MSMG Toolkit: Decrapify Windows 11 25H2 (2026 Guide)

MSMG Toolkit used to be my first choice for building a stripped-down Windows image. Its last release, version 13.7, is from May 2024 and its official website is currently unavailable. It still matters for older Windows versions and for people who want to choose individual components, but I would not make it the default route for Windows 11 25H2 now.

Current recommendation: use Tiny11 Builder for a short PowerShell workflow, or Win11 Creator if you prefer a GUI. The MSMG walkthrough remains below for older Windows releases and advanced control.

Before you start

Download Windows only from Microsoft or through Rufus. Do not start with a modified ISO from an unknown source.
Back up your files to another drive and keep the original Microsoft ISO unchanged.
If you want an extra check, test the finished ISO in Hyper-V, VirtualBox, or VMware before using it on real hardware.
Keep Defender, SmartScreen, Windows Update, and recovery features unless you already know what will replace them.
Use a stock Windows image for business, shared, or remotely managed computers unless you also control the support plan.

Quick start: Tiny11 Builder

Tiny11 Builder uses Microsoft’s own DISM tools to make a smaller Windows 11 image. Its current PowerShell script works across Windows 11 releases and keeps the result serviceable, so updates, languages, and features can still be added later.

Download the official Windows 11 ISO and Tiny11 Builder. Read the repository’s known issues before running anything.
Mount the Windows ISO in Explorer and note its drive letter.
Right-click Start, or press Windows + X, then open Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Allow the script for this PowerShell session only:
```
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process
```
Run tiny11maker.ps1. In this example, the ISO is mounted as D: and C: is used for temporary files:
```
C:/path/to/tiny11maker.ps1 -ISO D -SCRATCH C
```
Choose the Windows edition when asked. The finished tiny11.iso will appear in the script folder.
You can test it in a VM first, or write it to a USB drive with Rufus when you are ready to install.

Use tiny11maker.ps1 for a normal computer. The separate tiny11coremaker.ps1 removes Windows servicing, updates, recovery, and other parts needed for daily use. It is meant for short-lived test machines, not your main PC.

Tiny11 has a few known rough edges. Edge can leave entries behind in Settings, Winget may need an update through Microsoft Store, and Outlook or Dev Home may return after a Windows update.

Prefer a GUI?

Win11 Creator is part of Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility. It takes an official Windows 11 ISO, lets you choose an edition, and exports a new ISO or writes it to USB. Keep 10–15 GB free for temporary files. It is for fresh installs, not an upgrade over an existing Windows installation.

MSMG Toolkit for older Windows and advanced control

MSMG Toolkit 13.7 is a better fit for Windows 11 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, plus Windows 10 22H2. It predates Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, so work on those releases is community-tested rather than officially supported.

The official download site is down. MajorGeeks still mirrors version 13.7, but that is a third-party copy of the final release. Verify any download before opening it. If you cannot get a copy you trust, stop and use Tiny11 Builder or Win11 Creator instead.

You will also need .NET Framework 4.8 on the computer running MSMG, an official Windows ISO, and Rufus for the finished USB drive.

1. Load the source and integrate updates

Extract MSMG, then open Toolkit\Start.cmd as administrator.
Accept the terms by typing a and pressing Enter.
Under Source, choose Extract Source from DVD ISO Image and select your ISO.
Choose Select Source from <DVD> Folder, then select your licensed Windows edition.
Before removing components, open Integrate → Windows Updates and add the latest cumulative update for that Windows build.

2. Remove only what you recognize

The menu changes between Windows builds. Treat these as examples, not a checklist.

Usually reasonable on a home PC:

- Copilot, if present (a later update may reinstall it)
- Xbox apps and Game Bar, if you do not use them
- Microsoft News
- Phone Link
- Consumer content delivery

Check before removing:

- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Media and speech features
- Quick Assist
- File History, System Restore, and Windows Backup

Keep Defender, the Windows Security interface, SmartScreen, Windows Update, the servicing stack, and recovery components on most systems.

3. Review optional changes

Disabling automatic driver updates can help when Windows keeps replacing a known-good driver, but you will need to manage drivers yourself.
Bypassing the hardware check allows installation on unsupported CPUs. Microsoft support and future updates are not guaranteed on those machines.

Use Apply Tweaks only after reviewing the choices.

4. Build and test the ISO

Select Apply Source to save the changes.
Run Cleanup Source Images.
Under Target, choose Make a DVD ISO Image.
Test the result in a VM, then write it to USB with Rufus.

After install

A custom ISO is a snapshot, not a permanent replacement for updates or backups.

I keep my own post-install notes at github.com/musosoft/awesome-muso. It is a checklist, so read it and use only the parts that fit your setup.
If Windows becomes slow or infected later, follow the Tron Script PC refresh workflow before deciding to reinstall.

I also build and repair Windows setups for specific hardware and work needs. You can see related work in my portfolio, or send me the project details.