Trying to debloat my Windows ISO.

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Trying to debloat my Windows ISO.

2147483647_x86 0

I hate how heavy Windows is. I am have pretty nice and have deep knowledge (still not enough though) about debloating and optimizing Windows, but this time, now that I have also spent time with Linux, I want to go a bit hardcore in debloating Windows.

I have spent some time in customizing the Windows ISO itself, but I am not satisfied with the results. I used NTLite, which is a third party program to customize Windows ISOs. But, the free version doesn't allow me to remove a lot of components, and it is both annoying and depressing. I then also tried MSMG toolkit, but it isn't that advanced like NTLite.

I then heard about Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. I am not too much into it, so I wanted to ask, does Microsoft has enough tools to deeply customize a Windows ISO? If so, where do I start? I have installed MDT and the Windows ADK. I don't really know what tool does exactly what, and so I would like a small overview of what I should use and how things work.

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Marcin Policht 50,570 MVP Volunteer Moderator

Your best bet is to go with Server Core. Otherwise, your customized OS will likely break during subsequent cumulative updates...

But here are a few suggestions https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-server-insiders/minimizing-server-footprint/m-p/135912

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

2147483647_x86 0 Reputation points

2024-06-17T10:32:28.0566667+00:00

@Marcin Policht I don't want to go with a server or a LTSC build. I want to be on the main stream desktop Windows, and I will see for myself if updates break the install. Just tell me what tool from Microsoft I can use to debloat Windows. I already mentioned about this, but I don't like really know what tool does what and how much power it gives me.
Marcin Policht 50,570 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2024-06-17T19:41:00.8466667+00:00

Use DISM or the corresponding PowerShell module

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism---deployment-image-servicing-and-management-technical-reference-for-windows?view=windows-11

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-image-management-command-line-options-s14?view=windows-11

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/use-dism-in-windows-powershell-s14?view=windows-11

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

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Trying to debloat my Windows ISO.

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