Windows Central Insider
Over the past few years, Microsoft has deeply integrated AI technology across its tech stack, specifically Windows 11, by adding features like Copilot and Windows Recall. The tools have been received with mixed reactions, primarily due to the security and privacy concerns around AI.
While it's possible to disable tools like Windows Recall and even uninstall Windows 11, some users still prefer the operating system in its most basic form. Enter, NTLite.
Article continues belowNTLite v2026.04.10936 (that's a long version number) now ships with faster multi-threaded extraction and the ability to remove AI tools from Windows 11 25H2 images, which consequently significantly reduces installation size.
I recently reported that the customization scene in Windows 11 is thriving, as third-party developers give users the experience they've wanted from Microsoft.
So, now there's an influx of third-party tools like NTLite entering the scene, specifically designed to make Windows 11 feel less bloated by removing unwanted apps and features.
Interestingly, we recently broke the story about Windows K2 — a codenamed Microsoft initiative designed to address major pain points across Windows 11 based on customer feedback.
As part of Microsoft's promise, the company has also brought back Windows Insider meetups to bridge the gap between the development team and users, returned the movable and resizable Taskbar, and even reduced instances where Copilot and other AI integrations appear across the operating system and apps like Notepad.
But Microsoft isn't pulling the plug on AI in Windows 11 entirely. The company recently added support for AI agents on the Taskbar, Xbox mode, and other notable features.
A quick look at the r/Windows11BuyingGuide subreddit highlights users' growing concerns about Windows. "I'm very seriously considering repartitioning my Windows machine and installing Linux Mint for my everyday use, keeping Windows for specific said apps only," one user indicated.
Windows 11 got so AI heavy that people made a delete the AI script from r/Windows11BuyingGuide
"Using Windows is more complicated than Linux now," another user lamented. "In the past, people thought you were a hacker if you used Linux, now you need to be a hacker to use Windows."
If you're not a fan of the AI integrations in Windows 11, then NTLite might actually come in handy. For context, the customization tool works with Windows Image files, including ISO, WIM, ESD, and SWM formats. What's more, it's possible to modify these files before installation.
The tool also supports live editing, which means users can make changes to an existing Windows installation without reinstalling it. As a result, it's easy to scrap newly added features that are introduced in the operating system without going through the hassle.
Additionally, NTLite ships with an AI Component Management option, helping users gain more control over AI integrations and features in the operating system. Windows 11, version 25H2, shipped with a notable number of AI-themed features, but the Windows customization tool can help you remove them, significantly reducing 25H2's size.
While NTLite greys out critical components on Windows 11 that cannot be safely removed, it's still important to exercise caution when interacting with the tool. If you mistakenly remove a critical component, you risk producing an image that fails to boot or install.
As such, it is advised to test ISO in a virtual machine to assess its stability and safety before deploying it to your daily driver device. It's also important to create restore points before making any significant changes to your system. Still, it's an impressive effort.
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