A customized variant of Windows 11, referred to as Windows 11 Government Edition, has recently surfaced. Screenshots of this version were shared on Twitter by Andy Kirby (via Günter Born).
Reportedly, this specialized edition has been meticulously tailored with all telemetry and Microsoft applications removed, and there are no restrictions on hardware compatibility.
Multiple screenshots highlight different aspects of this edition. Notably, the Start menu features no pinned icons or recent items. The “All Apps” section on the Start menu contains only five apps and a folder.
An unexpected addition among the five applications is Windows Backup, providing cloud-based backup capabilities for government computers running Windows 11.
Key programs such as Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Defender Antivirus are notably absent from this edition.
Moreover, this version deviates from the typical system requirements of Windows 11, enabling installation on older hardware devices.
Clarifying the Windows 11 Government Edition Situation
Is there truly a distinct version of Windows 11 designed for government use? While the concept of Microsoft creating tailored editions seems plausible, the discussed Windows 11 Government Edition is not an official Microsoft release.
It represents a customized iteration of Windows 11 with significant modifications. Some may recall Tiny11, another customized Windows 11 version that excluded various components to create a more compact and nimble operating system.
The government edition can be found on P2P networks and appears to use an unofficial activation service, indicating its unauthorized nature.
Concluding Remarks
While it’s conceivable that Microsoft could develop specialized editions for governmental bodies, it is unlikely that they would omit essential utilities like Edge or Defender from such versions.
Although the reported Windows 11 Government Edition is not authentic, it resonates with many users’ preferences. An edition of Windows 11 free from Telemetry, advertisements, and other undesired features continually integrated by Microsoft? The concept of such a release would likely receive broad acclaim.
If a genuine and accessible Windows 11 Government Edition does exist, it would not be open to the general public. Ordinary consumers, businesses, and most commercial clients would not have access to the specialized edition of Windows 11.
While the temptation to download this iteration of Windows 11 from P2P sources may arise, it is advised against unless conducted for testing or documentation purposes. Historically, Windows 11 ISO images shared via P2P have contained malicious software, posing considerable risks when utilizing such versions of the operating system.
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