Discover tiny11: Windows 11 24H2 on a DVD for Older Hardware

Recently, the dev community has been abuzz with excitement, thanks to a new innovation from the creator of the tiny11 project, NTDEV. This petite powerhouse of an operating system is none other than Windows 11 24H2, now available in an ultra-compact version that can actually run off a standard DVD. If you ever thought your hard drive was hogging too much space or wish you could tuck an entire operating system into your pocket, this news might just be music to your ears.

The Background: What is tiny11?​

In the realm of Windows customization, tiny11 stands out as a revolutionary project designed to provide a lightweight experience by stripping down unnecessary features, thus allowing Windows 11 to run on significantly less hardware. Think of it as a diet plan for your operating system – trimming the fat while retaining the core functionalities. Previously, NTDEV has wowed us by getting Windows 10 and 11 to operate efficiently on minuscule RAM requirements (176 MB or even 100 MB with a text-only version!).

Achievements: Running on a DVD​

Now, here's where it gets interesting—Windows 11 24H2 in its tiny11 incarnation requires only 3.54 GB of disk space, leaving plenty of room on a standard 4.7 GB DVD for additional files. This is no small feat considering the robust features and functionalities the OS is known for. How did they do it? The key lies in LZ77-based compression technology known as LZX, which is primarily used in NTFS (New Technology File System) for compressing files. LZX delta compression allows for a storage-efficient version of the OS that doesn’t skimp on performance.

Technical Insights: LZX Compression Unveiled​

For those of you not versed in the intricacies of data compression, let’s break it down. LZX is a compression algorithm that builds on the principles of LZ77, a widely recognized method for succinctly encoding data. By using this compression technique, tiny11 can eschew many of the standard bloat that often bogs down a typical installation of Windows. Imagine trying to cram an entire buffet onto a single plate; LZX helps condense those offerings into manageable bites while still serving up a satisfying feast.

System Requirements: A Low Bar​

If you're hoping to install tiny11 on older or less powerful hardware, the requirements are astonishingly minimal (the creators have previously run it on systems with as little as 176 MB of RAM). This means that users who can't keep up with the latest hardware trends can still experience a functional Windows environment without the need for up-to-date specifications.

Implications and Use-Cases​

So, what does this mean for even the most casual Windows users? The release of tiny11 24H2 opens up opportunities for:

• Older Systems: Now, devices that struggle with traditional installations can easily operate a viable version of Windows capable of basic tasks—think browsing the web, office applications, or education uses.
• Portable Use: Running an OS directly from a DVD offers a unique solution for portable environments where traditional hard drives may not be practical.
• Testing: Developers can leverage this lightweight OS for testing applications in a constrained environment without needing extensive hardware resources.

Conclusion: A Niche but Necessary Option​

While Microsoft rolls out feature-rich updates to Windows 11, projects like tiny11 remind us that flexibility can be as important as power. Whether you have an old desktop gathering dust or you're a developer needing a lean testing environment, this new development in the tiny11 saga reaffirms that good things come in small packages. Who knew your trusty DVD player could play such a pivotal role in reviving old hardware?
In the age of oversized software updates and demanding operating systems, tiny11 24H2 proves that sometimes, less is indeed more. For those of us in the Windows community, it certainly opens a fresh chapter in our understanding of what an OS can be—compact, efficient, and surprisingly capable.
Source: Neowin Dev boasts "tiny" Windows 11 24H2 that you can run off a DVD