Why You Should Avoid Custom Windows Operating Systems and Opt for Windows LTSC

Introduction

Custom Windows operating systems, often distributed as ISOs, may seem appealing at first glance, promising unique features or enhanced performance. However, there are several compelling reasons why you should avoid custom Windows OS versions and consider alternatives like Windows LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel). In this article, we will delve into the main problems associated with custom Windows ISOs and explore the benefits of opting for a reliable, official Windows LTSC release.

The Main Problems

1. Risk of Malware

While custom Windows ISOs claim to be virus-free, relying solely on antivirus software is a dangerous approach. Antivirus programs may not always detect all threats or may mistakenly flag legitimate software as viruses. Inserting malware inside of a .ISO image is very easy and can take a lot of effort for someone to even realize what is happening.

2. Legality

Distributing custom Windows ISOs violate Microsoft's TOS and is therefore, illegal redistribution of copyrighted content. Distributing modified Windows versions can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, as evidenced by the case of Eric Lundgren[^1^].

Some custom operating systems also bundle in pre-activation scripts which is also highly illegal and is generally unsafe.

3. Quality

The true reality is that every custom OS out there is very unnecesarily extra. You will not get more performance by messing with your pagefile and you will not get more performance by breaking important Windows functionality. Most common example of this being Windows Update being removed from almost every custom ISO you can find on the internet.

Another true reality is that almost all of these "developers" have no clue what theyre doing and good luck getting support for your issues without being laughed at for using "bloatware". Clicking a few buttons in NTLite doesnt make you a professional developer and claiming that custom ISO's make a huge performance difference just makes you a hypocrite.

Building Your Own OS

If you are tech-savvy and you're inclined to create a custom Windows-like environment, consider building it yourself using trusted resources. Projects like NTLite, DISM++, etc. allows you to edit genuine installation media provided by Microsoft in however way you like.

But of course, making your own custom OS is kind of pointless when an official debloated windows edition exists on the internet available for download for free.
https://massgrave.dev/windows_ltsc_links.html
There's basically 0 ads and 0 bloatware and manually tweaking other things are way more easier than on Windows 10 Home/Pro.

There's no logic behind removing anything else other than bloatware. Bloatware does NOT include important system functionality. Bloatware = Apps and services that only exist to annoy the user or upsell them. It's like saying "remove useless organs from your body who needs two lungs anyways"

Edit
Pub: 08 Sep 2023 22:08 UTC
Edit: 09 Sep 2023 07:52 UTC
Views: 158