I'm thinking about reinstalling my system and trying a slimmed-down version of Win 11, but I'm connected to the internet via my PC and also play games with my homies from time to time, which means Steam and graphics stuff have to work... Is a slimmed-down version reliable? Do you have any experience with it? I use Cubase Latest Release and Maschine.

 

Personally, I recently got a new computer with Windows 11 and I preferred to completely debloat the Pro version, while still maintaining access to updates.
With a few utilities, the system is noticeably lighter and more pleasant to use overall.

I used https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat
A script that cleans everything by default but also allows you to choose what it acts on.
Also https://github.com/flick9000/winscript
A utility with many tools for both debloating and installing other applications. It allows you to create a restore point before using these tools, which is generally safer! Winscript can block updates, but given the instability of some updates, I preferred to keep them active for the moment.

Finally, https://github.com/hellzerg/optimizer, a utility similar to Winscript, but which I find less clear and less easy to use. However, both have their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, you can make your system a lighter or customized version of Windows 11 for your specific needs!

 

Oh, and as an addendum... I would probably try Ghost Spectre because I've read a lot of good things about it... but what makes me a little wary is that I don't know whether it has built-in antivirus protection or not.

I mean, I have my Windows 10 Defender permanently disabled... you know why, of course, but I'm wondering whether it's still necessary somehow?

 

It seems that Ghost offers an installable version with or without Windows Defender. If your computer connects to the internet and downloads and installs games or other third-party tools, I still recommend keeping the version with Defender.

In my opinion, the version without Defender pre-installed is more suitable for a machine that won't be browsing the internet and already has all the applications it needs to function and perform its tasks.

 

Okay thank you very much for your great answers.
Maybe I'm going with legit 11 pro and debloat it like you've done it

 

I've been using the Xlite version for a few years now, no problem https://windowsxlite.com
you should simply use two SSDs (or if you only have one slot, then only one that you partition then hide what you don't need), one for music only and another for a standard win 11 intall with most of the crap for games etc. Instead of trying to find a compromise that's never going to work well, just install each system separately and choose when you boot.

 

Okay, that's one option, of course, but then every time you're working in DAW and need a sample from the internet or want to quickly look something up on YouTube, do you have to switch operating systems?

 

personally no,
carving out system components causes more harm than good,
unless you have a very underpowered system, it's simpler to just disable things on official Windows 11 build,
one exception is if you're sailing the waters in which case you may want remove windows security components (antivirus, smartscreen, telemetry...)

 

TeamOS is your friend.

 

Haven't tried Windows 11, and no hurry with all the problems lately.

But I've used two mods of Win10, first Ghost Lite Spectre for two years, and X-Lite for basically three years now. They work like a charm.
1. Both offer choice of with/without Windows Defender
2. Everything that I've thrown at them work. Just in case, don't try the extreme/ultra light versions unless you've got a lot of experience on Windows
3. I don't game often. But both are made with games in mind, so games also work perfectly

So basically it's a... WIN-WIN situation. See what I did there?
I know... I know. Worst joke of the year. Again

 

Last edited: Nov 2, 2025 at 11:27 PM

Windows 11 is better than 10. Reduced versions of windows 10 and 11, if you pick the right ones, work brilliantly. If what you want is a rock-solid DAW right now, get a modified 11 and go for it... I've had zero issues.

 

Ghostspectre has MANY different flavours of things you can do when installing all packed in one install image. I can vouch for their solidity.. I have many GS win10 pro 22H2 builds running for production that are OFFLINE and a couple of others are ONLINE. They are all installed from the same image but configuration differs depending on the end usage of the machine. Production machines are stripped down to just basic network, print, and file sharing as they only connect to my LAN - NO INTERNET on any prod stations... Builds that are destined for machines that have internet access get much more scrutiny and still have defender a/v, FW, EDGE and all updaters removed. Since you're cutting the cord to the mothership you're better off removing defender a/v, firewall and EDGE as there are many more functional alternatives out there that are not going to want to tie you back up to the ms mothership.

 

Well, defender is one thing. But from my experience Windows Firewall works fine. And unfortunately, a growing number of apps use webview (Edge engine). So I prefer to disable edge (not removing) and leave that webview stuff (I wanted to say shit but I didn't)

 

have had no probems with atlas os 0.4 running on windows 11. simplewall to replace windows one, anything disabled I can re-enable if I need to (like UAC, windows defender, updates etc). super responsive and fast boot. used to have weird latency issues, haven't had any of that so far, been over a couple years now. never phones home, never updates without me telling it to (but can still update if I want it to), since 0.5 came out I can update to 25h2 now without reinstalling windows. highly recommend it

 

I use Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, not a single problem, no AI or other bloats included..

 

Hello, I have an Offline computer for Music and Gaming that I use GhostSpectre on and it works great (although word is that music production and gaming aren't very compatible with eachother, but I've had no problems...so far).

I also have an online laptop that I have a regular Windows 11 on and use a free program called WInAero Tweaker that allows me to disable whatever I don't want (Defender, Cortana, Telemetry, Etc) and it works great too. All the options mentioned so far sound like good ideas including the dual boot setup. Best of luck!

 

Same tbh, just getting the LTSC version alone with custom de-bloating to remove all Temeletry and the unwanted stuff is such a bless, though having to disable Windows Update for a while until MS can actually create a stable patch (without any exploits) is rather annoying.

 

Pigs 'll be flyin' outta arses the day that happens...

 

Get GhostSpectre Win11. I've been using his compact windows for years since Win10. Very reliable and no problems. You can choose to install certain features or leave them out, like MS store, Defender, Edge, etc. Can game online. Can enable or disable Game bar, etc. Never had blue screens or freezes or anything like that. Try it. Just search for it on youtube and in his descriptions there are always download links.
He also provide updates regularly and cut out bad stuff from MS. Very clever guy and efficient.

 

no I don't, if I really need to check something quickly then I just connect to the network and do whatever I need to do then turn it off again. But most of the time the OS is not connected to the internet, especially as Wifi/network cards tend to cause latency/DPC issues, which is why I like to keep them off insofar as possible. Actually most of the time, if I need to check something on the internet I'll just use my phone/tablet. And if I need to download something that's going to take a while, then yes, I will switch OS.