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.