How to Download Windows 11 and Install It

This article outlines a method for installing a streamlined version of Windows 11, devoid of pre-installed applications and services typically bundled by Microsoft. Standard Windows 11 installations often include features like a forced Microsoft account sign-up, cloud storage promotion, and aggressive pushes for Microsoft Edge and Copilot, which many users perceive as unnecessary bloatware. The core of this method involves using a third-party script called Tiny11Builder. This script processes an official Windows 11 installation ISO file, removing unwanted components to create a genuinely clean installation. The result is a Windows environment free from applications such as News, OfficeHub, and GetStarted prompts, offering a minimalistic start menu. Users retain the option to install these features later if desired, but the initial setup provides a clean slate. The process begins with downloading an official Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices from Microsoft's software download page. Users are instructed to select the Windows version corresponding to their product key. The download duration typically ranges around 15 minutes, depending on internet speed. Following the ISO download, the next step involves acquiring the Tiny11Builder script from its GitHub page by downloading the ZIP file. After extracting the contents, the system needs configuration to allow PowerShell to execute administrative changes. This is achieved by opening PowerShell as an administrator and executing the command `Set-ExecutionPolicy unrestricted`. A security warning appears, requiring user confirmation, but the change can be reverted later using `Set-ExecutionPolicy restricted`. Once the Windows 11 ISO download is complete, the file is mounted as a virtual CD by right-clicking it and selecting 'Mount.' This action makes the ISO's contents accessible as a virtual drive, identifiable in Windows Explorer. The `tiny11maker.ps1` script, obtained earlier, is then run with PowerShell. The script prompts the user to enter the drive letter of the mounted virtual drive and specify the desired Windows version based on their product key. The script then proceeds with the stripping process, which can take some time. Upon completion, a new, clean ISO file is generated in the script's directory. This customized ISO can be used for installing Windows 11 in a virtual machine or directly onto a physical device. Installation can be performed by burning the ISO to a DVD or creating a bootable USB drive, for which Microsoft provides official instructions. The resulting Windows 11 installation is completely clean, eliminating prompts for Microsoft account creation or sign-in, and excluding non-essential Microsoft services. The start menu of this customized installation is notably clutter-free, allowing users to add only the applications they genuinely wish to use. While Microsoft does not officially offer such a streamlined installation, the Tiny11Builder provides a valuable solution for power users seeking a minimalist Windows 11 experience. #Windows11 #CleanInstall #BloatwareRemoval #Tiny11Builder #PowerShell #ISO #OperatingSystem #TechTutorial

This article details an experimental installation of Windows 11 using a highly compressed, nano-sized ISO image created with the Nano11 Builder script. The motivation for this experiment stems from a recent report on NTDEV's project to significantly reduce the Windows 11 installation footprint, primarily for creating compact Windows-based appliances rather than for mission-critical applications. The author, typically a Linux and Raspberry Pi advocate, undertook this challenge out of curiosity and a need for a Windows environment for specific software like DaVinci Resolve. The process began by downloading the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft, which measured 5.69GB. Using the Nano11 Builder script, the author successfully compressed this to a mere 2.14GB, representing a 62.30% reduction compared to the original. A "Tiny" version of the ISO, also created during the process, weighed in at 2.81GB, a 50.6% reduction. These reductions were achieved by stripping away numerous default applications and features, aiming for a barebones Windows 11 installation. The script execution took approximately 90 minutes on a Lenovo X390 laptop equipped with an eighth-generation Intel Core i5 processor. Following the ISO creation, the next phase involved installing these miniature Windows 11 versions. For the Nano and Tiny installs, a VirtualBox virtual machine was utilized, configured with 8GB of RAM, four CPU cores, and a 40GB virtual hard drive. For comparison, a full Windows 11 installation was performed on a Lenovo X220, an older machine not officially supported by Windows 11, necessitating the use of Rufus to bypass hardware requirements like RAM, TPM, and Secure Boot. A critical challenge arose during the Nano installation, where the installer consistently crashed at 75% completion. This issue was resolved by reverting to an older setup process, as suggested after raising a GitHub issue. Upon successful installation and initial setup within the virtual machine, the nano-sized Windows 11 occupied 8.36GB of storage. This figure is approximately two-thirds smaller than a typical full Windows 11 installation, which consumed 24.6GB in the tests. The Tiny version, installed similarly, took up 10.1GB, indicating that the Nano version achieved greater reduction by removing more background components. Both the Nano and Tiny installations were notably lightweight, lacking even a web browser by default. Essential applications would need to be installed manually, either via the Microsoft Store or by transferring executables from another machine. The practical applications for such a compact Windows 11 installation are primarily niche, such as building dedicated Windows appliances for specific tasks. The author suggests using it as a base for emulation systems, specifically mentioning an older gaming rig with an Intel eighth to tenth-generation CPU and an Nvidia RTX 2000 series GPU for emulating classic consoles. The minimal footprint is expected to allow adequate performance even on constrained hardware, despite the author noting that performance in the VM felt merely "OK." The article concludes with the author needing to formally request a Windows 11 upgrade before a specific deadline, highlighting the contrast between the experimental compact OS and a standard corporate deployment. #Windows11 #Nano11Builder #OperatingSystems #CustomISO #VirtualMachine #SystemOptimization #TechExperiment #StorageEfficiency

Java 21, the latest long-term support (LTS) release of the Java Development Kit (JDK), was released in September 2023. While interim releases occur every six months, LTS versions are recommended for production environments due to their stability and extended support. This guide outlines the steps to download and install Java 21 on a Windows operating system. The installation process begins with downloading the Java 21 JDK. Users can obtain the official OpenJDK distribution from Oracle via jdk.java.net. Alternatively, other reputable distributions such as Azul, Red Hat, or the Eclipse Adoptium Temurin edition are also available. Once downloaded, the JDK comes as a zip file. The contents of this zip file, specifically the folder named `java-21`, should be extracted to a chosen location on the local file system. A common practice is to place it in a dedicated tools directory, such as `C:\_tools`. A crucial step in configuring the Java environment is setting the `JAVA_HOME` environment variable. This variable should point to the directory where the Java 21 JDK has been extracted (e.g., `C:\_tools\java-21`). Although Java installations can function without `JAVA_HOME`, setting it serves two primary purposes: it informs other programs that depend on Java about the JDK's location, and in environments with multiple JDK installations, it specifies the preferred Java instance to use. Following the `JAVA_HOME` configuration, the `\bin` directory of the Java 21 JDK must be added to the operating system's `PATH` variable. This action makes the Java runtime and various essential utilities accessible through the command line. Unlike `JAVA_HOME`, which points to the root of the installation folder, the `PATH` variable must specifically point to the `\bin` subdirectory. This directory contains critical tools such as the Java compiler, the Java runtime executable, the JShell REPL tool, the JavaP decompiler, the JDeps dependency checker, the JavaDoc generator, and the JAR signer utility. To verify a successful Java 21 installation, users can open a terminal window and execute the command `java -version`. The output of this command should confirm the installation of the Java 21 early edition. With the installation complete, developers can begin compiling code and exploring the new features and functionalities introduced in Java 21. These include exciting preview features and core enhancements like unnamed classes, instance main methods, unnamed patterns, Generational ZGC, record patterns, switch pattern matching, sequenced collections, virtual threads, and the Vector API. Additionally, Java 21 supports build features for tools like Apache Maven. These advancements are expected to significantly influence how programmers approach DevOps and modern software development practices. #Java21Installation #JDKDownload #WindowsOperatingSystem #JAVAHOME #PATHConfiguration #JavaFeatures #OpenJDK #SoftwareDevelopment #DevOps

This article offers advice on streamlining the setup process for new Windows 11 PCs by recommending a set of free applications that the author, a laptop and desktop reviewer, installs on every new machine. The author highlights the utility of Ninite, a free tool that allows users to create a custom installer package for multiple applications, significantly reducing the time spent on individual downloads and installations. This tool is presented as a game-changer for efficiently setting up a new Windows system. The first recommended application is 7-Zip, an open-source compression tool. While large file sharing is now easier online, 7-Zip remains valuable for handling large files and extracting archives that standard Windows tools may not support. Its utility is emphasized for situations where uncommon compressed file formats are encountered. Google Chrome is listed as a preferred web browser, praised for its speed, reliability, and compatibility with various websites and services. The author notes a growing concern about Chrome's integration of AI features, suggesting alternatives like Firefox, Brave, or Opera for users with similar reservations. This indicates a preference for functionality over potentially intrusive new features. Discord is another essential application, serving as a primary communication platform for personal use. It is highlighted for its ability to connect users with friends globally and its evolving features, such as game streaming and podcast recording, making it more than just a chat application. Everything, a powerful search utility, is recommended for its enhanced file-finding capabilities compared to Windows Search. It allows for advanced searches, including looking for specific phrases within files and filtering by various attributes, which is particularly useful for managing large volumes of data. Gimp, a free image editor, is included for its extensive features that rival commercial software like Photoshop. Although not suitable for highly professional editing, it is deemed sufficient for common tasks such as resizing and cropping images, serving as a versatile tool for everyday needs. Steam, the leading PC game storefront, is consistently installed by the author to access and play PC games. It also serves as a social platform for connecting with other gamers, reinforcing its role as a central hub for PC gaming enthusiasts. Finally, VLC media player is recommended for its broad compatibility with audio and video formats and codecs that might not be supported by Windows Media Player. It is described as a reliable and user-friendly solution for media playback. The article concludes by reiterating the benefits of using Ninite to install these applications efficiently and encourages readers to customize their software choices based on their individual needs. #Windows11 #ProductivityApps #SoftwareRecommendations #Ninite #PCSetup #FreeSoftware #TechTips

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for decluttering and customizing a fresh installation of Windows 11 25H2, aiming to reduce Microsoft's aggressive advertising and integration of its services, as well as AI features. The article acknowledges that this is not a guide for creating an extremely stripped-down, telemetry-free version of Windows, but rather focuses on officially supported methods for configuration. It highlights that continuous Windows 11 updates mean the operating system is constantly evolving, making such a cleanup guide essential for users. The target audience includes those performing a fresh Windows install or upgrading from Windows 10, especially since Microsoft is winding down support for the older operating system. The initial section of the guide addresses the contentious requirement of signing in with a Microsoft account during Windows 11 setup. It offers three workarounds: using the command line with `OOBE\BYPASSNRO` to enable a local account setup, utilizing the "work or school" setup option for Windows 11 Pro users to access a "domain join instead" alternative, and employing the open-source Rufus tool to create customized installation media that inherently bypasses the Microsoft account requirement. This section emphasizes the benefits of avoiding Microsoft account sign-in during setup, such as circumventing aggressive upsells for Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Game Pass, and allowing for a preferred local user folder structure. It also covers the importance of reviewing and disabling privacy settings during initial setup, recommending that users turn off location services, 'Find My Device', and telemetry data collection to enhance privacy, with the caveat that 'Find My Device' might be useful for theft concerns. The subsequent part details how to clean up Windows 11 post-installation. It advises users to install necessary drivers and updates, then uninstall unwanted pre-installed third-party applications like Spotify or Grammarly from the Start menu. The guide lists a variety of first-party Microsoft applications that can be uninstalled from the Settings app, including Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Clipchamp, and several Xbox-related apps, allowing users to decide which to keep based on their needs. Essential system components like Edge and its associated updater are noted as non-removable, while others like Phone Link and the Microsoft Store are moved to a 'System Components' section where they can be configured but not uninstalled. Further customization steps focus on decluttering the Start menu, Taskbar, Search, and Lock screen. Recommendations include disabling dynamic wallpapers, widgets, and changing the Search field to an icon-only display to save space and remove distracting news articles. Users are advised to navigate through various privacy and personalization settings to turn off personalized offers, recommendations, feedback requests, and search highlights. The guide also explains how to simplify the lock screen by disabling 'Windows Spotlight' and associated widgets, and how to configure the dedicated Copilot key on newer PCs. It points out that while AI features in apps like Paint or Notepad are often not directly toggleable, users can often ignore them or, in the case of Copilot+ PCs, remove specific features like 'Recall' through the 'Turn Windows features on or off' Control Panel applet, due to past privacy concerns. It also details the removal of the 'ImageCreationHostApp' extension for AI-powered image generation if installed. Finally, the article provides extensive instructions for cleaning up Microsoft Edge, acknowledging its pragmatic utility while criticizing Microsoft's aggressive promotion of its services and AI features within the browser. It outlines steps to customize the new tab page, disable sponsored links and content, and adjust privacy settings to minimize data sharing. Specific instructions are given to turn off Microsoft Rewards, set tracking prevention to 'strict', disable optional diagnostic data, and prevent the browser from saving browsing activity. It also explains how to switch the default search engine from Bing, disable search suggestions, turn off the Copilot button and sidebar, and configure language settings to disable AI-powered writing assistance and switch to a basic spellchecker. The guide concludes by emphasizing that while these steps don't solve all issues, they significantly improve the user experience by reducing nuisances and allowing users to better control their Windows 11 environment. #Windows11 #OperatingSystem #MicrosoftAccount #PrivacySettings #SystemCleanup #SoftwareCustomization #AIFeatures #MicrosoftEdge #PCMaintenance