If you’re tired of the bloated software and built-in adware that comes with Windows 11, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll guide you through creating your very own debloated and tiny Windows 11 ISO file. By the end of this post, you’ll have a lightweight, streamlined version of Windows 11, ideal for gaming or a clean, fast experience without unnecessary extras.
Key Takeaways
- Tiny 11 Builder allows you to create a lightweight, debloated Windows 11 ISO file using official Microsoft tools.
- This is a safer alternative to downloading pre-made ISOs from untrusted sources, which might contain malware.
- You’ll have more control over the components you want in your Windows 11 installation, making it perfect for gamers and performance-focused users.
Requirements
- Windows 11 ISO file (downloadable from the official Microsoft website)
- Tiny 11 Builder PowerShell script from NTDevLabs on GitHub
- PowerShell (Run as Administrator)
- Optional: USB drive and Rufus or Ventoy to create a bootable installation
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Debloated Windows 11 ISO
Download the Windows 11 ISO
Start by downloading the Windows 11 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
If you don’t know how to download it, check out my guide on How to Download the Latest Windows 11 ISO File.
Get Tiny 11 Builder
Head to the Tiny 11 Builder GitHub page by NTDevLabs. Find the “Releases” tab on the right and click on it. Download the latest release by selecting the source code zip file, and then extract it.
Move Tiny 11 Builder Folder
To avoid issues, move the extracted Tiny 11 Builder folder to your C drive. Having it on the desktop might cause problems during the script execution.
Enable PowerShell to Run Scripts
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Run this command to allow scripts:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
When prompted, press “A” to allow all. - Confirm the setting by running:
Get-ExecutionPolicy
The output should read “Unrestricted.”
Mount the Windows 11 ISO
Locate the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded. Right-click on it and select Mount. If the Mount option isn’t available, select Open with and choose Windows Explorer. Make note of the drive letter where the ISO is mounted.
Run Tiny 11 Maker Script
- In the Tiny 11 Builder folder, right-click on Tiny 11 Maker.ps1 and select Run with PowerShell.
- When prompted, enter the drive letter of the mounted ISO. For example, if your ISO is mounted to drive E, simply type
Eand press enter.
Select the Windows Edition
You’ll be asked to enter the image index for the edition of Windows you want to use. Type 6 for Windows 11 Pro and press enter.
Wait for the Process to Complete
Let the script run. If it appears stuck, press Enter inside the PowerShell window to continue. Once finished, you’ll find a new Tiny 11 Disk Image file in the Tiny 11 Builder folder.
Create a Bootable USB and Install Windows
You can use software like Rufus or Ventoy to create a bootable USB with your new Tiny 11 ISO file. For detailed instructions, check out these guides:
- Rufus Bootable USB Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Create a USB Rescue Disk with Ventoy: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a detailed Windows installation guide, check out How to Install Windows from a USB: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide.
My Thoughts on Tiny 11 Installation
Here are my main takeaways from the Tiny 11 installation process. For a more in-depth look, be sure to check out the video.
- Initial Impressions:
- The Tiny 11 installation was clean and minimal right from the start, without any internet connection or updates.
- The widgets panel and task view button were present by default, which I disabled to suit my preferences.
- Performance & Process Count:
- The initial process count was about the same as a typical Windows 11 installation but improved after using the Chris Titus Windows utility.
- After tweaking, I was able to reduce the process count to around 70, which is excellent for a lightweight setup.
- Startup Programs:
- There were only a few startup programs, and Microsoft Edge was not installed by default.
- Although I had to disable OneDrive manually, I was pleased with the minimal startup load.
- Privacy & Security:
- I was disappointed to see that some privacy settings were not disabled by default, but the diagnostics and feedback settings were completely turned off.
- I recommend keeping Windows Security enabled unless you are using the core version of Tiny 11.
- Disk Usage:
- After updates and tweaks, the disk space usage was around 20 GB—still much lighter than a regular Windows 11 install.
- Chris Titus Windows Utility:
- The utility worked wonders, allowing me to apply security-only updates and further optimize the installation.
- Final Thoughts:
- Tiny 11 Builder combined with the Chris Titus Windows utility is one of the best methods I’ve found for a streamlined Windows 11 experience.
- Although I still prefer Windows 10, this setup has made me consider trying Windows 11 full-time in the future.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve created your debloated and lightweight Windows 11 ISO using Tiny 11 Builder, you can enjoy a much smoother experience. This version is perfect for gaming, removing unnecessary bloat, and ensuring a faster system. Don’t forget to check out my other guides on optimizing Windows and creating efficient setups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Tiny 11 Builder?
Tiny 11 Builder is a PowerShell script that helps users create a minimal version of Windows 11 by removing unnecessary components.
Is Tiny 11 Builder safe to use?
Yes, it uses official Microsoft utilities, making it safer than downloading a pre-made ISO from unknown sources.
Can I use this ISO for gaming?
Absolutely! A debloated Windows 11 installation is ideal for gaming, as it frees up system resources.
Does this work for all versions of Windows 11?
Tiny 11 Builder works with any Windows 11 ISO, but I recommend using the latest version for the best performance.
How do I install the debloated Windows 11 ISO?
You can create a bootable USB drive using Rufus or Ventoy and follow the standard Windows installation process.
