Windows 10 LTSC. It's made exactly for this.
this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2023
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Piracy: ꜱᴀɪʟ ᴛʜᴇ ʜɪɢʜ ꜱᴇᴀꜱ
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Great choice. If you go specifically with the IoT LTSC version you’re also supported until 2032
Seconded, I didn't realize how bad Win 10 has gotten because I've used LTSC since Win 7. A far more bearable experience.
- Windows Ghost Spectre
- Windows LTSC
Atlas is my favorite version. Even LTT did a video about it. You just install a normal Windows 10 or 11 iso then run the atlas installer and it does a pretty good job making Windows minimal bullshit by replacing edge with Firefox, disabling countless anti features, and installing openshell.
If it's just for that one purpose have you considered running windows in a VM and passing though that one usb device? Gnome boxes makes that pretty easy.
Windows 10 Ameliorated
I think you should try to make the Samsung dex thing work on linux live boot environment and if it does go linux don't turn back. If it doesn't try atlas
I believe Tiny10 is still the smallest footprint Windows 10 OS available. Everything is stripped out (media player, photo viewer, etc). It gives you Microsoft edge and that's pretty much it. No updates, no one drive, no windows defender. Nothing.
You say minimalist, no bs... I'd actually give that crown to Server 2019 or Server 2022.
Even Windows 10 LTSC (2019 / 2021) comes with more bs than the previous LTSB 2015 / 2016 versions.
If you want manual updates then windows 8 is the only option. You can turn off auto updates on Windows 10 pro with a GPO but it's still install all or nothing then. You could also try running it as a virtual machine if you just need it for one program.
Windows X-lite is amazing, they have 10 and 11. All telemetry disabled, can install w/o defender, Cortana, and edge. Windows updates disabled, they provide update files to install themselves on their website. No ads in the start menu or anywhere. No bloat like Xbox or Store. Programs to help customize the UI a bit more.
It feels like a time machine back to XP, fresh install with nothing but bare bones Windows. You even have to install .net runtimes and c++ redists yourself.
It's the only reason I haven't rage quit Windows yet.
X Lite is basically just a crappy bootleg. If you want something lightweight, use IoT LTSC with MAS ~~(you can't activate IoT anymore, sadly)~~ (actually, you can now)
Lmao, crappy bootleg? It's a guy modifying iso's and removing all the bullshit or disabling it. I've used all the LTSB/Cs. X-lite is way better imo.
Linux
I whould use windows 8.1 but iyhbwont receive updates anymore. Otherwise good. Use openshell for a real start menu