Got my ROG Ally Windows install down to ~17GB (official LTSC)

I’ve seen a lot of posts here comparing different OS options and people asking how to debloat Windows on the Ally, so I’m sharing what worked for me in case it helps anyone else.

I’m using Windows 10 LTSC 2021 and ended up with:

17GB OS size

0-1% idle CPU

2.3GB idle RAM

No windows Store, No ads, No telemetry.

Using Firefox instead of Edge(Yes you can uninstall edge in LTSC)

Hibernation removed (Hibernation on Windows is unreliable anyways)

Bazzite was nice UX-wise but took 45-50GB after updates. Win11 LTSC is good too, just a bit heavier. Win10 LTSC stayed the smallest and most consistent.

⚠️ Before you install

Keep a keyboard and mouse handy. Touchscreen works during setup, but the controller won’t be detected right away.

🧩 Install (quick)

Flash Win10 LTSC 2021 (Internet Archive)

Delete everything except EFI + MSR during setup

Finish setup offline

🧩 Driver order

Chipset APU Audio WiFi BT ACSE

👾 Cleanup commands

Disable hibernation:

powercfg -h off

Disable reserved storage:

DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled

Cleanup old components:

dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase

Remove Edge(install preferred browser before uninstalling):

cd "%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\" setup.exe --uninstall --system-level --force-uninstall

⚙️ Quick Settings (proper step-by-step)

1. Set Pagefile to 1GB This PC --> Properties --> Advanced system settings --> Performance --> Settings --> Advanced --> Virtual Memory --> Disable auto --> Custom size 1024 / 1024 --> OK

2. Turn OFF unused Windows features Control Panel --> Turn Windows features on/off --> Uncheck: Internet Explorer, XPS, SMB1, Fax/Scan, Work Folders, Print Services

3. Enable Storage Sense Settings --> System --> Storage --> Storage Sense --> ON

4. Optional: Armoury Crate SE Install --> Update BIOS/FW --> Uninstall Install --> G-helper (lighter than ACSE)

🎮 Witcher 3 📊 (1080p, 25-30W)

FSR2 Balanced • High/Medium mix • HBAO+ • RT Off

86 - 90 FPS in the White Orchard village area

Up to 115 FPS in open areas.

📊 FPS comparison (same watts & settings as RogAllyLife - Crowded --> Open)

Win10 LTSC: 86-90 --> 110-115

Win11 Stock: 70-80 --> 95-105

Win11 LTSC: 76-82 --> 100-110

Bazzite/SteamOS: 65-75 --> 90-100

Tiny11/ReviOS: 75-88 --> 105-115

If you’re unsure about custom ISOs, this lets you stay on official Windows and still get a clean, lightweight setup.