Banish Bloatware: Tiny11 Script Creates a Pristine, App-Free Windows 11 Install
Every Windows 11 user inevitably encounters the same frustration: the operating system arrives bloated with a multitude of pre-installed applications, most of which remain unused. Clipchamp, Feedback Hub, Maps, and dozens of other programs occupy disk space and clutter the Start Menu. But what if there were a way to install a pristine version of Windows 11—free from all this digital debris?
The rationale behind the presence of these unnecessary applications is fairly transparent. Microsoft includes them for two primary reasons: to generate additional revenue and to enhance user convenience. For example, the Edge browser is deeply integrated into the system to keep users within Microsoft’s ecosystem, discouraging the installation of competitors like Chrome or Firefox. To be fair, some pre-installed apps do offer genuine utility—the Photos app, for instance, enables immediate image viewing without the need for additional software.
Of course, the definition of “unnecessary” is subjective. What one user may dismiss as worthless clutter—such as the Weather app—another may consider a handy tool. Still, the majority of users would prefer the freedom to choose which programs are installed on their system.
Fortunately, a group of enthusiasts has devised a solution. A free, open-source tool called Tiny11 enables users to create a customized version of Windows 11 stripped of all pre-installed applications. The process is somewhat technical, but the outcome is well worth the effort.
To begin, download Tiny11 from GitHub and extract the files to the C drive. Next, obtain the official Windows 11 ISO image from Microsoft’s website. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges and execute the command Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted to allow script execution.
The next step is to mount the Windows 11 ISO by right-clicking it and selecting “Mount.” Be sure to remember the drive letter assigned to it. Then, launch the tiny11maker script via PowerShell and specify the drive letter of the mounted image. You’ll also need to select the system version index—typically, 1 for Windows 11 Home.
The modification process takes roughly 15 minutes. It may occasionally appear to stall, but simply clicking within the PowerShell window and pressing Enter will resume the operation. Once complete, a new ISO file containing the streamlined version of Windows 11 will appear in the Tiny11 folder.
This image can be written to a USB drive using a tool like Rufus and installed like any standard Windows build. Crucially, during installation, the PC must remain disconnected from the internet to prevent the system from downloading additional applications. If prompted to connect, select the option “I don’t have internet.”
The results are remarkable: instead of the usual dozens of unnecessary programs, the system retains only 14 essential applications—Calculator, Paint, Camera, and a handful of core utilities. Weather, Microsoft Solitaire, and other distractions are gone. Even Microsoft Edge is omitted by default, sparing users the hassle of removing it.
The only minor inconvenience is that, to access the internet, users will need to download a browser such as Firefox, Opera, or Brave from the Microsoft Store. But this is a small price to pay for a truly clean operating system.
With the end of Windows 10 support looming, many users are being nudged toward Windows 11. If the overwhelming presence of pre-installed apps once served as a deterrent, Tiny11 now offers a way to embrace the new OS on your own terms—free of superfluous software and digital bloat.
