It’s not every day you hear about someone cramming a modern operating system like Windows 11 into the confines of hardware specs that make an abacus look powerful, but here we are. A developer by the name of NTDev has managed to run Windows 11 on just a mind-boggling 184 MB of RAM. Yes, you read that right—184 megabytes, not gigabytes, of system memory. Let’s break down how this sorcery works, and what this could mean for you, the tinkering enthusiast, or even the average Windows user.
Here’s what typically gets chopped off in a Tiny11 build:
At its core, Microsoft has justified increasingly higher hardware requirements for Windows 11 in the name of secure, fluid, and modern experiences. Although plausible, it’s equally clear that a lot of unnecessary bulk gets baked into Windows, contributing to sluggish experiences on older devices. If NTDev could reduce Windows to under 200 MB of RAM, does this mean Microsoft could be doing much more to optimize their OS for mid-range or aging systems without alienating users? Food for thought.
Could we see a future where Microsoft offers its own slimmed-down, "TinyMode" version as a built-in feature for users with legacy hardware? Perhaps someday. Until then, tinkerers like NTDev will continue pushing the boundaries—and giving us startling glimpses of just how versatile Windows 11 can truly be.
Source: PC Gamer A debloating wizard has managed to get Windows 11 running on just 184 MB of RAM, and it looks like it can actually run apps
The Magic of Tiny11: What Is It?
The key to this feat was Tiny11, a stripped-down version of Windows 11 crafted by NTDev for underpowered, older systems that balk at the bloated demands of full-fledged Windows installations. Tiny11 essentially acts as a tailored debloating tool, removing the fluff, the fat, and the features that most users never touch but still eat up your system resources.Here’s what typically gets chopped off in a Tiny11 build:
- Bloatware Apps Gone: No more OneDrive, Camera app, or other pre-installed tools.
- Minimal Background Services: Redundant telemetry and non-essential OS daemons are disabled.
- Downsizing Edge: Removes Microsoft Edge, though this can break scripts tied to Windows widgets or even some new AI features.
- Core OS Intact: Despite the chiseling down, the key elements of Windows remain functional.
Windows 11: Running on 1990s Hardware Specs?
Let’s put this achievement in a bit of historical context. For decades, Microsoft’s operating systems have escalated their minimum requirements. Remember when you needed "just" 64 MB of RAM to run Windows 98? Now compare that to Windows 11, which asks for 4 GB of RAM and a dual-core processor clocking at 1 GHz or more (not to mention TPM and UEFI Secure Boot). And here’s NTDev dunking on all of that with a version running on 184 MB of RAM—less memory than most browsers require to render a single webpage today.How is this Possible?
The answer lies in Safe Mode, which NTDev used for this experiment to strip further processing overhead:- Safe Mode operates only essential services and drivers.
- No fancy visual effects (bye-bye, smooth animations).
- System apps such as File Explorer and Notepad are lightweight enough to function.
Performance vs. Practicality: Dream or Gimmick?
The immediate reaction is, of course, awe. Windows 11 running on 184 MB naturally piques the curiosity of hobbyists and techies. But is it useful?Why It Works in Theory
- Basic Productivity: If you’re into archaic note-taking with Notepad or working with plain text files, this kind of install is more than sufficient.
- Old Hardware Revival: Ever dug out an ancient Asus Eee PC or decade-old laptop? Tiny11 could breathe new life into such fossils.
- Dedicated Single-Task Machines: Think small! Kiosks, embedded devices, or ultra-light VMs (virtual machines) could use something like this for simple tasks.
The Elephant in the Room
- Usability Sacrifices: With all the bloat eliminated, users lose core functionalities tied to Microsoft Edge and widgets.
- Hardware Compatibility: Beyond Safe Mode, enabling even basic features will exponentially increase RAM demands.
- Updates & Security: Tiny11 installations may not always ensure compatibility with official Windows Updates, a risky trade-off for users depending on those patches for security.
Why Should Windows Users Care?
So, why does this matter to you as a Windows user who doesn’t plan on shaving their OS down to the bone? While NTDev’s experiment offers novelty, it also raises real questions about Microsoft’s development philosophy.At its core, Microsoft has justified increasingly higher hardware requirements for Windows 11 in the name of secure, fluid, and modern experiences. Although plausible, it’s equally clear that a lot of unnecessary bulk gets baked into Windows, contributing to sluggish experiences on older devices. If NTDev could reduce Windows to under 200 MB of RAM, does this mean Microsoft could be doing much more to optimize their OS for mid-range or aging systems without alienating users? Food for thought.
Debloating: Should You Try It?
Debloating is no longer just about carving out a lighter, faster system—it's almost an act of rebellion against decades of feature creep. While Tiny11 is one route, there are other ways to optimize your Windows PC experience without going overboard:- Use Built-In Tools: Windows "Storage Sense" and Task Manager are your best friends for identifying memory hogs.
- Explore Third-Party Debloaters: Tools like Rufus, Ninite, and O&O ShutUp10++ help fine-tune your installation without uninstalling critical components.
- Disable Unused Features: Turning off Cortana, telemetry settings, and other background services can improve system responsiveness.
Final Words: The Curious Case of Tiny11
NTDev’s accomplishment with running Windows 11 on practically prehistoric hardware is nothing short of amazing. Though impractical for everyday use, it demonstrates the potential of streamlining and optimizing complex operating systems to bring new life to old hardware.Could we see a future where Microsoft offers its own slimmed-down, "TinyMode" version as a built-in feature for users with legacy hardware? Perhaps someday. Until then, tinkerers like NTDev will continue pushing the boundaries—and giving us startling glimpses of just how versatile Windows 11 can truly be.
Source: PC Gamer A debloating wizard has managed to get Windows 11 running on just 184 MB of RAM, and it looks like it can actually run apps