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

 

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In an era where software demands can outpace the capabilities of our trusty hardware, the recent development from NTDEV is nothing short of revolutionary. The developer, known for creating lightweight versions of Microsoft’s operating systems, has unveiled a compact variant of Windows 11 24H2—aptly named Tiny11. This nimble installation promises enhanced performance on significantly less powerful machines, breathing new life into older hardware that many thought was no longer compatible with modern operating systems.

What Is Tiny11?​

Tiny11 is a modified version of Microsoft Windows designed to run with minimal system requirements. The NTDEV team has utilized their impressive expertise to shrink down the latest feature update of Windows 11—version 24H2—into a package that surprises old-school users and tech enthusiasts alike. The most jaw-dropping fact? Tiny11 fits snugly on a standard DVD, taking up only 3.54 GB of space. For context, a regular DVD has a maximum storage capacity of about 4.7 GB, leaving ample room for other files, or perhaps a nostalgic copy of your favorite movie!

Hardware Requirements: A Breath of Fresh Air​

Traditionally, Windows 11 demands a substantial commitment from hardware; Microsoft recommends a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. However, NTDEV's Tiny11 frontlines this expectation and turns it on its head. Users have reported running Tiny11 with as little as 176 MB of RAM! This reduction opens doors for many older devices that would typically struggle with weighty operating systems.
But wait, there's more! NTDEV also crafted a text-only version of Windows 11 that functions with just 100 MB of RAM. This stripped-down edition sacrifices the visual interface—goodbye flashy Start menu—snapping back to the basics of computing. It’s like rolling back to a simpler era, albeit with the functionality of modern software.

The Magic of LZX Compression​

The trick behind this significant size reduction lies in a technique known as LZX delta compression. This method relies on utilizing the advanced data compression techniques built into Windows 11's NTFS file system. In simpler terms, think of LZX as the software’s version of a well-stuffed suitcase: every bit of space is optimized without losing any crucial items.

How Compression Works:​

• Compression Algorithms: These translate the data into more compact forms without losing fidelity.
• LZX: It stands for Lempel-Ziv eXtended, and it’s adept at eliminating redundancies in data storage, enabling larger files to condense into less space.
• NTFS Integration: By leveraging built-in capabilities of the NTFS file system, NTDEV enhances efficiency, making it possible to achieve remarkable shrinkage without compromising core functionality.

Implications for Users​

For users who are more adventurous in their computing life, exploring Tiny11 could be a worthwhile endeavor. It allows updated functionalities while reviving older machines, bridging the gap between outdated hardware and modern software requirements. However, for those less inclined to experiment with IT wizardry, there's still plenty of merit in observing NTDEV's accomplishments. They highlight the tangible potential for running a modern OS with the simplest of hardware configurations.

Why do We Care?​

As technology advances, so do our environmental concerns. Projects like Tiny11 underscore a vital development in the tech landscape: enhancing efficiency without the relentless push for newer and more powerful hardware. By making Windows 11 accessible on less capable devices, we curb electronic waste and prolong the lifespan of existing hardware.

Broader Context: The Future of Computing​

As we expertly navigate the complexities of computing, NTDEV's innovations remind us that efficiency and creativity can coexist. Tiny11 exemplifies how thoughtful software design can lift the heavy burden of hardware limitations, effectively current methods of computing into a more sustainable future.
In a world conflicted by rapid technological advancement and environmental considerations, NTDEV offers us a beacon of hope: we can continue to innovate without leaving anyone behind—especially our beloved, albeit aging, computers.
In conclusion, the release of Tiny11 marks a refreshing chapter in the Windows ecosystem. With the power to run efficiently on minimal resources, it forms a jarring reminder of the ingenuity present in the tech community. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of OS tinkering or simply someone trying to keep their old equipment functional, Tiny11 from NTDEV deserves your attention.

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If you’re intrigued by this development, why not give it a shot on your old computer? Or at least, keep it in mind for the day that your device starts complaining about too many updates and not enough RAM. In a mad rush to keep up with modern demands, maybe it’s time to rethink what "modern" really means for our personal tech usage.
Source: TechRadar Now on DVD: Windows 11 24H2 (yes, really) has been slimmed down and ready for action by Tiny11 developer