How to Build Tiny11 – A Minimal Windows 11 Installation Using Tiny11 Builder

What Is Tiny11?

Tiny11 is an open‑source project that removes non‑essential components from a stock Windows 11 image, producing a lean installation that can run on hardware far below Microsoft’s official requirements.

Why Choose Tiny11 Over Untrusted “Lite” ISOs?

Downloading a modified Windows image from an unknown source is a security risk. Tiny11, by contrast, starts with the official Microsoft ISO, and every change is performed by a publicly auditable PowerShell script.

• Full transparency – you can review every line of code.
• Official source files – no hidden malware.
• Easy to update – just rebuild the ISO when a new Windows build appears.

System Requirements for Tiny11

The resulting Tiny11 image typically occupies 8‑11 GB and runs comfortably with as little as 2 GB of RAM. It does not require TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or the other strict checks imposed by Microsoft.

Preparing the Official Windows 11 ISO

• Visit Microsoft’s download page and grab the Windows 11 ISO that matches the build you want (24H2 or 25H2).
• Save the ISO to a folder with enough free space (at least 15 GB is recommended).

Downloading Tiny11 Builder

• Open a web browser and go to the Tiny11 Builder repository on GitHub.
• Download the latest release (September 2025) – it includes tiny11maker.ps1 and supporting files.
• Extract the archive to a folder of your choice.

Building the Tiny11 ISO

Follow these PowerShell steps:

• Mount the Windows 11 ISO (right‑click → Mount) to create a virtual drive.
• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Temporarily allow script execution: Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process.
• Navigate to the folder containing tiny11maker.ps1 and run it: . iny11maker.ps1.
• Select the mounted drive, choose the Windows edition (Home, Pro, etc.), and let the script run.
• The script will:
• Remove unwanted apps (Outlook, Teams, Copilot, OneDrive, etc.).
• Apply LZMS compression to shrink the image.
• Package the result into a bootable tiny11.iso file.
• Building usually takes 20‑45 minutes; ensure the machine has at least 8 GB of RAM available.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

• Download Rufus.
• Select the tiny11.iso as the source and your USB stick as the target.
• Use the default settings (GPT partition scheme for UEFI) and click Start.

Installing Tiny11

The installation experience mirrors stock Windows 11, with two notable differences:

• No mandatory Microsoft‑account sign‑in – you can create a local account.
• All previously removed bloatware stays absent unless you reinstall it manually.

Proceed with the usual steps, and after the first boot you’ll have a fast, lightweight system.

What Is Tiny11 Core?

Core is an even more stripped‑down variant that eliminates the Windows Component Store entirely. It can shrink the footprint to ~3 GB, but you lose the ability to install updates, add language packs, or enable optional features. Use Core only for VMs, testing, or devices where storage is at an absolute premium.

Updating and Maintenance

Tiny11 continues to receive regular security updates through Windows Update. Major feature updates, however, may try to reinstall removed components. When that happens, simply rebuild the ISO with the latest Windows 11 source and perform a clean install.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Runs on low‑end hardware (2 GB RAM, no TPM).
  • Significant storage savings (8‑11 GB vs. 20‑30 GB).
  • Full control – you see exactly what is removed.
  • Improved boot and app‑launch speed.
• Cons
  • Requires rebuilding after major Windows releases.
  • Feature updates may re‑introduce some bloatware.
  • Core edition cannot receive updates without a rebuild.

Conclusion

Tiny11 Builder offers a safe, transparent way to enjoy a lightweight Windows 11 experience without resorting to shady “lite” ISOs. By starting with Microsoft’s official image and applying open‑source, reversible modifications, you gain speed, lower storage demands, and the freedom to keep your system truly yours.