Nano11 is a stripped-down Windows 11 that shrinks to just 2.8GB by scrapping drivers and other ‘fluff’ — a quick and dirty testbed

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In the upcoming two days, it will mark one month until Microsoft discontinues support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Despite their efforts to encourage users to switch to Windows 11 by emphasizing that PCs running Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than those on Windows 10, it’s quite a challenge to get around 400 million people to make this transition.

This is particularly relevant when discussing Microsoft’s high system standards for Windows 11, along with certain design issues in the OS. However, it’s essential to note that meeting these requirements doesn’t automatically disqualify the approximately 400 million PCs from running Windows 11; instead, it often comes down to individual preference.

As a dedicated tech enthusiast, I’ve been on this exciting journey for four years now, witnessing the launch of Windows 11. Despite the initial buzz, it seems Microsoft has faced challenges in sparking genuine user interest. However, the tables have turned recently as Windows 11 has finally managed to outshine its predecessor, Windows 10, and claim the throne as the leading desktop operating system!

For Windows 10 users who prefer not to join Microsoft’s extended security updates (ESU) program, there is still a way out. By synchronizing their PC settings to the cloud using a Microsoft account, they can avoid paying $30 for the ESU program and even save up to 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. Alternatively, if they have 10 devices, they can opt for the ESU program but only pay for one device while benefiting from its support on all ten.

Previously this week, I discussed Tiny11 receiving an update that includes support for Windows 11 version 25H2. However, it doesn’t introduce any fresh features to the user experience. Instead, it eliminates pre-installed applications such as Clipchamp, Copilot, and the latest Outlook client. Some users might view these apps as unnecessary “bloatware.”

In simpler terms, Tiny11 is a streamlined version of Windows 11 specifically developed for older computers that fall short of meeting the stringent system standards set for Windows 11. However, it looks like there’s a new contender (that I wasn’t aware of before) that provides a similar user experience.

Introducing Nano11 – a streamlined, compact version of Windows 11, weighing in at under 3GB. As reported by The Register, this lightweight OS is the creation of NTDEV.

This can’t really get any smaller; the nano11 operating system, built on the tiny11 core, takes minimization to a new level. It strips away extra items like Windows Hello packages, superfluous drivers, precompiled .NET assemblies, IME components, wallpapers, and other unnecessary elements.

To put it another way, the developer notes that any version of Windows, such as Pro, Home, or LTSC, can be utilized for this task. Interestingly, they mentioned that performance is even better with Windows 11 LTSC and when combined with LZX compression, you can achieve full installations as small as 2.8GB, as demonstrated earlier, according to NTDEV.

Instead of typical Windows ISO files, Nano11 images are significantly reduced in size by up to 3.5 times. These images have been customized to strip Windows 11 down to its essentials for everyday use. However, it’s important to note that the developer has issued a strong caution:

“While using these images, please be mindful of their streamlined nature and exercise caution to avoid unexpected issues.

Using this script, you’re unable to reinstate or include additional features, languages, or software within the generated image. The end product lacks serviceability, implying it cannot be customized with new languages, drivers, or features, and will not receive Windows Updates. It is designed primarily for testing, development, or use in virtual machines where a minimal, unchanging environment is essential.

Users might find Nano11 challenging to use on a daily basis, but it can certainly serve as an “improvised testing ground” for quick and rough tests.

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2025-09-12 14:40