The Windows operating system, over the years, has grown synonymous with feature-packed interfaces and substantial hardware requirements. But every so often, someone comes along to defy expectations, reminding us just how versatile an OS can be when stripped to its bare bones. Enter NTDEV — a cheeky tech tinkerer known for pushing Windows to its minimalistic limits. His latest escapade? Coaxing Windows 11 24H2 into running on just 184MB of RAM. Yes, you read that right: no high-end GPUs, no gigabytes worth of system memory, just a tiny sliver of computing resources.
Explorations like this aren't exactly meant for practical use, but they sure are fascinating technical exercises. Let’s break down what NTDEV, the mastermind behind “Tiny11” editions of Windows, accomplished and what it signifies for casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.
In its pared-down avatar, this build supports basic tools:
Notably, nearly all UI animations, themes, and accessibility features were ditched for a vanilla interface.
This raises questions about how operating systems could be optimized for budget-conscious users or regions with limited hardware availability.
Here are a few reasons why Microsoft still recommends hefty specs:
And hey, who can say no to the novelty of multitasking Notepad and Paint on memory that’s smaller than an MP3 track? If Microsoft wanted to reclaim some “cool factor,” they’d take a look at experiments like these as showcases of Windows’ adaptability.
What do you think? Is this just a bold experiment for the hardcore DIY crowd, or should modern OSes focus more on hardware efficiency? Let’s get chatting in the forums!
Source: The Register Windows 11 24H2 can run – sort of – in 184MB
Explorations like this aren't exactly meant for practical use, but they sure are fascinating technical exercises. Let’s break down what NTDEV, the mastermind behind “Tiny11” editions of Windows, accomplished and what it signifies for casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.
Windows 11: What’s This Tiny Footprint About?
At its core, Microsoft's official minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 include:- 4GB of RAM.
- 1GHz processor with 2 or more cores.
- A 64GB storage device.
In its pared-down avatar, this build supports basic tools:
- Task Manager.
- Notepad.
- Paint.
The Nuts and Bolts: How Did He Do It?
NTDEV's walkthrough of the breaking-and-shrinking process gives us a glimpse of how Windows 11, at its heart, is still an optimized modular platform ready for tinkering. Here’s a broad outline of how he made this implausible build possible:1. Tiny11 Core Optimization
Tiny11 Core, a foundational lightweight Windows shell, served as the base for NTDEV’s experiment. This tool removes non-essential bloatware and services, essentially trimming Windows down to its core kernel and UI framework.- Key Services Disabled: Components like Cortana, telemetry services, and non-core drivers were eliminated.
- AI Out: No Copilot or fancy AI assistants make the cut in this small build — features that have become central to Windows 11's post-2023 narrative.
- Safe Mode Strip-down: Running the build in Safe Mode limits device drivers and resource demands, but at the cost of broader functionality.
2. Memory Usage Manipulation
NTDEV drove RAM usage to record lows by further killing:- Background processes (e.g., cloud synchronization, live tiles).
- Platform extensions like the Windows Store, Edge browser functionality, and gaming-specific optimizations.
3. Software-Specific Minification
Application binaries (even the ones available, like Paint) were aggressively optimized. Libraries and dependencies that weren’t absolutely necessary were replaced with lighter alternatives where possible.Notably, nearly all UI animations, themes, and accessibility features were ditched for a vanilla interface.
Why Is This Interesting?
1. A Testament to Software Bloat
Modern OS needs are often inflated due to visually rich UIs, redundant preinstalled applications, and accumulating legacy support. NTDEV's project showcases just how unnecessary many of these elements are for basic operation. Remember the halcyon days of Windows XP when your entire system didn’t demand a supercomputer? Thanks to experiments like this, we’re reminded some older principles of “less is more” still apply.2. Hardware Efficiency in Perspective
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 (CES), Microsoft and its PC partners are heavily promoting new AI PC ecosystems — claiming systems with 16GB of RAM are soon to be the “new normal.” NTDEV essentially challenged this marketing narrative: If Windows 11 CAN run on 184MB of memory, then why do we really need to spend $1000+ for basic desktop tasks?This raises questions about how operating systems could be optimized for budget-conscious users or regions with limited hardware availability.
But What’s the Catch?
Of course, this minimalist Windows isn’t ready for widespread practical use. Here’s why:- Speed Is a Snail: Booting and running processes felt torturously slow — hardly suitable for modern workflows.
- Safe Mode Limitation: Features like network accessibility, third-party drivers, and extensive multitasking didn’t feature in NTDEV's experiment.
- Not Officially Supported: Microsoft would laugh you out of the room if something went wrong with your "184MB" system and you asked for official support. Running a modified OS voids all warranties and leaves you vulnerable to compatibility issues.
The Bigger Question: Why Does Windows Need 4GB To Begin With?
A natural reflection from NTDEV’s experiment is whether the Windows platform really requires 4GB+ RAM for a reasonably good experience, or if this is a product of over-engineered systems catering to the latest silicon advancements.Here are a few reasons why Microsoft still recommends hefty specs:
- Universal Appeal: Windows 11 is designed to handle everything from enterprise-grade workflows to gaming rigs. This results in a "catch-all" architecture.
- Heavy Integration with AI: Copilot, personalized recommendations, and smart assistants all demand more compute resources.
- Modern Security Overhead: Tools like TPM 2.0 encryption, virtualization-based security (VBS), and real-time protection are not lightweight by nature.
Summing Up: What Can You Take Away from This?
NTDEV’s accomplishment in running Windows 11 24H2 on 184MB of RAM isn't just a wild tech tinkerer’s dream; it's a call to reexamine how modern systems allocate resources. While such experiments won’t change Microsoft's ambitious AI-driven trajectory, they showcase Windows' ability to perform basic tasks on severely underpowered builds.And hey, who can say no to the novelty of multitasking Notepad and Paint on memory that’s smaller than an MP3 track? If Microsoft wanted to reclaim some “cool factor,” they’d take a look at experiments like these as showcases of Windows’ adaptability.
What do you think? Is this just a bold experiment for the hardcore DIY crowd, or should modern OSes focus more on hardware efficiency? Let’s get chatting in the forums!
Source: The Register Windows 11 24H2 can run – sort of – in 184MB
