Nano11 is a PowerShell-based builder (created by NTDEV) that automates creating highly trimmed Windows 11 installation ISOs. It uses standard Windows image tools to remove non-essential packages and repack a bootable ISO tailored for testing, virtual machines, or storage-constrained environments.
What is Nano11 Tool?
Nano11 is a script-driven ISO customization framework. You supply a clean Windows 11 ISO, and the script mounts, trims, and repacks the installation image. The goal is to produce a much smaller, more minimal installer by removing optional features, bundled apps, and other components not needed in a compact installation.
Key Features of Nano11
- Scripted ISO building: A PowerShell workflow automates unpacking, trimming, and rebuilding a bootable ISO.
- Aggressive pruning: Removes many optional components such as preinstalled apps, telemetry pieces, certain drivers, and language packs to reduce size.
- Unattended setup options: Provides automation options so installs can skip interactive prompts and use compact defaults.
- Driver & update integration: Optional steps let you slipstream drivers or selected updates before repacking.
- Offline operation: Runs locally — you operate on your own source ISO and assets.
Why Use Nano11?
Nano11 is useful when you need a tiny Windows image for quick testing, virtual machines, embedded scenarios, or development sandboxes. It enables you to control exactly what is included in the installer, producing images with dramatically smaller footprints than stock installers. That makes Nano11 a practical choice for situations where disk space, bandwidth, or speed are more important than maintaining every Windows feature.
How Nano11 Works
Follow these simple steps to build your own lightweight Windows 11 ISO using Nano11:
Step 1. Obtain a clean Windows 11 ISO — either download it directly from Microsoft or use an existing image you already have.
Step 2. Mount the downloaded ISO image by right-clicking it and selecting “Mount.” Note down the assigned drive letter. If the Mount option doesn’t appear, right-click the ISO, choose Open with, and then select Windows Explorer.
Step 3. Extract the Nano11 script files to a working folder on your computer. Make sure the drive has at least 5GB of free storage available for temporary build files.
Step 4. Open PowerShell as Administrator so the script can run with proper privileges.
Step 5. Set the PowerShell execution policy for the current session by entering the following command:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process
Step 6. When prompted, type “Y” and press the Enter key.
Step 7. Navigate to the folder containing the Nano11 script and run it using this command (adjust the path as needed):
C:\path\to\your\nano11\nano11.ps1
Step 8. When prompted, type “Y” and press the Enter key.
Step 9. Follow the prompts carefully. The script will ask you to specify the drive letter of your mounted ISO image. Type the drive letter (e.g., E) and press Enter.
Step 10. When you’re done, you will see 11 index numbers along with the operating system edition name, description, and their size. Type the edition (SKU) index you want to use as the base for your build and hit Enter.
That’s it! Once the process is complete, Nano11 will automatically generate a new, lightweight ISO file in the same folder as the script. This repacked image can be up to three times smaller than the standard Windows 11 ISO, making it ideal for testing, virtual machines, or systems with limited storage. If you need to create a bootable USB drive, use either Ventoy2Disk or Rufus. Nano11 ISOs are compatible with both.
Important Warnings & Limitations
- Experimental & non-serviceable: The process is intentionally aggressive. Many removals make the resulting image non-serviceable — adding updates, languages, or drivers later may fail or be blocked.
- Stability risks: Since components are removed, some SKU or edition combinations may fail during setup or post-installation operations. Always test on disposable VMs first.
- Activation: The custom ISO does not bypass licensing. Proper activation still requires valid licenses or digital entitlements.
- Not for the general user: This workflow targets power users, IT testers, and developers who understand Windows images and image-servicing tools.
Expected Results & Practical Notes
Depending on the source ISO and choices made, Nano11-style trimming can reduce installer sizes and installed footprints substantially. Exact results vary: the final ISO and the installed system size depend on the original ISO, which packages are removed, and which updates or drivers you integrate. Always measure before deploying to production.
When to Use Nano11
Choose Nano11 when you want a small, fast image for:
- Virtual machines used for testing or development.
- Embedded devices or hardware with limited storage.
- Creating disposable or ephemeral images for CI/CD or lab automation.
Complementary Steps & Good Practices
Workflows that commonly accompany Nano11 usage include verifying source ISO integrity before starting, testing the rebuilt ISO in a virtual machine, and keeping a documented list of removed components so you can reproduce or reverse the build. Maintain backups of original ISOs and ensure you have adequate disk space for mounting and repacking operations.
System Requirements
- Host OS: A modern Windows environment capable of running PowerShell and DISM (Windows 10/11 recommended for the build host).
- RAM: 4 GB minimum recommended.
- Free Disk Space: At least 8–20 GB free, depending on the source ISO and temporary working files.
- Permissions: Administrative rights are required to mount images and run the image-servicing commands.
Download Nano11
You can download the Nano11 powersheell script from GitHub.
FAQs
Q1: Will a Nano11-built image receive Windows Update?
Often no — because of aggressive removals, many servicing paths are broken. Treat Nano11 images as non-serviceable unless you explicitly preserve servicing components.
Q2: Is Nano11 safe for regular daily systems?
Not recommended for primary daily-driver systems. Use it for VMs, testbeds, or controlled environments where the tradeoffs are acceptable.
Q3: Can I integrate drivers or updates before repacking?
Yes — the typical build process supports slipstreaming selected drivers and updates prior to creating the final ISO.
Q4: What should I test first?
Always test installs in a virtual machine and verify core functionality you require (networking, drivers, update behavior) before deploying to physical hardware.
Conclusion
Nano11 is a focused, script-driven approach for creating ultra-small Windows 11 installation ISOs. It gives power users full control over what goes into the installer, producing compact images ideal for VMs, test labs, and storage-constrained deployments. However, it is experimental by nature and carries non-serviceability and stability tradeoffs — proceed only when you understand the risks and always test thoroughly.