How to Install Windows 11 Lite on Your PC

is Is there a Difference Between Windows 11 Lite and the Full Version?

We’re going to install the Windows 11 Lite 21H2 build that YouTuber Neelkalpa’s Tech developed. A stripped-down version of Windows 11 called Windows 11 Lite contains only the files necessary to run the operating system. Probably the most impressive feature of this version is its ability to function on computers with RAM as little as 256 MB and storage as small as 10GB.

Most of the resource-intensive elements, such as the fast animations that some users enjoy, have been deleted from this edition of Windows 11 Lite, as expected. Other typical Windows programmes, such as the Microsoft Store, Windows Defender, and Xbox Services, are all absent from the experience. However, the removal of these features has also resulted in Windows 11 Lite being speedier and less energy-consuming. If a lighter version of Windows 11 appeals to you, keep reading to learn how to get it.

Prerequisites for Windows 11 Lite Installation

To begin the process of installing the lightest version of Windows 11, you’ll need a few items. Don’t forget to tick it off the list below.

Windows 11 Lite Build from Neelkalpa

You can’t use Windows Update to install this custom ISO file of Windows 11. Fortunately, the author has made it really simple to get your hands on a copy. To obtain the ISO file, go to the creator’s YouTube channel (visit) and watch the linked video. Keep a copy of the Windows 11 Lite ISO on your desktop at all times. The password is techbyneel, which you’ll need to enter when you extract the file.

There are two types named Rufus and Pen Drive

For installation, this ISO image will need to be flashed onto a USB flash drive like other ISO images. Rufus, a utility program, is required to make a USB device bootable (Get). To get started, all you need to do is save it to your computer or a flash drive.

Installing Windows 11 Lite from a Partition

You’ll need a partition on your computer for this Windows 11 Lite version whether you’re installing it from scratch or just using it in a dual-boot configuration. First, we’ll need to create one so that we may utilize it in the Windows 11 Lite installation. I’ll be using a Windows 11 computer for this. Follow the steps below if you’re using a different version of Windows.

1. To open the Run command in Windows 11, use Win+R. Simply enter “diskmgmt.msc” into the box provided and hit Enter. A new window for managing your hard drive will appear.
2. In the next step, you will be able to see your hard disc and the partitions it has already been divided into. Either look for unallocated space, which is indicated by the colour black, or decrease a volume in order to get it. Right-click on the partition you don’t require and pick either option depending on your scenario. Simply select ‘Shrink Volume’ from the context menu of the right-clicked partition you wish to shrink. Select Shrink from the drop-down menu that opens.
3. Click ‘New Simple Volume’ in the context menu that appears when you see any available space.
4. Assign your drive a letter and a name by following the wizard’s instructions. For convenience’s sake, I’m calling it Windows 11 Lite. The remainder of the options are safe to leave alone.
5. Click Finish to create the new partition.

Burning ISO file
Burn the ISO Image onto the USB Drive. Selecting Device as USB Flash and besides boot selection, click on Select and choose your ISO file (of Neelkalpa windows 11 lite ISO).

Complete this process and move on to installing Windows 11 Lite build.

Windows 11 Lite Can Be Installed on Your PC in This Way

Now that Windows 11 Lite has been downloaded and installed, we can begin using it. Before we begin, make sure the target PC is shut down and the pen drive is plugged in. Once that’s done, proceed to the next section.

1. Your PC’s ‘Power On’ button must be pressed and then repeatedly pressed to enter bios mode. ‘F2’, ‘F8’, and ‘F12’ are the most common, however, this varies from maker to manufacturer. F2 is the key on my Asus laptop. Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to open the BIOS or UEFI settings in Windows 11.
2. In the BIOS settings, locate the Boot Order option and choose the pen drive to boot from. Simply use your keyboard’s arrow keys to hover over it and then click Enter.
3. Windows 11 Lite Can Be Installed on Your PC in This Way
4. The Windows setup will begin in a few minutes, and you may proceed with it as if it were any other installation. You may now proceed by selecting the partition we made before in the partition selection page.
5. Don’t freak out if the process appears to be stalled; it might take some time depending on your gear. After a few restarts, you should be able to see the Windows 11 Lite desktop. Enjoy!
6. It’s as simple as that! Your PC is now running Windows 11 Lite. We’ll condense it considerably more in the section that follows, but you may use it as-is for now.

Expand the Windows 11 Lite Compression Even More

At the time of this writing, Windows 11’s install size is a little over 8GB. Even while that’s far less than the 25GB average for a Windows install, there’s still room for improvement. To do so, follow the procedures outlined below.

1. You will find a file called ‘Compressor.exe’ on the Windows 11 Lite desktop. Right-click it and select ‘Run as administrator from the context menu.
2. The compressor will now automatically open and begin working. Keep an eye on it after a few minutes and don’t worry about it. When you restart your Windows 11 operating system, you will notice the modifications. As a precaution, let’s switch off page files before we proceed.
3. If your machine has less than 512MB of RAM, please disregard the following instructions.
4. Open “This PC” on the desktop by double-clicking on it. Using a right-click on its icon in the left sidebar, you may access its “Properties” window.
5. To get to the “Advanced System Settings,” scroll down and click on the “Advanced System Settings” button.
6. “Settings” may be found in the Performance section.
7. Move to the “Advanced” tab and click “Programs” under the “Adjust for optimal performance” section in the “Performance Options” pop-up box.
8. In Virtual Memory, click “Change” and untick the “Automatically manage paging file size of all drives” option.
9. Right-click on “No paging file,” choose the option to activate it, and then press the “Set” button on the right-hand side of it.
10. A pop-up message will appear on your screen to inform you of the change. To proceed, simply choose Yes and then Apply.
11. Restart your computer and examine the characteristics of the file. There is a noticeable reduction in the size of the installation to under 5GB! Use Windows 11 Lite to your heart’s content and discover new features.