If you’re a gamer looking to squeeze every last drop of performance out of your Windows 11 system, Atlas OS might be just what you need. This open-source project strips down Windows to its essentials, removing bloatware and optimizing settings to deliver a faster, more responsive gaming experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Atlas OS on your Windows 11 machine.
What is Atlas OS?
Atlas OS is a modified version of Windows that focuses on improving gaming performance and protecting user privacy. By removing unnecessary features and pre-installed apps, Atlas OS aims to reduce system overhead and latency. It’s important to note that Atlas OS currently supports Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 23H2 or later versions.
Preparing for Atlas OS Installation
Before we begin the installation process, there are a few crucial steps to take:
Step 1: Back up your data. Since we’ll be performing a clean installation, it’s essential to safeguard your important files. Use a reliable backup solution like MiniTool ShadowMaker or Veeam Agent to create a complete system backup.
Step 2: Download network drivers. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest network drivers. Save these to a separate USB drive or external storage device, as you may need them if they’re not automatically installed during the Atlas OS setup.
Installing Atlas OS on Windows 11
Now that we’ve taken the necessary precautions, let’s proceed with the installation process:
1. Download Required Files
Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO file. Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO in your preferred language.
Step 2: Download Atlas OS components. Go to the Atlas OS website (atlasos.net) and download both the Atlas Playbook and AME Wizard files.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive
Step 1: Download and install Rufus, a tool for creating bootable USB drives.
Step 2: Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB) into your computer.
Step 3: Open Rufus and select your USB drive from the device list.
Step 4: Click the “Select” button next to “Boot selection” and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
Step 5: Click “Start” to begin creating the bootable USB drive. When prompted, select the option to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, as well as the requirement for an online Microsoft account.
Step 6: Once Rufus completes the process, copy the Atlas OS ZIP files you downloaded onto the same USB drive.
3. Install Windows 11
Step 1: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to do this.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. When prompted, choose to create a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
Step 3: Do not connect to the internet during the installation process to prevent automatic driver updates.
4. Install Atlas OS
Step 1: Once Windows 11 is installed, copy the Atlas Playbook and AME Wizard ZIP files from your USB drive to the desktop.
Step 2: Extract the Atlas Playbook ZIP file. Open the extracted folder and run the “Disable Automatic Driver installation” file. Confirm any prompts to allow changes to the registry.
Step 3: Extract the AME Wizard Beta ZIP file and run the AME Wizard Beta utility.
Step 4: In the AME Wizard, click on “Drag .apbx file to load Playbook” and select the .apbx file from the Atlas Playbook folder.
Step 5: If you receive an “Unverified Playbook” prompt, click “I understand” > “Run actions” > “Open Windows Security”, and then disable all security options.
Step 6: Return to the AME Wizard and click “Next”. Connect to the internet when prompted and click “Check again”.
Step 7: Continue through the configuration options, keeping the recommended settings selected. Click “Next” to begin the Atlas OS installation process.
Step 8: Wait for the installation to complete. Atlas OS will remove unnecessary services and install only the requested components.
You’ve now successfully installed Atlas OS on your Windows 11 system. Enjoy the streamlined experience and improved gaming performance. Remember to install your preferred applications and games, as Atlas OS provides a clean slate with only essential services.