{
  "id": 14466532,
  "title": "Tiny11 puts Windows 11 on a diet without the PowerShell workout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/tiny11-puts-windows-11-on-a-diet-without-the-powershell-workout-14466532",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-14T14:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Software",
    "slug": "the-register-software",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/10/14/tiny11-puts-windows-11-on-a-diet-without-the-powershell-workout/5303034"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tiny11 Builder, a tool for creating smaller Windows 11 installation images, now features a desktop app preview that eliminates the need for PowerShell expertise. The tool's creator explains that it aims to be the go-to solution for producing lightweight, secure, and efficient Windows images. The program generates an ISO image for Windows installation, eliminating bundled apps and certain system components. It supports Windows 11 installation media from 22H2 and 26H2 onward, resulting in a significantly smaller product than Microsoft's original image. The major change is the introduction of a WinUI 3 desktop application that employs a new C# image builder rather than relying on PowerShell scripts. The application provides three build modes: Tiny11, which eliminates bundled apps while preserving Windows Update, Defender, and recovery tools; Tiny11 Core, which disables updates and Defender and permanently removes components, including the recovery environment; and a custom option, where users can select which Windows elements to retain or eliminate from the ISO image. Despite being an impressive technical accomplishment, Tiny11 Builder comes with a significant caveat: the created ISOs are not supported by Microsoft, and using Tiny11 Core is recommended only for test virtual machines (VMs). This is intended for enthusiasts who understand that a smaller installation may entail missing functionality, security trade-offs, and support complications. The author also notes that there is no guarantee that bypassing some of Windows 11's installation hurdles will succeed. They emphasize that local-account and hardware-check settings are best-effort estimates, not guaranteed workarounds for newer builds. In summary, Tiny11 Builder is focused on stripping away unnecessary elements from the Windows 11 installation image. Like previous versions, a license is still required, and the modified ISO cannot bypass Microsoft's licensing or activation requirements.",
  "summary": "New desktop app simplifies stripping out bundled software, with heavier cuts carrying security and support risks",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dev.to",
        "title": "PowerShell on Legacy Chinese Windows: UTF-8 with BOM or Bust",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/powershell-on-legacy-chinese-windows-utf-8-with-bom-or-bust",
        "published": "2026-10-14T01:01:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Tiny11 puts Windows 11 on a diet without the PowerShell workout",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/tiny11-puts-windows-11-on-a-diet-without-the-powershell-workout",
        "published": "2026-10-14T14:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}