (single/multi-core) | 100 / 691 | 102 / 689 |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad (Light/Normal) | 2,527 / 493 | 2,501 / 487 |
| 3DMark Wild Life (Normal/Extreme) | 17,570 / 5,375 | 16,666 / 5,201 |
While AtlasOS claims to enhance gaming frame rates, the observed differences remain minimal. Users should temper their expectations regarding performance enhancements, as the primary benefit lies in the improved user experience rather than dramatic speed increases.
AtlasOS is still worth it
Despite modest performance gains, AtlasOS offers a compelling alternative for those seeking to enhance their Windows experience. By disabling intrusive features such as ads and telemetry, users can enjoy a more pleasant computing environment. Although the absence of animations may not appeal to everyone, this aspect can be easily adjusted if desired.
For those weary of the persistent annoyances associated with Windows 11, AtlasOS presents a viable solution. It is advisable to implement this modification early on to avoid the hassle of data backup and reinstallation later. Users can explore AtlasOS further to determine if it aligns with their needs for a more refined Windows experience.
