In a notable development for users of the widely-utilized Windows configuration tool, NTLite, the software has recently undergone a series of updates that enhance its functionality and security features. Among the key improvements is the addition of support for Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificates, aligning with Microsoft’s recent updates to PowerShell scripts.
Enhanced Security and Compatibility Features
Another significant enhancement is the integration of Microsoft Pluton support, a feature that has gained attention following AMD’s latest chipset driver update. This addition underscores NTLite’s commitment to maintaining robust security protocols in an evolving technological landscape.
The latest update also addresses compatibility with Windows 11 24H2 updates, ensuring smoother transitions for users. Additionally, the long-requested option for unattended Windows product key activation has made a return; however, developers advise against the use of generic keys to avoid potential issues.
Beyond these major updates, several other enhancements have been introduced. The detailed changelogs for the recent versions are as follows:
2025.03.10345
New
- Components: ‘Image Mastering API (IMAPIv2)’ for both 32 and 64-bit systems, utilized by NTLite for ISO creation.
- Components: ‘InstallShield WOW64’ added.
- Components: ‘Microsoft Pluton security processor’ now supported.
- Components: ‘Net Command Line Tools (net.exe)’ for 32-bit systems included.
- Components: ‘Network Shell (netsh.exe)’ for 32-bit systems included.
- Components: ‘Profile Quota’ added.
- Components: ‘Share Targets’ for both 64 and 32-bit systems included.
- Components: ‘Widgets Platform Runtime (InboxApp)’ added.
Upgrade
- Components: ‘Windows Feature Experience Pack – Core’ is now removable.
- Components: ‘Windows Feature Experience Pack – LKG’ components have been merged into one; users can re-add it to their preset if necessary.
- Components: ‘Network Profile’ for 32-bit systems has been split, with additional removals if SFC compatibility is disabled.
- Components: ‘USB UCSI driver’ upgraded to ‘USB Connector Manager’ with further removals.
- Unattended: The ‘Product Key (Activation)’ option has returned due to user demand; caution is advised against using generic keys.
- Image: ‘Update boot managers’ and ‘Create ISO’ now support the ‘Windows UEFI CA 2023’ Secure Boot certificate.
- Image: The ‘Host refresh’ wizard now automatically saves preset names with a suffix to prevent overwriting the standard preset.
- UI-Translation: Acknowledgments to contributors from Turkish, Swedish, Russian, Italian, Hungarian, French, and Chinese Traditional communities.
Fix
- Updates: Enhanced detection for existing checkpoint update installations in the update downloader.
- Updates: Resolved an issue where .Net 3.5 language integration interrupted the process.
- Unattended: Fixed a rare issue where keyboard selection in specific host/image combinations could generate an incorrect ID.
- Post-setup: Post-setup updates, such as Win7 KB2603229, are now processed in the order displayed on screen, rather than prioritizing updates first.
2025.03.10349
Upgrade
- Updates: Enhanced downloader listing and support for the latest versions, including:
- Microsoft.UI.Xaml v2.8 v8.2501.31001.0+
- Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop v14.0.33728.0+
- Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller (winget) v2025.228.315.0+
- Components: Improved cumulative update compatibility following removals for Windows 11 24H2.
The latest version of NTLite, 2025.03.10349, is available for download on Neowin’s software stories page as well as the official NTLite website, providing users with the latest tools to optimize their Windows experience.
