Can Anyone Recommend a Trustworthy Stripped-down Version of Windows 10 (ISO)

Empharand on 04/12/2022 - 09:17

Hey all,

As the title suggests, basically what I'm looking for is a stripped down version of Windows 10 with all unessential features removed, bloatware removed, unnecessary services removed (or permanently disabled) etc

I know there are a few tweaks available via PowerShell which removes some of the unnecessary stuff, but I have also heard of slimmed down versions floating around that do the job much better.

I have seen a few names floating around reddit and Google but It's difficult to differentiate between what is and isn't good and trustworthy… I just need to make sure that they don't have any hidden nasties built in (eg. Crypto miners that mine for the dev, remote access backdoors etc).

I'm aware that most versions are no longer supported via updates which is fine.

Hoping someone that has knowledge of a reliable and trustworthy version and recommend one (or more) to me or point me in the right direction.

Thank you in advance.

Computing Microsoft Operating System

Comments

  • AndyC1 on 04/12/2022 - 10:06
    +2

    You will need to use a MS legal ISO and program(s) the then remove the junk.

  • GordonD on 04/12/2022 - 10:53
    -2

    I'm aware that most versions are no longer supported via updates which is fine.

    I'm still seeing updates to Windows 10, which isn't fine.

    For example the latest update just lost me the ability to put it to sleep.

    • jv on 04/12/2022 - 11:17
      -6

      just lost me the ability to put it to sleep.

      just use a hammer.

  • kusama on 04/12/2022 - 11:54

    Starting with Windows 10 LTSC as the base would have the least added services. If you don't care about security updates, the earlier the less added bloat. If it's going to be online updates are nice..

    I'm not sure of third party releases out there. Look for scripts rather if you need to do this.

    • Empharand on 04/12/2022 - 13:53

      I'll check out the LTSC, thank you for the suggestion Kusama :)

  • Mechz on 04/12/2022 - 13:17

    Just get O&O Shutup & AppBuster to debloat.

    No need to download sketchy ISOs from the high seas.

    • Empharand on 04/12/2022 - 13:52

      Great suggestion! Never knew those existed. I just tried AppBuster on my main PC and it removes a lot of the bloatware which is awesome.

      I think I'll deploy O&O Shutup & AppBuster + the Windows 10 Debloat (As gamingcrocodile781 suggested; although I was already aware of that prior to today) which basically achieves what I'm trying to do without taking a risk downloading a modded ISO with who knows what built-in by the dev that modded it.

      • Mechz on 04/12/2022 - 14:35

        Yep you might have to occasionally run them again after updating but it beats potentially running baked in malware.

        I remember spending time de-bloating Win98 to save a few megabytes on my 3 gigabyte HD. Those were the days.

  • Loot N Plunder on 04/12/2022 - 13:40

    James D- basically what I'm looking for is a stripped down version of Windows 10 with all unessential features removed, bloatware removed, unnecessary services removed (or permanently disabled) etc

    Your talking about linux any chance you could use that instead?

    • Empharand on 04/12/2022 - 13:49

      Haha very good point and Linux certainly does tick the boxes in terms of the criteria I mentioned, but unfortunately on this occasion it needs to be Windows.

    • AndyC1 on 04/12/2022 - 15:06

      Try busybox.

  • Guybrush57 on 04/12/2022 - 14:16

    I think he is looking for a product like vLite for Windows Vista back in the day.

  • Loot N Plunder on 04/12/2022 - 14:20

    You could run it as a live cd(usb) and not log into a microsoft account

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w34x1kBZN6c

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