making the change, 10 to 11
making the change, 10 to 11
Hey everyone, as mentioned, I’m finally deciding to go with Windows 11. I’m searching for a simple method to build a custom or lightweight ISO that includes my drivers and settings. Since I often do fresh installs to keep things running smoothly, it might be time to create an ISO ready to use right out of the box. I’m planning a stripped-down version of Windows 11, adding apps along with drivers, and I don’t need internet access. After tweaking, I can customize it—showing hidden folders, adjusting settings, then copying *this* to a USB stick for future clean installs.
I suspect Windows has tools that let me do this, but I haven’t had the best experience with them (XP messed things up). Still, I’m confident I can boot “DiskGenius” or something similar and redirect the Windows partition onto my USB drive. I remember it worked well before my RAID setup changed—cloning the C: partition, raiding NVMe drives, booting from diskgenius, using an external HDD with the cloned partition, and copying everything over. It was a bit more complex, but it’s manageable.
In short, I want a custom ISO without extra bloatware, focused on gaming and media sharing. The USB should handle everything for me, and I’ll keep my settings intact. I’m also looking into batch scripts, tools like Etcher, and registry tweaks to make the process smoother. If you have tips or recommendations, I’d really appreciate it!
I hope you're doing well, though it seems quite time-consuming to stay current. I use 11 Pro and just jump in. Perhaps checking out a few choices in Chris Titus's debloat script would help—modern systems can achieve solid speed with minimal effort.
Do you require an ISO installer? I think it’s better to create a backup after installing the system with drivers and programs tailored to your needs. Veeam is a good choice for this, as it simplifies reverting changes. Another concern is keeping software and drivers current. For a single setup, it usually isn’t necessary unless you manage multiple systems with varying versions. I’d say if you frequently reinstall for major time savings, there might be other issues—like dealing with outdated Windows installations on many desktops that still function perfectly.
I clean the house often because the PC is acting like a science experiment. Over time, things become messy and performance drops. If I find the right settings, I can start up quickly. Most of my home’s work is managed by a few servers, an add-on, and a DC. This system can handle a couple of days without issues if I try new thermal paste.
You're wondering why you'd bother changing your operating system when there are simpler options available.
Create a copy of your operating system before starting a fresh installation.