Gorstaks Debloat Tools, presets and guide to debloating Windows [Guide + Download]

This guide explains how to create a heavily optimized, customized, and debloated Windows ISO using a combination of tools like NTLite, WinReducer, DISM++, and some carefully selected source files. The goal is to produce a fully functional Windows install image that works with Microsoft Store, Xbox, and old/new games, while removing bloat and reducing CPU load.

You’ll need a few tools and some patience — but in return, you get a clean, fast, and responsive Windows installation tailored to your needs.

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Step 1: Download the Base ISO

A. Choose the Right Source

You must start with a genuine Windows ISO. There are several sources:

1. UUPdump.net
   This downloads a script that fetches UUP packages directly from Microsoft and assembles a full ISO.

2. UUP Adguard
   Similar to UUPDump, it offers UUP package download options and builds the ISO locally.

3. Media Creation Tool (MCT)
   Downloads the official current ISO and verifies it with a hash, which is important for integrity.

4. Download ESD File + Convert via DISM++
   ESD files are smaller encrypted versions of Windows installation media, available via Microsoft servers. You can convert them to ISO with DISM++ (explained later).

5. Other download sources:

   • Heidoc.net ISO Downloader (official links)

   • Archive.org (older versions, customized builds)

   • GetMyOS.com, Bob Pony, etc.

Tip: Avoid Insider Preview and Dev channel versions. These often contain diagnostics and debugging services Microsoft uses internally — meaning they have deep access to your system. Stick with stable public releases only.

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B. Choose the Right Edition

Microsoft bundles multiple editions (Home, Pro, Education, etc.) into a single ISO. You want Business editions, not Consumer.

• Consumer/Home: Bloated with telemetry, locked-down policies, and tracking.

• Pro (under Consumer SKU): Has hidden policies that apply on install.

• Business Editions: Cleanest base with fewer forced features.

Search for a business ESD file for the version you want (example: “Windows 10 23H2 Business ESD pastebin”). This will usually lead you to MyDigitalLife forums or a direct Microsoft link.

Once you download the ESD, convert it to ISO using DISM++.

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Step 2: Get a Functional Setup Boot.wim

Debloating tools like WinReducer may corrupt or strip essential files from boot.wim (the setup environment). So instead of fixing it yourself, grab a clean version from someone who’s already done it right.

Where to Get It:

Go to archive.org, search for:

winreducer


Then look for user Macky Reddy — they upload extremely stripped-down Windows ISOs. These are not for install, but are perfect as a base to extract a good boot.wim from. You’ll use this to replace your broken one later.

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Step 3: Convert Store ESD to ISO Using DISM++

1. Open DISM++

2. Use the menu: File → ESD → ISO

3. Convert your downloaded ESD to ISO

4. Mount the new ISO

5. Copy all files to a new folder, e.g. C:\ISO_WORK1

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Step 4: First Round of Debloating – NTLite (New Version)

1. Open the latest version of NTLite (free version works fine)

2. Load C:\ISO_WORK1 as the ISO source

3. Mount the image for the edition you want (e.g., Windows 10 Pro)

4. Apply your custom preset: ntlitenew install

   • This removes unnecessary features and apps

5. Save and unmount when done

Note: NTLite often fails to install .NET Framework 3.5. That’s okay — you’ll fix this later in DISM++.

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Step 5: Second Debloating – NTLite (Old Version v1.5)

Why use the old version?

• No version restrictions — it works on anything

• It supports security update cleanup, which newer versions removed

1. Open NTLite 1.5

2. Load C:\ISO_WORK1 again

3. Use your second preset: ntliteold install

4. Save and close

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Step 6: Install .NET Framework 3.5 (Offline)

Since NTLite fails to do this:

1. Open DISM++

2. Load C:\ISO_WORK1

3. Navigate to Features

4. Enable .NET Framework 3.5

5. If prompted, point it to sources\sxs folder inside the ISO directory

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Step 7: Optional Debloating – WinReducer EX-110

1. Open WinReducer EX-110 (latest version)

2. Load C:\ISO_WORK1

3. Apply your custom preset

Warning: Do not debloat boot.wim using WinReducer — it often becomes unbootable. You’ll replace it next.

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Step 8: Replace Setup Layout (boot.wim)

1. Mount the Macky Reddy ISO

2. Copy all files to a second folder: C:\ISO_WORK2

3. Inside C:\ISO_WORK2\sources, delete install.esd (if it exists)

4. From your first ISO folder (C:\ISO_WORK1\sources), copy the debloated install.wim into C:\ISO_WORK2\sources

Now you have:

• A clean boot.wim from Macky Reddy (setup works)

• A debloated install.wim from your build

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Step 9: Recompress and Convert WIM to ESD (Optional)

1. Open NTLite (any version)

2. Load C:\ISO_WORK2

3. Use the tools to compress install.wim and convert it to install.esd

4. Replace the original file

5. You can rename it back to install.wim if needed and refresh NTLite to detect the extension

ESD compression reduces size but may cause issues with some 3rd-party tools. Use WIM if unsure.

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Step 10: Create the Final ISO

1. With C:\ISO_WORK2 loaded in NTLite

2. Choose the Create ISO option

3. Name it something unique (e.g., Custom_23H2_Business.iso)

4. Save it

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Final Outcome

You now have a custom, debloated Windows ISO that:

• Installs successfully using Macky Reddy’s setup environment

• Has no telemetry, bloatware, or useless features

• Works with:

  • Microsoft Store

  • Xbox Game Pass

  • Microsoft accounts

  • Old software, games, and new apps

• Runs lighter and faster, saving CPU cycles and RAM

The only downside is that Cumulative Updates may fail, depending on which components were removed. You can still install most security updates and features manually.