Installing Windows 11 Using Tiny11 ISO: A Step-by-Step Guide

• To utilize the Tiny11 ISO for installing Windows 11, boot your PC using the Tiny11 USB flash drive, select your preferred language, then click “Next,” accept the license agreement by clicking “Next,” choose the desired hard drive, hit “Next,” and proceed with the streamlined Out-of-the-box Experience.
• This Tiny11 ISO facilitates upgrades to Windows 11’s 24H2 features, requiring just 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space.

Tiny11 is a custom, unofficial ISO of Windows 11 that eliminates unnecessary applications, services, and features, allowing installation on lower-end hardware that is typically unsupported.

This bespoke image is constructed on Windows 11 24H2. Although it removes various default components, all critical functionalities such as Windows Update, system activation, and bundled applications operate seamlessly. Plus, it retains essential security features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Firewall, Core isolation, and Data encryption, among others.

As outlined in this guide, the installation process closely resembles that of an official setup, with exceptions like eliminating requirements for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and unnecessary steps concerning hardware specifications, Microsoft accounts, memory, and storage. However, it’s important to note that the system needs a CPU that supports SSE 4.2 and a GPU that is compatible with DirectX 10. Tiny11 presents a practical solution for those looking to operate Windows 11 on less capable and unsupported machines, as it minimally asks for 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. According to the developer (NTDEV on X), the Tiny11 image can be used to either perform a clean installation or upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Should you decide to proceed with installing Windows 11 (at your own risk) via the Tiny11 image, you’ll first need to download the ISO file (24H2 x64) from Archive.org, which requires a free registration. Next, utilize the Rufus tool to generate a bootable USB flash drive. Alternatively, if you’re using a virtual machine, you can mount the Tiny11 ISO directly onto it.

Additionally, you now have the option to download and execute the Tiny11 Builder script, which allows you to create a custom ISO file from any Windows 11 version. This is often the recommended approach.

Ensure that your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings are configured to boot from USB. Since these settings vary by manufacturer, it’s advisable to refer to the support webpage for your specific device for clearer guidance.

Installing Windows 11 Using the Tiny11 ISO via USB

Follow these steps to install Windows 11 using the Tiny11 ISO:

1. Boot your PC with the Tiny11 Windows 11 USB.

   Quick note: Download the Tiny11 24H2 ISO file from Archive.org, which requires free registration. Then, create bootable installation media using Rufus or Ventoy to initiate the setup on your device.

2. Click the Next button.

   

3. Press the Next button again.

   

4. Check the box for “I accept the license terms” .

5. Hit the Next button.

6. Select the partitions on your hard drive where Windows 11 will be installed, then click the Delete button.

   Important: Usually, “Drive 0” contains all installation files. Deleting a partition will erase all data on that drive; deletion is unnecessary for secondary hard drives.

7. Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) for the Windows 11 installation.

   

8. Press Next.

9. Set your regional preferences after installation during the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).

   

10. Click the Yes button.

11. Choose your keyboard layout setting.

    

12. Press Yes.

13. Click the Skip button if you do not wish to set up a secondary layout.

14. Your PC will attempt to automatically connect to the internet via Ethernet. For wireless connections, manual setup may be needed (you might require a security key).

15. Confirm a name for your local Tiny11 Windows 11 account.

    

16. Click Next .

17. Set a password for the account.

18. Press the Next button.

19. Re-enter the account password for confirmation.

20. Hit the Next button.

21. Establish three security questions for account recovery.

    

22. Press the Next button.

After completing these steps, Windows 11 installation will proceed with the Tiny11 setup on your device.

While Tiny11 offers an alternative pathway to install Windows 11, there are significant risks involved. Notably, Microsoft does not endorse this installation method. Utilizing this modified image may expose your system to security vulnerabilities, and the potential for undisclosed additions raises privacy concerns.