How I Make Windows 11 ACTUALLY Usable (Debloat + Remove AI), by Salem Techsperts on YouTube. 22 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 22 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Back up your files to an external drive or cloud account. A clean install wipes everything on the system drive, so copy anything you want to keep first.
On a second computer, download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft and open Rufus. Select your USB drive as the target and the ISO as the image.
Start the Rufus write and wait for it to finish. When Rufus offers Windows user experience options, tick the box to skip the Microsoft account requirement.
Plug the USB into the target PC and boot from it. Use the boot menu key for your brand, usually F12, F11 or Esc, then choose the USB drive.
Choose a custom install, delete the old system partitions and let Windows install. The PC restarts a few times, which is normal.
On the setup screen, pick the offline or local account option and create a username and password. This keeps you signed out of a Microsoft account.
Install your core apps. Use Ninite to batch-install browsers, media players and utilities in one go instead of hunting for each installer.
Open Chris Titus WinUtil in PowerShell and run the recommended tweaks. Review each item before applying, then let it remove bundled apps and disable telemetry.
Run O&O ShutUp10++ and apply its recommended privacy settings. Read the list first and keep anything you actually use, such as location or sync.
Run Zoicware Remove Windows AI to strip Copilot, Recall and other AI components. Restart the PC when it finishes.
Tips and common mistakes
Only download the debloat tools from their official pages, since third-party copies can carry malware.
Repasting a mini PC voids warranties and needs care with the screws and thermal pad, so skip it unless you are comfortable opening the case.
Check the tweaks you apply, because some privacy settings can break features like search or app sync later.
Keep the USB installer, since it is handy for repairs or a second machine.
Questions
Will this delete my files?
Yes. A clean install erases the system drive, so back up everything first. Files on other drives usually stay, but confirm before you start.
Do I need to repaste the PC?
No. Repasting only helps if the machine runs hot or is older. Most new laptops and mini PCs are fine as they are.
Can I undo the debloat tweaks?
Most can be reversed in WinUtil or O&O ShutUp10 by resetting to defaults. A full reinstall is the cleanest fallback.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
