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News of NTDEV’s achievement wasposted on Xa few days ago (viaTom’s Hardware), though it’s not something you’ll be able to play around with yourself, unfortunately. If you check out the video of it in action above, you’d be forgiven in thinking that this is just the command prompt in normal Windows, albeit running very slowly.
Specifically, what’s gone is the graphical user interface (GUI), the software that generates all of the windows, icons, and associated actions. But is it truly Windows if it doesn’t have any windows? After all, none of your normal programs and games will ever be able to run, because they require a GUI and related bits to function.
But yes, it genuinely is Windows or rather, the main body of code that lies underneath all the visual stuff when you’re using your PC. Mind you, from the speed of it all in the video, it’s certainly nothing you’d ever want to use on a daily basis.
That was never the intention of the project, though, and you have to admire the determination of NTDEV to keep pushing the boundaries as to how small you can make Windows and still have a functional operating system left behind.
(Image credit: NTDEV)
I know some folks bemoan the fact that modern Windows is very bloated compared to much older versions and while that’s certainly true, it’s not like we’re struggling for storage these days.
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Thinking of upgrading?(Image credit: Microsoft)Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
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(Image credit: Microsoft)Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
You can getfast 512GB SSDs for $50and if you’re willing to sacrifice speed for cents, far cheaper options are available too.
However, we’re also in the era of every app jumping on the AI bandwagon and the next version of Windows, expected later this year, is going to heavily feature this.
Microsoft recommends that you haveat least 64GB of drive spaceto install Windows 11, but what’s the betting it’s a far bit larger than this in Windows 12?
I’m not in the least bit worried, though, because I’m pretty sure NTDEV will just make Tiny12 and once again give us the option to streamline our computers as we see fit, even if Microsoft doesn’t want us to.
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