Introduction

In a remarkable demonstration of technical prowess, developer NTDEV has successfully run Windows 11 on a system with only 184MB of RAM. This achievement, accomplished through a customized version of the operating system known as Tiny11, challenges conventional notions about the hardware requirements for modern operating systems.

Background: The Genesis of Tiny11

Official Requirements vs. Tiny11

Microsoft's official specifications for Windows 11 stipulate a minimum of 4GB of RAM, a 1GHz processor with at least two cores, and 64GB of storage. These requirements have rendered many older systems incompatible with the latest OS. In response, NTDEV developed Tiny11, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed to operate on hardware that falls short of these official specifications.

What is Tiny11?

Tiny11 is a modified Windows 11 ISO that removes non-essential components and bloatware, resulting in a significantly reduced installation size and lower system resource consumption. By eliminating features such as the Camera app, OneDrive, and other pre-installed applications, Tiny11 reduces the installation footprint from over 20GB to approximately 8GB, making it suitable for older or less powerful hardware.

The 184MB RAM Experiment

Achieving the Milestone

NTDEV's recent experiment involved running Windows 11 version 24H2 on a virtual machine configured with just 184MB of RAM. This was achieved by:

  • Extensive Optimization: Through trial and error, NTDEV identified and disabled non-essential drivers and services, retaining only those critical for the OS to boot and function.
  • Safe Mode Utilization: Operating in Safe Mode allowed the system to run with minimal resources by loading only essential drivers and services.
  • Hardware Considerations: The experiment utilized an IDE disk interface instead of more modern SATA or NVMe interfaces to reduce the number of required drivers.
Performance and Usability

While the system was able to boot and perform basic tasks, the performance was understandably limited. Running applications like Notepad and File Explorer was possible, but the system's responsiveness was significantly reduced. This experiment serves as a proof-of-concept rather than a practical solution for everyday computing.

Technical Details

Safe Mode's Role

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that loads only the essential drivers and services. By operating in Safe Mode, NTDEV minimized the system's resource consumption, allowing Windows 11 to function within the constraints of 184MB of RAM.

Driver and Service Management

Through meticulous testing, NTDEV determined which drivers and services were essential for the OS to boot. Non-critical components were disabled or removed, reducing the overall memory footprint.

Storage Interface Selection

Choosing the IDE interface over SATA or NVMe reduced the number of drivers required, further decreasing the system's resource demands.

Implications and Impact

Challenging Hardware Requirements

This experiment highlights the potential for running modern operating systems on hardware that does not meet official requirements. It raises questions about the necessity of current hardware specifications and suggests that with appropriate optimization, Windows 11 could be accessible to a broader range of devices.

Potential for Legacy Hardware

For users with older hardware, Tiny11 offers a possibility to extend the lifespan of their devices. However, it's important to note that such modifications come with risks, including potential stability issues and lack of official support.

Security and Stability Considerations

Running a heavily modified version of Windows 11 may lead to security vulnerabilities and system instability. Users should exercise caution and understand the potential risks before attempting similar modifications.

Conclusion

NTDEV's achievement with Tiny11 demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of Windows 11 when stripped of non-essential components. While running Windows 11 on 184MB of RAM is not practical for everyday use, it serves as an impressive technical demonstration that challenges our understanding of operating system requirements and opens the door for further exploration into lightweight OS solutions.

Reference Links

  1. Neowin: Tiny11 developer posts proof that the Windows 11 mod can run with just 176MB of RAM
  1. TechSpot: Developer sets Windows 11 record by running it on just 184MB of RAM
  1. Tom's Hardware: Windows 11 Demoed Running in Just 176 MB RAM
  1. Windows Central: Forget Microsoft's stringent 4GB Windows 11 requirement — A daring developer runs the OS on just 184MB of RAM
  1. TechRadar: We’re amazed at how well Windows 11 runs with 176MB of RAM – but don’t try this at home

Tags

  • bloatware removal
  • debloating
  • legacy systems
  • lightweight os
  • minimalism
  • ntdev
  • old hardware
  • ram efficiency
  • ram optimization
  • safe mode
  • tiny11
  • windows 11