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Introduction | Download + Installation Guide | Features | Discussions | Hybrid Mode vs Console Mode | Guide to Restoring BCD | Tweak Paradise | Policy Privacy
In Discord channel where we can exchange ideas, provide support, and help each other out at:
The motto of HandleOS is "Reversible." This means that the core philosophy behind the project is to optimize Windows to its maximum potential for better performance—without ever crossing the border line.
What does this mean? It means that, yes, we could make HandleOS even lighter, strip the ISO down further, and remove more components—but at what cost? Doing so would result in a half-broken system, where essential functionalities stop working or you cant upgrade it. If so, some development tools, modern games, or applications relying on specific components OR newer Windows technologies would no longer function properly.
That’s why HandleOS is built to be fully reversible and always functional. The goal is not to create a barebones Windows version that sacrifices compatibility, but rather an optimized Windows experience—one that works just like stock Windows but as lightweight as only a custom ISO can be.
HandleOS is a fan-made project tailored for those seeking a lightweight, secure, privacy-focused, reversible features and stable OS, ideal for future handheld PCs and more. Based on Windows 11 official ISO (so from Microsoft's official site), a valid Microsoft license is required from your Microsoft device; HandleOS is optimized by removing telemetry, unnecessary software, services, while retaining all Windows Defender security features. This reduces RAM consumption to use approximately 1 GB in "IDLE Benchmark" (on a virtual machine), allowing more RAM to be allocated to the APU GPU and improving responsiveness.
After months of rigorous development, HandleOS now introduces a major milestone called Console2Desk tool. From C2D 4.1.0 version represents a complete overhaul of my previous work, featuring numerous improvements and exclusive new functionalities, including the ground breaking Hybrid Mod.
What’s New from Console2Desk 4.1.0?
First, I would like to remind you that you can recall Console2Desk from anywhere by using the following shortcuts:
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Keyboard
CTRL+SHIFT+F7= Opens Console2DeskCTRL+SHIFT+F5= Default call to open HandleOS TabView
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Controller/Gamepad
SELECT+START= Opens Console2Desk (with a small vibration)SELECT+LB+RB= Default call to open HandleOS TabView. You can change this setting through the menu in the System Tray. Please refer to the documentation in the Features section.
Hybrid Mode:
Hybrid Mode is an evolution of the other simpler function called Console Mode. It bridges the gap between desktop apps and UWP apps, enabling seamless integration of both environments. Previously, this level of compatibility was impossible in Console Mode that operate to cutting off many Windows services (without UI). With Hybrid Mode, you can fully customize your handheld or PC, offering unprecedented flexibility and control.
Only in Hybrid Mode we have HandleOS Touch Menu:
A brand-new, custom-designed Context Menu, has been implemented specifically for handheld devices. In Hybrid Mode, this menu replaces the default Windows Context Menu, offering an optimized experience for touch screen. Achieving this required advanced coding techniques to ensure smooth functionality.
Enhanced UI and Performance:
Revamped User Interface (UI): The Console2Desk UI has been reimagined from the latest 3.8.9/ 3.9.0 version, now featuring animated effects that improve user interaction.
Faster Mode Switching: Performance has been doubled when transitioning between modes, ensuring a seamless and responsive experience.
Customizable Program Shortcuts: Added three new customizable "icon boxes" where you can easily pin your favourites applications.
Improved TabView and More:
The TabView has been rewrite with low level language, alongside various under-the-hood enhancements that lay the foundation for even more ambitious features in the future.
C2D Licensing Model
Given the extensive work behind this major update, starting with version 4.0.0, Console2Desk is available to those who invest in or donate to the project (all the previous deprecated versions still available). Here’s how the licensing works from 4.0.0:
To support the development of HandleOS, you can obtain a license by donating:
- Standard License: Donate a minimum of €4.99.
- Premium License: Donate €19.99 or more to become a Premium Donor.
Both licenses currently offer the same features, but in future updates, they will differ in terms of themes and multi-language support. By donating, you are supporting the project, not purchasing a license.
If you would like to support the ongoing development with any amount time to time, you are welcome to make a donation in any amount. Please note that maintaining this project incurs some monthly costs from my side.
Please note: Any donation amount below €4.99 will be considered a simple donation to support the project and will not include any license as a gift.
You can make your donation using the buttons below, either directly on this page or through the HandleOS app installed:
PayPal
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Donate minimum €4.99: Click here
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Donate minimum €19.99: Click here
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Donate Any Amount: Click here
The license will be processed and then sent to your email as a gift within 3 to 48 hours, depending on the system’s processing time (please check your spam folder as well if you haven't received an email from me regarding your license, before contacting me 😊).
My goal is to create a community of enthusiasts eager to get the most out of these products, considering that both Linux and Windows have their Pros and Cons.
You can find installation instructions and the ISO here below, or by selecting the tab above:
📖 For Tweaks and Features Guides you can click here Tweak Paradise or here Features .
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Intel Atom N550 / 1.5 GHz ( Dual-Core ) | |
| 1.5 GB DDR3 SDRAM | |
| Any (with drivers compatible or modded for modern OS) |
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| 15 GB (Tested by VM) |
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Hybrid Mode/ Console Mode / Desktop Mode |
✅ |
NOTE: The benchmark and RAM consumption of approximately 1 GB, is based on a system with limited hardware characteristics. This value is intended to reflect the OS's lightness. HandleOS, by nature of being based on Windows, may use slightly more RAM if you have a large amount available on your PC, especially if there are default drivers that Windows has founded in its local database. Conversely, if the system has very limited specifications, HandleOS will adjust and use less RAM accordingly.
| Feature | HandleOS 11 |
|---|---|
| ✅ | |
| ✅ | |
| ✅ | |
| ✅ (Installable) | |
| ✅ (Installable) | |
| ✅ | |
| ✅ | |
| ✅ | |
| ✅ | |
HandleOS 3.1, to allow navigation to any OS folders/settings using an Xbox Controller or similar devices. However, to increase the security, it can be reactivated through Tweak Paradise in Console2Desk) |
✅ |
| ✅ |
In response to user feedback, I have completely rewritten the code for HandleOS TabView from scratch in C, starting with version 4.1.0.
This update allows for more reliable interaction with the operating system and introduces new effects in it.
You can now invoke HandleOS TabView not only with a controller by using BACK+LB+RB (remember you can change this controllers combination buttons, please read for more details in Features section) but also via keyboard using the shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+F5 and moving with Left and Right Arrows, to select the Background app press ENTER .
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It provides two modes for interacting with your Background applications:
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Informational View:
Shows a preview of the windows you're switching in between and will automatically close after about five seconds if no selection is made. -
Interactive View:
Navigate through apps using the D-Pad Left or Right Arrows on your controller to move between applications and press A to select an app.
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In addition to these improvements, you can still utilize multitasking features to switch between apps when running a scaling application alongside your game.
This dual functionality streamlines the process of managing multiple windows efficiently.
This project includes both open source and proprietary components:
- The Open and Close source components are licensed under the MIT License (see
LICENSE). - The proprietary components are subject to copyright and are licensed separately (see
COPYRIGHT).
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Italian Language
- Special thanks to the Italian YouTuber
Prob , for trusting and having been a dedicated beta tester on pre-release of HandleOS.
- Special thanks to developer @AderitoSilva for his amazing
XInputium driversand support—without him, it wouldn’t have been possible!
- A special thanks to my trusty test subject, the Rog Ally and one of my very old pc Samsung NF210, and all the SSDs that bravely endured my endless experiments.