minified-windows

Scripts to build a lightweight, fully de-bloated Windows 11 image — now powered by PowerShell.

This project is a refreshed, minimal, clean, and efficient Windows 11 setup. After over a year of silence, the builder script is back — with more flexibility, simplicity, and control. Built entirely in PowerShell, it’s a single-script solution to create slimmed-down Windows 11 ISOs that work with:

• ✅ All Windows 11 versions
• ✅ Any language or SKU
• ✅ x64 and ARM64 architectures

Perfect for virtual machines, test environments, CI pipelines, or anyone who just wants Windows without the extra baggage.

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What's New

• Fully rewritten in PowerShell
• Works with any official Windows 11 ISO
• Uses only Microsoft-native tools (DISM + oscdimg)
• Integrated unattended setup (OOBE skip + compact mode)
• No third-party apps or downloads required

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How to Use

1. Download the official Windows 11 ISO:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

2. Mount the ISO using Windows Explorer.

3. Launch the script:

   • Select the ISO drive letter (without the colon)
   • Choose the Windows SKU you want to base the build on

4. Output: A clean minified-windows.iso will be created in your working directory.

Tip: Run PowerShell as Administrator, and execute:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

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What Gets Removed

Minified Build:

• Clipchamp, News, Weather, Xbox (except Identity Provider), GetHelp, GetStarted
• Office Hub, Solitaire, PeopleApp, PowerAutomate, ToDo, Alarms
• Mail and Calendar, Feedback Hub, Maps, Sound Recorder, Your Phone
• Media Player, QuickAssist, Internet Explorer, Tablet PC Math
• Microsoft Edge, OneDrive

Minified Core Build (Use at your own risk):

• Everything above, plus:
• Windows Component Store (WinSxS)
• Windows Defender (disabled)
• Windows Update (broken by design)
• WinRE

⚠️ Both builds are non-serviceable — updates are not guaranteed. Even though you may receive updates, there is absolutely no guarantee, since key system components and processes may have been removed.

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Features

• Full PowerShell automation
• Uses only Microsoft tools (DISM + oscdimg)
• Built-in unattended XML to bypass Microsoft account
• Optionally enable .NET Framework 3.5
• Clean and modular structure

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Known Issues

1. Edge traces may remain in Settings UI — app is removed.

   To restore: winget install edge

2. Outlook and Dev Home may return via the Microsoft Store.

3. ARM64 may show a harmless error due to missing OneDriveSetup.exe.

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Roadmap

• Remove Copilot, block deeper telemetry
• More control over ads & pre-installed content
• Better language + architecture detection
• Modular features and cleaner flags
• (Maybe) GUI frontend

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Thanks To

This tool was inspired by:

• ntdevlabs
• Karl-WE
• szepeviktor

Much respect to their work in Windows optimization and scripting.

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Disclaimer

This project is provided as-is and used at your own risk.
I am not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by the use of these scripts.
I am not affiliated with Microsoft or any related entities.
Windows and Windows-related trademarks are owned by Microsoft Corporation.

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Ideal Use Cases

• Creating fast, clean VM templates
• Building test setups for software
• Running Windows on older hardware
• Minimalist and clean installs