What do you use to debloat Windows? - Because Windows is slowly becoming bloatware.

[Nickel Silver]

I don't think you can game on Linux.

Most games work just fine with Steam Proton.

It's professional and niche software that might be a problem.

 

[GlowyNigger]

As it is, lot of people have deemed Windows 11 a lost cause (myself included) and switched to Linux.

My personal machine is reinstalling Pop OS right now. I started with Arch but wanted to try different flavors. My work laptop is a different story. I can do what I want to with the OS as long as it remains on Windows with the latest updates. So thought I'd see if there's anything else I could be doing to make it bearable.

If it was up to me, we'd switch to Arch company wide. But the faggots in charge have a hard on for Windows.

 

[SNEED.EXE]

I use O&O ShutUp10 on fresh Windows 10 installs.

There is no reason whatsoever to install Windows 11 on your home computer, and it will remain that way until 2032, which is the year support will end for Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021. Microshaft restricts the sale of license keys for this version to enterprise (non-goyim) users, but you can activate it using an open source activation script.

Whatever you do, please don't give in to the Saars' demands.

4chan's /g/ has a regular Windows thread with a lot of useful links in the OP.

Spoiler: OP of 4chan's Windows general

FAQ:
>How do I activate Windows?
HWID2 generates and registers a permanent legitimate license on MS's activation servers
github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts
Usage: paste this into Powershell, run.

irm https://get.activated.win | iex

>and Office?
Same link, select Ohook option
You can also use Office.com if your needs are very minimal
or try OnlyOffice/LibreOffice and set it to save in MSOffice file formats

>What version should I install?
>W10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021
Binary identical to Enterprise except no MS Store or apps
Preinstalled with: Edge & Win32 system apps
10 years support on "IoT LTSC", 5 for "LTSC"
Manual version upgrades
IoT LTSC 2022: https://pastebin.com/rHcgvYS7

>W11 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2024
Same as W10 version except:
UI written in React Native aka JavaScript including: Start, Taskbar and Explorer that lags even on i9s
Use only if you fell for the 12th+ gen Intel meme and need the new CPU scheduler
Wait for IoT LTSC 2027 if you can

>Installing apps on LTSC
Use WinGet/Scoop or install MS Store in CMD with: wsreset -i

>W11 Home/Pro/Education/Enterprise/Enterprise IoT
Preinstalled with: Edge, Win32 system apps, MS Store, OneDrive, Weather, Movies, Music, Candy Crush, etc
Auto-reinstalls apps on feature updates
1.5-3 years support
Forced version upgrades

>ISOs:
Windows IoT LTSC https://pastebin.com/ywkasnhM
Windows https://pastebin.com/nUMgAr0b
Office https://pastebin.com/G8w5qu6z

>Should I debloat / build my own ISO?
If you need to ask, then no.
If you know what you're doing:

https://pastebin.com/S5VKBirt

>Portable programs & reinstall-proofing

https://pastebin.com/Zh7WSbJ2

>Useful programs (new installs, essentials, utilities, adobe, etc)

https://pastebin.com/hN8nnwns

>I miss Windows##
OpenShell/RetroBar/WinClassic/StartIsBack

>LTSC Install Guides

https://rentry.org/windowsinstallguide

https://rentry.org/concisewin10

https://rentry.org/ltsc

https://rentry.org/fwtarchive

 

[Maxwell Carter]

Delete System32.

 

[peachlover669]

Because Windows is slowly becoming bloatware.​

your a bit late on that one there chief, it has been the bloatware.

 

[GlowyNigger]

Delete System32.

If I do that, will it upgrade my graphics card?

your a bit late on that one there chief, it has been the bloatware.

You got me there.

There is no reason whatsoever to install Windows 11 on your home computer

Good thing I run Linux on my personal computer. That's never had Win11. Went from Win10 to Arch. (Then a few distros, now Pop OS).

 

[Maxwell Carter]

If I do that, will it upgrade my graphics card?

Yes, and will download dedotated wam for you.

 

[GlowyNigger]

You had me at dedotated! The more wam, the more better!

 

[Mr.Bucket]

I haven't tried Linux since like Fedora Core 7 in the early 00's. I might throw pop_os on my one SSD that doesn't have anything on it and see how it goes. The lack of gaming support over the years is what kept me from it the most. Gaming, yt, twitch and browsing the internets is all I use my PC for, in that order. I remember when Lindows was supposed to fix that. God, I'm old.

I barely tolerate win10 and do not want to go to win11 at all.

 

[Gay Sex Enjoyer]

 

[Day of the Cope]

I don't think you can game on Linux.

The only issue (major) with gaming is kernel-level anticheat and only some of the time. Unless your library is literally only live-service, compslop shooters, you should be fine.

 

[The 199]

I've been using Chris Titus' Winulti for a while, it works well enough.

https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil

 

[Pee Cola]

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC.

Or Linux if you plan on growing a neckbeard and/or wearing programmer socks. The initial itching sensation of said neckbeard and/or socks will gradually ease, and far is less irritating than Windows 11.

 

[The Mass Shooter Ron Soye]

@Slav Power we need you back

 

[The Evil Midnight Bomber]

 

[The Backwards Man]

 

[Rozzy]

I successfully de-bloated my Windows installation using DBAN.

 

[Vyse Inglebard]

I use linux mint because it doesn't matter what you do to windows the next update has a good chance of reversing your changes and bricking your computer.

Literally the exact reason I switched to Mint. The straw that broke the camel's back was in October 2025, when a Windows Update completely borked StartAllBack, and making my motherboard not recognize my SSD (all I had to do was reseat it, but still).

 

[Gene Sinclair]

I'm currently testing Elementary OS, but the woman in charge is a social justice warrior so I'm going back to Pop OS for further testing.

“Woman”

 

[Bartolomeo]

I use linux mint because it doesn't matter what you do to windows the next update has a good chance of reversing your changes and bricking your computer. Mint's pretty idiot proof

Would like to second this. My wife installed linux mint on her computer awhile back and had very little problem, did it in like a day while I was at work. Also, there is an insane amount of linux tech support available for any bumps in the road you might find.

Her computer with lower specs runs better than my current Windows machine with better specs. I need to follow suite ASAP, but im really lazy.
My personal favorite linux feature: You plug a controller into your computer, and the motherfucker just works.