I’m in a rare bizarre situation and this is a desperate attempt to not buy any new hardware.
Basically, I need a minimalist, no BS, no autoupdate, no auto-turn-back-bad-settings-weekly version of windows specifically for the purpose of running windows occasionally and only connecting my phone to it to run this one specific application https://www.samsung.com/uk/apps/samsung-dex/
Scrcpy does not trigger Samsung Dex (or Android Desktop for non-Samsung devices), otherwise I’d just use that on my Garuda MATE Linux installation. I will be tinking with wine later but I doubt it will work.
Any option that involves spending money will probably not be worth it because if I am spending money on this, I’d rather get a portable monitor (they’re not that expensive).
Know of any specifically good windows ISO or what the gold standard of keeping a rogue OS like windows in check?
Windows 10 LTSC. It’s made exactly for this.
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
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It’s in the YouTube, I know, not ideal.
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 LTSC with ctt’s winutil. Link: https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil
Windows 10 Ameliorated
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.
I whould use windows 8.1 but iyhbwont receive updates anymore. Otherwise good. Use openshell for a real start menu
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
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.
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.
Linux
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.
