Documentation
HyperOS documentation
Everything you need to install and get the most out of HyperOS — the free, debloated Windows 11 25H2 gaming build. Start with the quick version, then dig into the detail below.
Install HyperOS
Get HyperOS running on your PC in a few steps.
Start here → ②Post-Install
Tune your setup with the desktop toolkit.
Open → ③Drivers
Get network and GPU drivers working right.
Guide → ?FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Read →What is HyperOS?
HyperOS is a modified version of Windows 11 Pro 25H2, focused on gaming. It's built from a clean, official Windows image and then stripped of the parts most people never use — Copilot and Windows AI, telemetry, background bloat and ads — while the settings that matter for latency and frame pacing are tuned for you out of the box.
In short: it's still Windows and your apps and games run normally, it's just lighter, quieter and faster to respond. It's completely free — the project only runs on donations.
Before you start
Make sure you have the following ready:
- A 64-bit PC with at least 8 GB of RAM and ~30 GB of free space.
- A USB stick of 8 GB or more (it will be wiped).
- A tool to make the USB bootable — Rufus, Ventoy or any other you're comfortable with. All free.
- A backup of anything important — installing wipes the target drive.
- Your GPU driver downloaded in advance — NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
Installation
The short version: make a bootable USB, boot from it, and let it install. Here it is step by step.
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Make the USB bootable
Easiest with Rufus: pick your USB stick, select the HyperOS.iso file, leave the partition scheme as GPT / UEFI, and click Start. Prefer Ventoy? Install it to the USB once, then just copy the .iso onto it — no reflashing next time. Either works.
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Boot from the USB
Restart the PC and open the boot menu — the key depends on your motherboard or laptop (commonly F12, F11, F9, F8 or Esc). Pick the USB drive in UEFI mode. Not sure which key? See the full table below.
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Install Windows
Follow the installer. When asked, choose Custom install and select the drive you want HyperOS on. It will copy files and reboot on its own.
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First boot
HyperOS skips the noisy setup — no forced Microsoft account, no OOBE questions. It lands you on the desktop with a ready local user called HyperOS.
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Install your GPU driver
Install the graphics driver for your card (NVIDIA, AMD or Intel) and reboot. That's all most people need — you're ready to play.
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Run the toolkit Optional · advanced
On the desktop you'll find the optional POST-INSTALL folder with extra tweaks and toggles (see the next section). It's aimed at users who know what each option does.
These tools change system settings. They're optional and for advanced users — we take no responsibility if applying them breaks your PC. If you're unsure, skip this step; HyperOS already runs great without it.
Boot menu keys
When you restart to boot from the USB, you tap a key to open the boot menu (to pick the USB) or BIOS/UEFI (to change settings like Secure Boot). The key depends on your brand — tap it repeatedly right as the PC powers on. Here are the common ones:
Desktop motherboards
| Brand | Boot menu | BIOS / UEFI |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS | F8 | Del / F9 |
| Gigabyte | F12 | Del |
| MSI | F11 | Del |
| ASRock | F11 | Del / F2 |
| Biostar | F9 | Del |
| Intel | F10 | Del / F2 |
Laptops
| Brand | Boot menu | BIOS / UEFI |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F12 | F2 |
| HP | F9 / Esc | F10 / Esc |
| Lenovo | F12 / Novo button | F2 / F1 |
| Acer | F12 * | F2 |
| ASUS | Esc / F8 | F2 |
| MSI | F11 | Del |
| Samsung | Esc / F12 | F2 |
| Toshiba | F12 | F2 |
| Sony VAIO | F11 / Assist button | F2 |
| Microsoft Surface | Hold Volume Down + Power | Hold Volume Up + Power |
Post-install toolkit
An optional POST-INSTALL folder ships on the desktop. Everything is a simple .bat you double-click — nothing runs on its own. The main pieces:
Toggle panel
Turn WiFi, Bluetooth, printing, the fax queue, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop and Windows Update on or off whenever you want.
Tools
Apply the MAX PERFORMANCE power plan, clean temp files, reset the network, make a restore point, or launch DDU for clean GPU driver swaps.
Programs
Quick links to Steam, Discord, browsers, MSI Afterburner and HWiNFO to set up fast. The Microsoft Store comes included and ready to use.
Drivers
Unlike some builds, HyperOS comes with network drivers already injected (Ethernet and the most common WiFi chipsets), so you should have internet right after install. Still, two things are on you:
- GPU driver — install graphics drivers manually for full performance: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Grab them from the vendor site before you start, in case network needs setup.
- Rare WiFi/LAN chips — if your network adapter isn't detected, install its driver from the manufacturer (Realtek, Intel, MediaTek, etc.). The toolkit includes a network-reset tool if the adapter acts up.
Anti-cheat & Secure Boot
HyperOS never touches game kernels or driver signing, so anti-cheats run normally. Kernel-level ones (FACEIT, RICOCHET, Vanguard) additionally need Secure Boot + TPM 2.0 — that's their requirement on any Windows, not something HyperOS changes.
- EasyAntiCheat / BattlEye — work out of the box.
- FACEIT — enable Secure Boot in your BIOS.
- RICOCHET (Warzone) — enable Secure Boot + TPM 2.0.
- Vanguard (Valorant) — needs SB + TPM; test it, as it's the strictest.
FAQ
Is HyperOS really free?
Yes — 100% free, always. It isn't a product and nothing is sold. The project only runs on donations, and supporters get thank-you perks like early updates and beta access.
Can I get banned for using it?
No. HyperOS is optimization, not cheating — it never modifies games or anti-cheats. Just enable Secure Boot / TPM for the games that require it.
Will my games and apps still work?
Yes. It's still Windows 11. Steam, Epic, your launchers, Discord, browsers and normal apps all run as usual.
Is there Windows Update?
It's turned off by default for stability. You can turn it on any time from the toolkit's toggle panel, update, and turn it back off if you like.
What about antivirus? Defender is removed.
Defender is removed to keep the system light and free of background scanning. Honestly, with common sense — only downloading from trusted sources and not running random files — most gamers are perfectly fine without any antivirus. If you'd still rather have one, you're free to install a trusted third-party AV. It's your call.
Do I need to activate Windows?
HyperOS doesn't include or provide any license or activation. Use your own valid Windows license as you normally would.
Is there a Windows 10 version?
A HyperOS build for the latest Windows 10 is on the way, for people who don't want to move to Windows 11. Join the Discord to hear when it's ready.
Something broke — what do I do?
Reinstall is always the clean fix. For smaller issues, use the network-reset and restore-point tools in the toolkit, or ask in the Discord — that's what the community is for.