According to Neowin, the maker of tiny11 has updated their debloated Windows 11 mod to include the November 2025 security update KB5068861. This brings the redesigned Start menu that finally addresses issues from the original version shipped four years ago. The latest tiny11 25H2 release comes in two flavors: regular tiny11 for daily use with security and Windows Update intact, and tiny11 core with an even smaller disk footprint by removing as many components as possible. NTDEV, the project creator, is shifting from major updates to monthly releases to keep images current. Users can download the latest version from the Internet Archive, though running modified Windows images carries potential risks.
Shifting update strategy
Here’s the thing about tiny11’s new monthly update approach – it’s actually pretty smart. Instead of waiting for big Windows feature drops, they’re now keeping pace with Microsoft’s security updates. That means you get the latest fixes without the bloat, which is basically the whole point of this project. But monthly updates also mean more maintenance for the tiny11 team. They’re betting that users want fresh images more frequently, and honestly, they’re probably right.
Regular vs core: know your use case
So you’ve got two options now, and they’re not created equal. Regular tiny11 keeps what most people actually need – security, updates, the essential bits. Then there’s tiny11 core, which strips out everything possible for maximum portability. I wouldn’t run core on my main machine, but for virtual machines or test setups? Absolutely perfect. It’s the difference between a daily driver and a specialized tool – both useful, but for very different jobs.
About that new Start menu
The November 2025 update is particularly interesting because of the Start menu redesign. Microsoft finally listened to feedback after four years? Shocking. But even with the improvements, there are still some odd bugs that made it through testing. That’s the Windows experience we all know and love, right? At least with tiny11, you’re getting the new interface without all the other junk Microsoft bundles in.
Where to get it and risks involved
You can grab the latest build from the Internet Archive, which is where NTDEV hosts these modified images. But let’s be real – running custom Windows builds always carries some risk. These are made with Microsoft’s own utilities, but they’re still modified operating systems. For industrial and manufacturing environments where reliability is non-negotiable, companies typically stick with official builds or turn to specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs that come with properly configured, stable Windows installations. For personal use or testing though? Tiny11 remains a fascinating experiment in what Windows could be without the bloat.
