Windows 11 on 184MB RAM? The Tiny11 Experiment Explained

Windows 11 has made headlines ever since its release, and not just for its features, design, or improved gaming capabilities but also for its somewhat stringent system requirements. Among those requirements is a hefty minimum of 4GB of RAM, a specification that many older PCs and low-powered machines unfortunately can't meet. But what if someone told you that Windows 11 could, technically, run with just a fraction of that? I’m talking a jaw-dropping 22 times less RAM—184MB, to be precise.
Yes, you read that right! In an extraordinary (and admittedly quirky) experiment, a modified version of Windows 11 was successfully booted and operated on a system with a mere 184MB of random access memory (RAM). While this feat is neither practical nor officially supported, it raises intriguing questions about Windows, its scalability, and the ongoing potential to tweak it for extreme use cases.
Let’s dive deep into how this was achieved and, more importantly, what it really means for Windows users.

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How Did We End Up Here? Meet Tiny11 and NTDEV​

The wizard behind this magic trick is NTDEV, the developer of the now-famous “Tiny11” project. For the uninitiated, Tiny11 is a lightweight, modified version of Windows 11 tailored for resource-starved systems that might struggle with Microsoft's official edition. Tiny11 strips down components, trims features to the bare minimum, and optimizes the OS for speed and efficiency.
But NTDEV decided to take this optimization to a whole new level. The experiment involved installing a modified build of Windows 11 (version 24H2) in a virtual machine while dialing down the hardware specs to almost absurd levels—specifically, 184MB of RAM.
To put this into perspective, the original Windows XP (a famously light operating system by today’s standards) had a recommended minimum of 64MB of RAM, though usage at that level wasn't all that practical. NTDEV’s experiment essentially showcases that even a slick, modern OS like Windows 11 can descend to working at a similar scale, albeit with significant limitations.

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The Setup: 184MB of Memory For Windows 11​

You’re probably asking yourself, “Wait, how is this even possible?” Here’s a rundown of how NTDEV pulled off this feat:

1. Modified OS Build:
   • NTDEV used a pared-down release of Windows 11 version 24H2. Many non-essential features were removed to minimize resource consumption.
   • This included disabling resource-heavy processes as well as unnecessary services.
2. Safe Mode:
   • The experiment was conducted in Safe Mode, which limits the OS to basic functionalities. Safe Mode essentially disables third-party drivers and applications, reducing its footprint when running.
3. Virtual Machine Environment:
   • To avoid bricking an actual PC, NTDEV worked within a virtual machine. Virtualization software allows systems to simulate different hardware configurations, making this sort of extreme “tinkering” much safer.
4. Performance Limits:
   • The OS could boot and even multitask in the most rudimentary sense—think running Notepad and File Explorer at the same time—but there were obvious compromises. Speed was glacial, multitasking was minimal, and the entire setup was only barely usable.

Still, the fact that it worked at all is what drops jaws.

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Why Safe Mode? The Key to Making It Work​

Safe Mode plays a pivotal role in this experiment because it drastically limits system requirements. Here’s how it works:

• Driver Simplification: Safe Mode boots up using default drivers (basic versions of hardware drivers like display, keyboard, and mouse). This cuts down the active processes in RAM.
• No Startup Applications: Safe Mode bypasses startup programs and third-party applications, further reducing resource demands.
• Minimal Kernel Features: Windows operates with a stripped-down kernel in Safe Mode, using just enough of the OS to ensure basic operability.

While Safe Mode is not how anyone would want to use Windows daily, it’s a clever (and necessary) trick for achieving this record low resource usage experiment.

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Multitasking, at 184MB? How Does RAM Usage Even Work?​

Here’s where things get a bit technical. RAM is where your computer temporarily stores data it needs at any given moment. Think of it as your desk—if your desk is small, you can only deal with one or two tasks before you find yourself buried in paperwork.
For Windows 11, the 4GB RAM recommendation ensures there’s enough space for:

• The OS itself.
• Background processes (e.g., security, system management tools).
• Typical multitasking, like running a web browser alongside Microsoft Word.

When you cut down RAM to as little as 184MB, you're essentially trying to work on a desk that’s the size of a post-it note. Here’s what happens:

• Windows prioritizes absolutely critical operations, leaving little room for anything else.
• Features like caching (using RAM to speed up operations) effectively cease to work, meaning performance slows dramatically.
• Swapping starts happening, where data the RAM can’t handle gets stored in the much slower hard drive or SSD temporarily, further degrading performance.

Nevertheless, NTDEV's stripped-down version of Windows 11 managed to juggle lightweight tasks, thanks to its Safe Mode simplicity and optimized, lightweight build.

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Broader Implications: Does This Matter for You?​

Okay, so it’s cool that Windows 11 can technically run with just 184MB of RAM, but does this experiment serve any real purpose for the average user? Actually, it might.

• Exploration of OS Scalability:
  The experiment underscores Windows’ scalability and modularity. If Microsoft ever wants to expand Windows 11 into IoT devices or extremely low-powered systems, such optimizations could be vital.
• Lightweight Windows for Legacy Devices:
  Imagine bringing life back to ancient hardware, where performance doesn’t matter as much but compatibility is key. Schools, emerging markets, and low-income communities could benefit significantly from lightweight Windows distributions—especially for basic tasks like document editing or browsing.
• Tinkering and Experimentation:
  For enthusiasts and IT professionals, projects like Tiny11 highlight the infinite possibilities for customizing Windows. The thought of creating DIY “de-bloated” OS environments tailored to specific needs is tantalizing for many.
• Hypothetical Emergency Scenarios:
  Ever found yourself needing just about any OS to boot for data recovery or critical tasks? A feather-light OS environment like this could be invaluable in extreme situations.

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The Reality: What’s the Catch?​

Let’s be clear: running Windows 11 on 184MB of RAM is more of a fun challenge than a practical solution. The limited usability, glacial speed, and mandatory presence of virtualization or custom builds make it impractical for daily use. Plus, this sort of extreme optimization usually comes at the price of compromised security, as cutting out features and services often weakens the OS’s defenses.

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What’s Next for Lightweight Windows?​

NTDEV isn’t stopping here. Past Tiny11 experiments have included:

• Running Windows 11 from a DVD.
• Testing Windows 11 on Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro.
• Creating modified builds that require only 3GB of disk space.

These types of projects will likely continue to capture the imagination of tech enthusiasts and spark debates on Microsoft’s hardware requirements, modular systems, and the future of operating systems.

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Final Thoughts: An Experiment with a Purpose?​

At first glance, this experiment may seem like a simple gimmick—Windows 11 running on a ludicrously low spec machine. But beneath the surface, it hints at broader possibilities:

• Could lightweight operating systems redefine the barrier for digital accessibility worldwide?
• Are we unnecessarily forcing users to upgrade hardware when modular OS builds might suffice for their needs?

For now, this is more of a conversation starter than a viable solution. But one thing’s for sure—when it comes to tinkering with tech, NTDEV and the Tiny11 project prove that sometimes less really is more.
Have thoughts on this experiment? Drop into the forum discussions and tell us—what’s the lowest hardware spec you’ve tried running Windows on?

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Source: Neowin Forget 4GB requirement, here is Windows 11 running with 184MB of RAM