How to use Nano11 Builder to create a stripped-down Windows 11 ISO file

Nano11 Builder is an experimental, open-source PowerShell script by NTDEV that automates the creation of a heavily stripped-down Windows 11 image using only Microsoft tools (for example, DISM and oscdimg).
It removes built-in apps, core services (such as Windows Update and Microsoft Defender), non-essential drivers, languages, and more, producing ISOs as small as ~2.3-2.5GB and installed footprints of around 2.8-3.2GB.
The resulting system is not serviceable, meaning that it won’t have access to Windows updates, cannot add back components, and does not support language packs.

You can now use the Nano11 Builder script to create a custom ISO file of Windows 11. You probably already heard about the Tiny11 Builder script to create a custom ISO file to install the operating system without bloatware, with support for low-end and unsupported hardware. The same developer (@NTDEV_) has now released the “Nano11 Builder” script, which creates a more heavily stripped-down Windows 11 image that produces ISO files as small as 2.3 to 2.5GB, and the installed footprint of the operating system is around 2.8 to 3.2GB.

According to its GitHub page, the intention of this script is to streamline the image of Windows 11 as much as possible using only officially available Microsoft tools, such as Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and the oscdimg.exe tool, to create a custom ISO file without external binaries.

The process also inserts an unattended answer file to bypass the Microsoft account and enable the option to set up a compact installation of the operating system.

The Nano11 script sets up Windows 11 without bloatware, as it skips the installation of certain apps (such as Clipchamp, News, Weather, Xbox, Office Hub, Solitaire, and others). It also uninstalls components, such as the Windows Component Store (WinSxS), Windows Update, Microsoft Defender, additional built-in drivers, input features (for example, IMEs), Search, BitLocker, Biometrics, and Accessibility features, as well as most system services, including audio. Furthermore, this script uninstalls Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Internet Explorer, and Tablet PC Maths.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to create a Windows 11 Nano11 ISO file for version 25H2, 24H2, and other releases.

Warning: Although you can access the script to understand how it works, you will still modify the original installation image, which may also introduce some installation issues. Additionally, when using this script, you cannot add features after installing Windows 11. Finally, the developer warns that this script is still in experimental development. As such, use these steps at your own risk.

Create a Nano11 ISO file for Windows 11

To download and create a Windows 11 ISO file using the Nano11 Builder script, follow these steps:

Open the Microsoft Support website.
Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section.
Click the Download button.
Select the installation language.
Click the Confirm button.
Click the 64-bit Download button to save the Windows 11 ISO file on the computer.
Open the Nano11 GitHub page.
Click the Code button and select the “Download ZIP” option.
Save the zip file on your computer.
Open the folder location.
Select the nano11-main-zip file.
Click the Extract all button from the command bar.
Click the Extract button.
Open File Explorer.
Open the Windows 11 ISO folder location.
Right-click the ISO file and select the Mount option.

Quick tip: If the option isn’t available, right-click the file, select the “Open With” menu, and choose the “Windows Explorer” option.
Confirm the drive letter of the virtual drive where the ISO is mounted.
Open Start.
Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to allow the Nano11 script to run on the computer and press Enter:
```
Set-ExecutionPolicy unrestricted
```
Type the following command to run the nano11builder.ps1 script and press Enter:
```
& "C:\PATH\TO\SCRIPT\nano11builder.ps1"
```
Type “R” and press Enter.
Type “Y” to confirm and continue with the script.
Confirm the drive letter of the Windows 11 mount point and press Enter.
Confirm the index number (usually 1 for “Home” and 6 for “Pro”) for the edition of the operating system to create the image and press Enter.
Press Enter to complete the process and exit the script.
Type the following command to set the more secure PowerShell execution policy and press Enter:
```
Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted
```

Once you complete the steps, the script will create a custom ISO file of around 2.2GB (rather than the usual 5.4GB) that excludes the default apps from the folder containing the “nano11builder.ps1” file.

The final ISO file will be stored within the “nano11-main” folder, which contains the original script. The file will be called “nano11.iso,” and you’ll also find a “nano11.log” file that includes all the logs generated during the creation of this image.

You now use the nano11.iso with third-party tools like Rufus or Ventoy to create a USB bootable to install the operating system.

Finally, you should be able to run this script on images for Windows 11 25H2, 24H2, and virtually any version of the operating system.

FAQs about Nano11

Here are answers to common questions about using the Nano11 Builder script for Windows 11.

Will Nano11 receive system updates via Windows Update?

No. The resulting image is non-serviceable. Components required for Windows Update or servicing are removed. Security patches or feature updates via Microsoft’s standard channels won’t be available.

Can I use a Windows 11 Nano11 installation on the main computer?

Technically speaking, yes, but it’s not recommended. The Nano11 image is meant for temporary installations and testing purposes. It’s not intended to be your primary operating system, as it lacks essential features such as audio, search, accessibility, and updates.

Can I add back removed apps, drivers, or features later?

No. Once removed, many features are gone permanently from that image. Restoring them may be impossible without a clean install of the operating system.

Does it work on Windows 11 Home, Pro, and LTSC?

The script supports various SKUs, including Home, Pro, and LTSC, but as of now, only en-US x64 is officially supported without manual tweaks. Supporting other languages or architectures may require user modifications.

How much storage space can I expect to save?

The original ISO file of Windows 11 can be reduced from 5.4GB to around 2.2GB, and the installation footprint can be approximately 2.8 to 3.2GB when using Windows LTSC and aggressive compression. Outcomes vary depending on edition, drivers, language, and hardware.