Tiny11 Builder is a free, open-source tool that allows you to create lightweight, custom Windows 11 installation images by removing unnecessary applications, services, and system components. Instead of downloading a pre-modified version of Windows, you can use an official Microsoft Windows 11 ISO to create a streamlined installation tailored to your needs.
The project, developed by NTDEV, uses PowerShell scripts and Microsoft’s DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to modify Windows installation images. The resulting ISO can be used to install a less cluttered version of Windows 11, potentially reducing memory footprint and background resource usage.
Tiny11 vs Tiny11 Core
Tiny11 Builder offers two approaches to slimming down Windows 11, depending on how much functionality you want to retain.
Tiny11 Removes many preinstalled applications and optional components while retaining key Windows features, including Windows Update, Microsoft Defender, and the Windows Recovery Environment. It is designed for users who want a cleaner Windows 11 installation without sacrificing the ability to receive updates, install additional features, or maintain their system.
Tiny11 core takes a more aggressive approach and removes additional system components to create an even smaller Windows installation. However, these reductions come with significant limitations: Windows Update, Microsoft Defender, and Windows Recovery will be removed or disabled, and component storage will be greatly reduced. Therefore, Tiny11 Core cannot be maintained or updated like a normal Windows installation.
Tiny11 Core is primarily intended for testing, development and disposable virtual machines, rather than everyday data processing.
Key Features
- Build from official Windows ISOs: Create modified Windows 11 installation media using the original installation files from Microsoft.
- Remove unnecessary applications: Remove pre-installed apps such as Clipchamp, News, Weather, Xbox components and other bundled software.
- Reduce system footprint: Create smaller Windows installations that use less memory and potentially use fewer background resources.
- Choose between two configurations: create a standard Tiny11 image for everyday use or Tiny11 Core for minimal testing environments.
- Retain essential features: Standard Tiny11 retains Windows Update, Microsoft Defender and recovery tools.
- Open source and transparent: PowerShell scripts are publicly available so users can verify how to modify Windows installation images.
Requirements and limitations
- Tiny11 Builder requires a Windows environment with administrative privileges, PowerShell, and a compatible Windows 11 ISO. The scripts use DISM to mount and modify installation images before generating a new ISO.
- Although Tiny11 can reduce Windows 11’s memory footprint and remove unwanted applications, it does not guarantee better performance on every computer. Removing system components may also affect compatibility with certain applications, Windows features, or future updates.
- Tiny11 Builder is an independent community project and is not affiliated with Microsoft nor is it supported by Microsoft. A valid Windows license is still required and users should test custom installations before deploying them to their main computers.
How to use Tiny11 Builder
- Download Tiny11 Builder and extract the files to a folder on your PC.
- Download an official Windows 11 ISO here.
- Launch Tiny11 Builder with administrator privileges.
- Choose your Windows 11 ISO and a build mode:
- Tiny11: Removes unnecessary apps while retaining Windows Update, Defender, and recovery features.
- Tiny11 Core: Creates a smaller installation for testing and virtual machines, sacrificing updates and recovery capabilities.
- Custom: Here you can select which apps and components to remove.
- Start the build process and wait for Tiny11 Builder to generate your customized Windows 11 ISO.
- Use the resulting ISO to create bootable installation media or install Windows 11 in a virtual machine.
What is being removed
Tiny11maker
- Clipchamp
- News
- Weather
- Xbox
- Get help
- GetStarted
- Office hub
- Solitaire
- PeopleApp
- PowerAutomate
- To do
- alarm
- Mail and calendar
- Feedback Hub
- Cards
- Sound recorder
- Your phone
- Media player
- QuickAssist
- Internet Explorer
- Tablet PC mathematics
- edge
- OneDrive
Tiny11coremaker
- Everything from the regular tiny11maker plus the following:
- Windows Component Store (WinSxS)
- Windows Defender (only disabled, can be re-enabled if necessary)
- Windows Update (would not work without WinSxS, activation would put the system in an error state)
- WinRE
Note that you cannot add new features in Tiny11 core!
During image creation you will be asked if you want to enable .net 3.5 support!
What’s new
- Manage uninstalling pending feature removals on serviceable Tiny11/Custom images without build failure. The report shows them as deferred until the first boot and not already removed. This includes already serviced and UUP converted media.
- Keep pending payloads intact and skip cleaning/removing incompatible Edge files. Cleanup of core and custom component stores continues to pause when pending operations make deletion unsafe. Still installed, unknown or conflicting removal results will remain errors.
- Remove the corresponding Microsoft Edge offline installer entry after its files are successfully removed. In the event of failed or delayed file removals, the registrations are retained; Unrelated entries are not deleted.
- Add optional support development links in the sidebar and Successful Build page, with monthly and one-time selections. No automatic donation requests, payments or blocked features.
- Fixed incorrect rejection of Windows 11 26H2 (Build 26300) by 26100 image tools. Compatibility now follows known common maintenance bases, and tool selection verifies maintenance providers, not just the launcher. Windows 10 hosts continue to be supported with compatible deployment tools.
- Replace the previous Applications folder with the extracted 0.1.1 zip file. Windows images and saved build files are not changed by this app update.
- Create a smaller Windows 11 ISO using the WinUI app. Choose Tiny11, Tiny11 Core or your own custom distances with Turbo mode and saved progress for interrupted builds.
- Download the x64 zip file for Intel/AMD PCs or ARM64 for Windows on ARM. Extract the entire ZIP file and open Tiny11Builder.exe. Administrator approval is required. Checksums are included.
- Core removes update and recovery support and disables Defender. Custom removals can damage Windows. First test your ISO in a VM.
