Introduction

The tech world is abuzz with the recent unveiling of Tiny11, an ultra-lightweight version of Windows 11 24H2 crafted by developer NTDEV. In an era where operating systems are growing increasingly demanding on hardware, Tiny11 emerges as a breath of fresh air—offering a compact, efficient, and surprisingly capable Windows experience that fits on a standard DVD and runs on significantly older and less powerful machines.

Background: What is Tiny11?

Tiny11 is a third-party, customized version of Microsoft's Windows 11 designed specifically to work on legacy and low-resource hardware. Unlike the official Windows 11 releases, which often require a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and considerable storage, Tiny11 slims down the operating system by stripping non-essential components and bloatware, making the OS faster, more efficient, and accessible to devices that would usually be incompatible.

This project follows NTDEV's previous experiments pushing Windows 10 and 11 to run on remarkably minimal RAM, sometimes as low as 176 MB—and even a text-only Windows 11 variant with only 100 MB RAM usage.

Achievements: Windows 11 24H2 on a DVD

A standout feature of Tiny11 is its size: the entire Windows 11 24H2 OS has been compressed into just 3.54 GB—small enough to fit comfortably on a standard 4.7 GB DVD along with extra data if needed. This is an impressive feat considering traditional Windows 11 installations span 20 GB or more.

The secret lies in the use of LZX delta compression, an advanced data compression algorithm based on LZ77 principles and integrated within the NTFS file system. This technique minimizes the storage footprint without sacrificing the core functionality or performance of the operating system.

Technical Insight: LZX Compression

LZX compression efficiently encodes redundant data, enabling large files to condense into smaller sizes. NTDEV leveraged this to remove standard bloat and compress the Windows 11 file system alongside selective removal of non-critical components for a smaller, optimized OS image.

System Requirements: Truly Lightweight

The hardware bar has been dramatically lowered for Tiny11. Officially, Windows 11 requires at least 4 GB of RAM, but Tiny11 has been reported to run on systems with just 176 MB RAM. This makes it suitable for many older desktop PCs and laptops that cannot upgrade to official Windows 11 due to their hardware constraints.

There is also a text-only version, taking this minimalism further for highly constrained environments.

Implications and Use-Cases

  • Older Hardware Revitalization: Tiny11 empowers users with outdated or underpowered machines to run a modern OS, extending the hardware's usable life and reducing e-waste.
  • Portable Operating System: Being able to run Windows 11 directly off a DVD offers a portable, no-installation environment ideal for troubleshooting, testing, or temporary use.
  • Developers and Enthusiasts: Tiny11 provides a lightweight platform to experiment with Windows without needing high-end hardware.
  • Reduced Resource Consumption: Less RAM and storage usage mean fewer background processes and smoother operation on limited hardware.

Challenges and Considerations

Some caveats accompany Tiny11:

  • No Official Microsoft Support: As an unofficial build, users might face security and compatibility risks due to lack of regular updates.
  • Reduced Features: Certain standard Windows apps and functionalities (like Microsoft Edge) are removed, which could affect user experience.
  • Potential Instability: Cutting down system components can lead to unforeseen bugs or crashes.

Conclusion

Tiny11 represents a fascinating intersection of technology innovation and practical problem-solving. NTDEV’s version of Windows 11 24H2 offers a compact, efficient, and functional OS packed into a size small enough for a DVD and scalable to run on truly modest hardware.

For users stuck with older computers or those in need of a portable and lightweight Windows build, Tiny11 is a game-changer that challenges the notion that modern OSes must demand modern hardware.

As Windows 10 approaches end-of-life and Microsoft pushes Windows 11 adoption, Tiny11 offers a vital alternative for inclusivity and extended usability.