Speed up your system: The best custom Windows 10/11 builds for performance
While Windows 10 and 11 are designed to cater to a broad audience with varying needs, they can often be bogged down by features and services that not everyone needs, like Copilot in Windows 11, for example. Whether you're a professional needing a responsive system or a casual user looking for a smooth experience, the default versions of Windows 10 and 11 may not always offer the peak performance you're looking for.
Fortunately, there are customized versions of Windows which can help you unlock your PC’s full potential. These builds speed up your system by stripping away unnecessary features and optimizing resources for a leaner, faster operating system. Here’s a look at five of the best custom Windows 10/11 builds you can download right now!
SEE ALSO:
- Rectify11 update arrives to fix Windows 11 -- download it now
- Get Windows working the way YOU want with Super God Mode
- How to run Microsoft Copilot on older versions of Windows -- including XP, Windows 7, and Vista
- Forget Windows 11, the stunning Windows 10 2024 Edition is the operating system you want
The Risk of Custom Windows Builds
While these custom Windows builds can significantly enhance your system's performance, they obviously come with certain risks. Because these versions are modified by third parties, they are not officially supported by Microsoft. This can lead to potential security vulnerabilities, as these builds may not receive the latest updates or security patches. There's also a risk of malicious software if you don't download these builds from trustworthy sources. It's also important to mention that because they make such wide-ranging changes, your antivirus software will likely flag them up as malware. For that reason, it's worth trying them out in a virtual environment or on a second machine before making the full time switch.
1. Windows X-Lite
- Why You Need It: Windows 10/11 Lite versions are designed to remove bloatware and non-essential services that can weigh down your system. By shedding these unnecessary components, X-Lite versions free system resources, resulting in potentially faster, more efficient performance.
- What It Offers: Expect lower RAM usage, speedier boot times, fewer background processes, and an overall streamlined system. The OS can bypass checks for Secure Boot, TPM, CPU, and storage. It’s a solid choice for users seeking a snappier experience on new and older hardware.
- There's a YouTube page for the OS here.
- Download: Windows X-Lite
2. Ghost Spectre
- Why You Need It: Ghost Spectre versions of Windows are best known for their aggressive optimization aimed at boosting speed and performance. They offer a streamlined user experience by trimming away all non-essential features and services.
- What It Offers: This build offers a minimalistic installation with various performance tweaks, reduced disk usage, and lower RAM consumption. It can be easily customized so you can restore features it has removed.
- Download: Ghost Spectre (YouTube Channel)
3. AtlasOS
- Why You Need It: AtlasOS is designed to minimize latency, boost frames per second (FPS), and optimize overall system responsiveness. It’s good for users looking for a fast, responsive operating system.
- What It Offers: The open source AtlasOS reduces the number of background processes and system bloat, resulting in a more responsive system. It’s particularly good for those looking to squeeze every ounce of performance from their hardware. You can see what it removes here.
- Download: AtlasOS (Official Site)
4. Nexus LiteOS
- Why You Need It: Nexus LiteOS is a high-performance custom version of Windows 10 that, like the other builds here, works to reduce resource usage and improve speed. It can be particularly beneficial for users running Windows on less powerful hardware.
- What It Offers: Nexus LiteOS optimizes resource management and removes hogs like Action Center and Hibernation, resulting in faster boot times and a streamlined feature set. Users should see a faster, smoother overall experience. See what's changed in the latest version.
- Download: Nexus LiteOS (Official Site)
5. ReviOS
- Why You Need It: ReviOS is a performance-optimized build that strikes a balance between stability, speed, and customizability. It’s designed to deliver a smooth experience by eliminating unnecessary features and focusing on performance.
- What It Offers: ReviOS offers users better resource management, reduced system overhead, and various tweaks that fine-tune Windows for speed. Gamers in particular can benefit from improved framerate stability. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking to boost their system’s performance without stripping away essential functionality.
- Download: ReviOS (Official Site)
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