ShowOS, the dangerous version of Windows 11 you shouldn't install

ShowOS has crept into the conversation as the umpteenth “light variant” of Windows 11 that promises more performance, less resource consumption and a supposedly ideal experience for gaming. Behind it is an intense promotional campaign and two well-known names in the modding scene. Windows, But the warning signs are too clear as to be ignored.

Before you get carried away by the marketing hype, it's worth analyzing what exactly ShowOS is, How it's built from Windows 11 Pro (24H2 not completed), what parts have been removed along the way and, above all, what security, stability and legal implications its installation entails. What you are about to read below integrates what has been published by the media and compares it with good cybersecurity practices for don't take chances with your PC.

What is ShowOS and who's behind it?

ShowOS is an unofficial edition of Windows 11 built from Windows 11 Pro with the unfinished 24H2 update. Its promoters are the YouTubers Sfdxshow and xdoofy92 (the latter known for MiniOS), who have cut and tweaked the system with the promise of achieving a “faster, cleaner, and more gamer-friendly” Windows.

The idea is linked to the concept of “Windows Lite” or custom builds: remove components, automate settings and deliver an ISO that, in theory, consumes fewer resources and minimizes background processes. The problem is that, since it's not a Microsoft build, There are no guarantees of security, support or Automatic Updates equivalent to the official ones.

To top it all off, ShowOS comes “factory activated” with a license that is not legal. This, in addition to being a source of problems with Microsoft, raises the key question: if neither the base nor the distribution channel respect the rules, Why should we trust the rest?

How ShowOS Was Built: The Changes Under the Hood

The creators of this build have started from Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (incomplete) and have applied several modifications. To begin with, they have the installation wizard has been made up (background and color theme) to make it look like something else when, in reality, the base remains the same. In addition, they have automated tasks so that the system finishes configuring itself and the user touches as little as possible.

One of the headlines that makes the most noise is that they have removed hardware requirements (as TPM and Secure Boot) and Internet connection during installation. This may sound convenient, but It is something that is achieved safely With tools like Rufus, starting from an official ISO. Blindly bypassing those requirements is sacrificing layers of security that Microsoft has introduced precisely to protect your computer.

Even more worrying is that, as soon as it is installed, ShowOS takes up less space than an original Windows 11 Because about 5 GB of the Windows folder was deleted in one fell swoop. What went down the drain? Part of those gigabytes belong to services, drivers and components that the system needs. to maintain performance, compatibility and stability.

Among the cuts is a classic that you should never miss: Microsoft DefenderShowOS comes without a native antivirus, a disgrace for both inexperienced users and security-conscious environments. Losing this first line of defense is to open the door to malware, spyware or ransomware without realizing it.

What they promise versus what actually happens

On paper, ShowOS is intended to be faster than standard Windows 11. There are some rumors circulating on the networks. “spectacular” benchmarks, but various experts point out that These tests are manipulated or not comparableThe tactic seeks the placebo effect: if you see higher numbers, you tend to believe that everything is going better.

The underlying problem is technical: remove essential services and drivers, the system can't get the most out of the hardware. A trimmed-down Windows can boot with fewer processes, yes, but You will lose features that optimize real performance, energy management, programming of tasks or driver support that make the difference in long sessions and demanding games.

If any suspicions were not enough, the dissemination campaign has been striking: Promoted tweets, videos, podcast mentions and a significant investment in visibility. Even Sfdxshow's own content displays a "promotional content" warning. If it's free and no one's selling it, where does the money come from?

The answer, according to sources, points to the ISO being hosted in sites riddled with aggressive ads and unwanted software, which is where a large part of the financial return comes from. One wrong click on a page like this can end up dirtying your main computer, and if you install a system without security features, you get into an important garden.

Real dangers: security, legality and privacy

Working with a modified system that It does not have an antivirus It's simply a bad idea. Your PC is exposed to silent attacks that can steal data, encrypt files, or use your machine for illicit purposes without you even knowing. And if services like Windows Update, you will be left without critical patches that close known vulnerabilities.

In addition to technical insecurity, there is also legal insecurity: ShowOS is distributed with a illegal serial activationThis can lead to blockages, deactivations, or complaints, and it's certainly not the best foundation for a device you need every day for work or school. If you start bending the law, It is not unusual for the rest to follow the same path..

Privacy doesn't come out well either. Deep changes without external auditing fuel fears of possible back doors or altered telemetry. The community has been examining these builds for some time, and while in some cases there is no conclusive evidence, opacity and lack of transparency They do not help to generate trust.

As a cherry on top, those responsible have uploaded the download to websites full of intrusive advertising and potential malware. It's not an isolated practice: in this type of project, monetization usually comes from those ads and "extra" packages that no one asked for. For practical purposes, it only takes one mistake to put garbage into the system.

Bugs that users are already reporting

The creators boast that their Windows “runs smoothly” and “doesn’t cause any problems”, but The reports have arrived in a matter of daysOne of the first setbacks affects Windows Update: Errors were detected while attempting to update, which is expected if key system services have been removed.

There are also cases of locked settings screens immediately after installation, leaving users with a half-baked system and preventing proper setup. This type of initial blockage is a typical symptom of automation scripts that override critical settings.

Another recurring problem is higher battery consumption compared to an original Windows 11. If the components that manage power and sleep states are missing, the laptop doesn't optimize anything and drainage is greater. This contradicts the promise of efficiency used as a starting point.

The installation itself is not without its surprises either: there are errors during the process, hang ups at key moments and even what some call “eternal moments”, prolonged blockages with no real progress. When a system fails so much before starting, bad for the future.

Removed components and practical consequences

Among the confirmed cuts is the total disappearance of Microsoft Defender, the native Windows antivirus. Removing this piece leaves you without a integrated protective layer which, although not perfect, for most users provides an essential safety net against malware, ransomware, or spyware.

Another critical deletion affects Windows Update servicesWithout these, the system doesn't receive automatic updates or security patches. In other words, you're stuck with open vulnerabilities for weeks or months, just There that attackers take to exploit already documented flaws.

In addition, they have been disabled or removed hardware checks such as TPM and Secure Boot. It is true that this allows the system to be installed on older, not officially supported computers, but the toll is lose layers of security designed to prevent malicious startups and protect keys.

The sum of these decisions has very concrete effects: less driver support, more instability In everyday tasks, risk of games or applications failing due to missing dependencies and zero official supportIn productive or educational environments, the opportunity cost of a break justifies it on its own. Don't take risks with builds of this type.

• Loss of security: Without Defender or patches, your exposure is maximum.
• Reduced compatibility: Essential drivers and services are missing or failing.
• Inconsistent performance: Fewer processes does not equal more speed.
• UnsupportedIf something breaks, no one is responsible for it.

Why there is not (yet) a complete inventory of what was removed

The available sources clearly point to the most serious cuts, but there is no exhaustive list of all services and components touched. There are three main reasons: In-depth forensic analysis is lacking by laboratories or entities of ciberseguridad, illegality of distribution makes official evaluations difficult and Installing it for research carries risks evident.

User experiences —such as stuck configurations or error-ridden installations—suggest that there are more changes under the surfaceIt will not be known with precision until someone, with the means and in a controlled environment, carries out a complete breakdown and document every difference from an original Microsoft ISO.

Until that happens, the responsible thing to do is to assume that what is not seen can be worse that has been confirmed. And we're talking about an operating system here, not just any app: a single malicious modification or a critical service that has been badly cut can compromise everything.

In this context, prudence is key. If you really need a Windows without TPM requirements or without a mandatory connection to install, There are transparent methods that are based on the official ISO (for example, through Rufus) and do not force you to give up security and support.

Context, reputation and sensible alternatives

Media attention has also put the spotlight on Daniel Rodríguez (xdoofy92) and its history with MiniOS. It has already been documented that this build hid an obfuscated Trojan and a botnet capable of using third-party equipment for DDoS attacks. With that background, it makes sense for the community to look at ShowOS with magnifying glass and skepticism.

For its part, Sfdxshow He has vehemently defended his project on social media, sometimes with a harsh tone and disparaging those who point out risks. This attitude, coupled with the heavy investment in advertising and promotional content, does not add confidence. It has even been suggested that there are computer stores installing it, an idea that, if true, would be reckless; and if it isn't, it's used as a publicity hook.

It is worth remembering that Microsoft advises against any modified version of Windows. Although there has been no specific communication about ShowOS, its historical position is clear: unofficial builds break the security model, lack support and may violate the terms of use. And all this before getting into the ethical question of distribute illegally activated systems.

If your computer is just right for Windows 11, you have sensible alternatives: or you upgrade hardware (more RAM, SSD, a new team if necessary) or you take the leap to Linux, where lightweight distributions can give you back your agility without introducing risks. The "Tiny" or "Lite" variants of Windows that are circulating, even those generated with open scripts, They always bring resignations that will exploit you sooner or later.

Stay with ShowOS It's taking the fast track at the expense of your security, stability, and privacy. The combination of cutbacks (Defender off, Updates disabled, security requirements disabled), early failures (problematic installations, configuration locks, worse battery life), and distribution on channels riddled with ads and unwanted software leaves little room for doubt: if you're looking for performance and peace of mind, Stick with original Windows or consider Linux; playing roulette with your system is not worth it.