After approximately 12 years with the official Microsoft ISO, I'm reverting to custom builds.
After approximately 12 years with the official Microsoft ISO, I'm reverting to custom builds.
I stumbled upon a YouTube video showcasing a stripped-down Windows ISO build. Feeling tired of Windows 11, I opted for the lighter version. I understand these versions can sometimes hide spyware, but I checked the creator’s background and saw they accept donations—long-standing, so I felt confident. This build is tailored for a gaming PC, and I don’t mind the extra features affecting performance, even if they could be a concern for someone with a more sensitive setup. Initially, I enjoyed Windows 11’s updates and the new context menu design, though I sometimes had to toggle back for the traditional one. The new file explorer and start menu seemed impressive, though the bloat was noticeable—many unnecessary items cluttering the taskbar. Performance felt sluggish, especially with frequent right-clicks and uninstalling tasks. I’m used to high-end hardware, so speed wasn’t a priority for me. While I believe advanced security patches improve CPU efficiency against certain attacks, they seem unnecessary for a home setup. I’d rather stick with Linux if it meant fewer terminal headaches, but I’m not ready to give up on Windows yet. I also need Cheat Engine for certain tasks.
They actually offer an official "debloat" version called windows 10/10 iot enterprise. It remains the least disruptive option overall. It exists, but its effect is minimal.
Real time protection becomes quite active during downloads and execution of a new EXE file. You can observe it in the task manager and see how long it takes before it actually starts. The security updates affect performance only slightly, similar to how cooling or memory adjustments have minimal impact, yet we still proceed.