With Microsoft ending Windows 10 support on October 14th, users of incompatible systems face a challenge. A potential solution has emerged: Tiny11, a custom-built, lightweight Windows 11 distribution available on GitHub. Created by ntdevlabs, Tiny11 is designed to run on older hardware, bypassing standard Windows 11 system requirements.
This streamlined build significantly reduces the bloatware in Windows 11. The primary script, ‘tiny11maker’, removes pre-installed applications such as OneDrive, Office Hub, Edge, and Outlook, as demonstrated in a SurfsharkAcademy YouTube video. A second, more aggressive script, ‘tiny11coremaker’, removes even more bloatware but sacrifices update and feature-addition capabilities. This minimalist approach is particularly beneficial for gamers experiencing performance issues due to excessive background processes.
Tiny11’s release is timely, as it precedes Microsoft’s upcoming full-screen Xbox app experience, launching alongside the ROG Xbox Ally in 2024, and expanding to other devices in 2026. While Tiny11 initially removes the Xbox app, it appears easily reinstallable via the ‘tiny11maker’ script. This highlights the significant amount of unnecessary bloat present in the standard Windows 11 installation.
For users upgrading from Windows 10 or seeking to optimize their current Windows 11 experience, Tiny11 offers a compelling alternative. While alternative operating systems exist, the lack of robust Nvidia GPU support in some may limit their appeal. Tiny11 addresses performance concerns by removing resource-intensive background processes. The project’s compatibility with the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is also noteworthy.
The emergence of Tiny11 showcases the community’s response to limitations in existing operating systems. Its success underscores the demand for a more streamlined and efficient Windows 11 experience. Whether Tiny11’s minimalist approach will influence future Microsoft software remains to be seen, but its existence provides a viable option for users seeking optimized performance.
