How to Install Windows 11 Without Bloatware (Clean & Lightweight Setup Guide)

---

How to Install Windows 11 Without Bloatware: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 is a polished operating system, but many users dislike the amount of bloatware that comes pre-installed. Apps like trialware, unnecessary games, or services you never use can slow down your system and clutter your start menu.

If you want a clean and lightweight Windows 11 installation, there are safe methods to remove most of this extra software right from the setup process. In this guide, we’ll walk through two popular methods:

• Flyoobe → for customizing your Windows installation during setup.
• Tiny11 Utility → for creating a stripped-down ISO of Windows 11.

We’ll also cover general tips to keep Windows lean and optimized.

---

Why Remove Bloatware?

Bloatware refers to the unnecessary applications and services that come preinstalled with Windows. These include:

• Trial versions of apps (antivirus trials, productivity suites).
• Preinstalled games and entertainment apps.
• Extra services that run in the background, consuming CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth.

By removing bloatware, you get:

• Better performance → faster startup and smoother operation.
• More storage space → free up several gigabytes.
• Improved privacy → fewer services tracking usage.
• Cleaner UI → only apps you actually use.

Keep in mind: some core apps like Microsoft Store and certain parts of Microsoft Edge cannot be removed, since they are tied to Windows functionality.

---

General Preparation

Before diving into the two methods, here are some universal tips to prepare for a clean installation:

1. Download a Windows 11 ISO
   Always get the latest ISO directly from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Use Rufus or similar tools
   Rufus can create bootable USB media and includes options to disable app downloads during setup.
3. Bypass TPM and Secure Boot checks
   Both Flyoobe and Rufus support bypassing hardware restrictions (TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot).
4. Disconnect Internet during setup
   This prevents Windows from automatically downloading extra apps. When prompted, select: “I don’t have internet”
5. Use a local account first
   Avoid linking a Microsoft account during setup. Once installation is complete, you can connect your license later.

---

Method 1: Installing Windows 11 Using Flyoobe

Flyoobe is a community tool that customizes the Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). It lets you disable unwanted services before the system even boots for the first time.

Steps:

1. Download Flyoobe from its official GitHub repository.
2. Extract the ZIP file and run Flyoobe.exe.
3. Choose installation type:
   • Upgrade: If you’re moving from Windows 10.
   • Reinstall: For a clean, fresh install.
4. Download a fresh Windows 11 ISO (direct from Microsoft).
5. Inside Flyoobe, select either:
   • Rufus (to create a bootable USB)
   • Media Creation Tool (to generate install media)
     → then click Start Setup.
6. Go to the OOBE tab and turn off unwanted services. This includes Cortana, Widgets, and AI-powered features that run in the background.
7. Once customized, Flyoobe will create a custom Windows 11 installer. Write this to a USB drive.
8. Boot from the USB and install Windows, keeping the internet unplugged.
9. Complete setup with a local account.

Result: A clean installation of Windows 11 with minimal background services.

---

Method 2: Installing Windows 11 Using Tiny11 Utility

Tiny11 is a lightweight version of Windows 11 built using scripts that strip unnecessary apps and services from the ISO before installation. This method is especially useful for older or low-spec PCs.

Steps:

1. Download a Windows 11 ISO and mount it as a virtual CD.
2. Download Tiny11 Utility from GitHub.
3. Extract Tiny11 files and open PowerShell as Administrator.
4. Run the following to allow scripts: Set-ExecutionPolicy unrestricted
5. Run the Tiny11 script: .\tiny11maker.ps1 Enter the drive letter where your ISO is mounted.
6. Select your preferred Windows edition by typing its number (e.g., Pro, Home, Education).
7. Tiny11 creates a new lightweight ISO.
8. Burn the ISO to a USB drive and install Windows 11.

Result: A streamlined ISO with most bloatware removed, but still keeping Microsoft Store so you can install essential apps like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge updates.

---

What Gets Removed?

Both Flyoobe and Tiny11 strip away:

• Preinstalled consumer apps (like Xbox Game Bar, News, Weather, Spotify, TikTok).
• Optional services that eat resources.
• Advertising and promotional content.

What stays:

• Microsoft Store → required to install browsers and core apps.
• Core Windows services → for system stability.

---

Which Method Should You Use?

• Flyoobe → Best for users who want fine control during setup and can tweak services themselves.
• Tiny11 → Best for users who want a ready-made lightweight ISO without manual tweaking.

If you’re an advanced user or IT admin, Flyoobe gives more flexibility. If you just want a quick install with fewer headaches, Tiny11 is simpler.

---

Final Thoughts

Installing Windows 11 without bloatware gives you a faster, cleaner, and more private system. Whether you use Flyoobe or Tiny11, the process ensures you’re not bogged down with unnecessary software.

👉 Pro tip: Always keep one backup copy of the original Microsoft ISO in case you need to revert.

---