HandleOS Logo

Office Ready Switch icon Game On

HandleOS is a fan-made project based on Windows, developed by a solo developer with help from the community, made for those seeking a blazing fast OS, lightweight, privacy-focused, performance-optimized, and stable OS with fully reversible features.

Explore the world of HandleOS

HandleOS was born from the motto "Reversible": I test every change carefully, designing solutions that can always be undone. This approach can helps us deliver upgradable OS, high performance, stability, privacy, and compatibility - without sacrificing essential features.

Feedback Icon

Community / Your Feedback Matters

Unlike many custom ISOs that aggressively remove components (often breaking functionalities or updates), with HandleOS it maximizes performance while maintaining full compatibility, by carefully testing each change and listening to real feedback from users like you. This approach keeps the system update-ready - but with Console2Desk, you decide when and what to upgrade. Windows Defender stays fully functional to ensure ongoing security.

Connect with other HandleOS users, get support, and stay updated with the latest news and updates.

Special Thanks to everyone who has already contributed and trusted me! This project can only keep going and evolving if each of us helps cover server costs and license development fees. And to you, newcomer - if you'd like to support me, just imagine buying me a drink, a dinner, or contributing any amount to help keep the project alive! New supporters will also receive access to updates, optimizations, and news for all HandleOS tools.




Join us:





Please click a donation option below:



Buy Me a Drink
- Standard C2D Donator (€ 4.99)
Buy Me a Dinner - Premium C2D Donator (€ 19.99)
Support the Project - Any amount (even monthly), to help keep all C2D servers running over time.

Please note: Any donation below €4.99 will be considered a simple contribution to support general development and help cover server costs.
It will not include a C2D license as a gift.



Click me for details!

Build Your Windows with HandleOS

  • Base Icon Base:
    Get the official Windows 11 ISO (English or International English)
  • Tool Icon Tool:
    Download latest HandleOS ISO Creator
  • Requirements Icon Requirements:
    A Valid Microsoft License
ISO Creator

The process will safely customize your official Windows ISO by removing telemetry, unnecessary apps, and background services, while applying system tweaks to boost performance and installing the HandleOS theme & tools - all while keeping Windows Defender and essential security features active.

In addition, it will automatically download all required configuration files, reconfigure the ISO to create a new copy named HandleOS while preserving the original Windows ISO, and install a complete set of Windows platform libraries to ensure maximum compatibility with both legacy and modern software. This includes all Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, every .NET Framework version from 1.0 to the latest, modern JavaScript libraries, Shockwave, XNA, WebView2, the full DirectX suite, and OpenAL audio libraries used by certain classic applications.

(You can change the OS language after successfully installing HandleOS.)

HandleOS Companion Tools Suite

Every HandleOS tool is designed with the vision of creating a Windows environment ready for both productivity and leisure - without the sterile feel of an office PC when it's time to relax. Ideas are conceived, built, and refined over time through community feedback, ensuring the operating system remains highly responsive and performant. This makes the project unique and close to its users, so it's important that you participate too.

Console2Desk Icon

Console2Desk (C2D)
The panel heart of the HandleOS experience

Accessible anywhere with keyboard CTRL+SHIFT+F7 or gamepad SELECT+START shortcuts.

From office Windows Desktop to boot-up into anything you like.
Main Boot Modes:

Console Mode
Console Mode
NO Windows UI, and the system starts with minimal services, and with Windows App Store working limitations.
Hybrid Mode
Hybrid Mode
NO Windows UI, but the system launches with seamless integration between Windows App Store and Legacy Desktop apps, without sacrificing compatibility.
Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode
Full Windows Desktop experience, ideal for office productivity.
Desktop Temporary Mode
Desktop Temporary Mode
Launch temporary Windows desktop, for quick tasks during the current session. On the next boot, it automatically returns to the mode set in Launcher Settings, making it non-permanent.

Some C2D Key Features:

  • - Custom Animated UI Libraries and Optimizations: General library custom UI, Volume/brightness control and SSD monitoring.
  • - Quick Access to Favorite Apps: Add, up to three applications with Custom Apps.
  • - Advanced VRAM Management: Optimize performance for AAA games on devices with limited RAM.
  • - HandleOS TabView: Navigate between background applications.
  • - Hybrid Mode custom-designed Context Menu: Has been implemented specifically for handheld devices. In Hybrid Mode, this menu replaces the default Windows Context Menu.
  • - HandleOS Restore Boost: Maintain system performance by each system Upgrades.
  • - Integrated Controller Test: Verify the calibration and functionality of your gamepads.
  • - Tweak Paradise: Various system tweaks to boost FPS.

Support the donation system and receive a license to download the latest Console2Desk

Console2Desk Icon

With C2D Launcher Settings transform your PC into Anything!

ISO Creator

You can run any software at startup without even realizing it's running on Windows. Essentially, you can turn your PC into an old console, a Steam Deck-like system, a Multi Arcade Barebone System, or a dedicated software machine - all without ever seeing that Windows is running in the background - combined with the high performance that only a Custom ISO can deliver. With the Launcher Settings, you can not only decide what software replaces the standard Windows Desktop at startup, but also enable the "Barebone Mode", which safely removes any boot logos (except the BIOS logo, which must be customized by the user). When combined with Console Mode or Hybrid Mode, this creates a fully custom experience without any reference to Windows itself.

Icona Notebook Icona XboxGamePass Icona Steam Icona GOG Icona Gioco Icona GOG Icona Gioco Icona Gioco
Notebook Console Portatile
Immagine Steam
Immagine Steam
Immagine GOG
Immagine Gioco
Immagine Gioco
Immagine Gioco
Immagine Gioco
Console2Desk Icon

HandleOS Restore Boost Keep your system running at its best

ISO Creator

Exclusively for HandleOS users, this tool is designed to preserve system performance, privacy, and full control, even after frequent Windows updates. Because Microsoft's updates often introduce deep system changes, continuous testing is required to ensure stability and efficiency. Based on community feedback, I also work to address problematic updates and improve the overall experience. This Window is one of the core features of HandleOS and will continue to evolve over time. Here you will find several checkboxes, with the main button being "Start Boost". The other options provide additional functionalities and include a list window that informs you if you need to apply the boost, as Microsoft may install other software without user consent. For more details, please refer to the Documentation section.






Rocket

Increase VRAM System (This simulation test is based on an APU system with 4GB of total shared RAM) Allows you to manage virtual RAM and run applications that would not normally work on Windows. These switches help you run AAA games on systems with limited GPU VRAM.

Console2Desk Icon

HotKeys4Console2Desk

It is a lightweight, essential hotkey assistant for Console2Desk, designed to help with secondary tasks in Desktop Mode and hotkey functions. It runs as a background application/service without a graphical interface, and the menu is accessible primarily through an icon in the System Tray.

Additional features are explained in detail, one by one, in the Documentation and User Guide section.

HK4C2D System Tray
Box 1 Icon

Autorun at Startup

The Autorun CMD service of HotKeys4Console2Desk.

Box 2 Icon

Battery status warning

If you're gaming and don't notice the battery level.

Box 3 Icon

Open HandleOS TabView

Customize your own buttons to open HandleOS TabView (with a small vibration).

Box 4 Icon

Change Computer Icon

Utility that lets you change the desktop icon.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R15

The benchmarks below were performed on the same hardware (Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, 16 GB RAM, Samsung 990 PRO NVMe, OS 23H2) under identical conditions. The only variable was the operating system: HandleOS vs Windows.



HandleOS
Windows

OpenGL

209.56 FPS
138.34 FPS

CPU Score

2463
1839
GPU Test CLICK HERE
CPU Test CLICK HERE

RAM Test

Consumption RAM on low level Netbook

Samsung NF210, Intel Atom N550, RAM 2 GB, OS 23H2, NO drivers installed and OS 23H2



HandleOS
Windows

RAM IDLE

546 GB
NULL Windows cannot boot
RAM Test CLICK HERE

C2D Donation Model

Given the extensive work behind the project, starting with version 4.0.0, Console2Desk is available to those who invest in or donate to the project. (All the previous deprecated versions remain available for free.)

Console2Desk Donations

To support the development of HandleOS, you can obtain a C2D license gift by donating:

  • Standard C2D Donator: Donate a minimum from Euro 4.99
  • Premium C2D Donator: Donate a minimum from Euro 19.99 or more to become a Premium Donor

The two Donations will differ in terms of features, themes and multi-language support. By voluntary donation, you are supporting the project on going, it's not purchasing a license.

If you would like to support the ongoing development from time to time, you are welcome to make a donation of any amount (anyway it helps me keep all the server services running). Please, consider that maintaining this project incurs monthly costs on my side.

Once donated, the C2D license gift will be processed and then sent to your email within 3 to 48 hours, depending on the PayPal system's processing registration time. (Please, check your spam folder before contacting me if you haven't received an email regarding your license)

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.



Please note: Any donation below €4.99 will be considered a simple contribution for general purposes development. It will not include a license as a gift.




In Summary

HandleOS + Companion Tools represent a modular, powerful, and reversible ecosystem, developed with and for the community.

You can install HandleOS on any x86/x64 system, such as:

PC Desktop

PC Desktop

Laptop

Laptop

Handheld Device

Handheld

Developers and Power Users

PC Tablet

"It's not just a custom ISO - it's a new philosophy of using Windows."

Enhanced Security

Take control of your security needs and keep your data locally.

Customizable Settings

Fine-tune every aspect of your system.

Screenshots

Take a look at HandleOS in action.

Desktop Environment

A sleek and light desktop environment.

Quick Menu in Hybrid Mode

Manage your files with ease.

HandleOS TabView

Custom TabView to use in Console Mode.

Ready to Upgrade?

Download HandleOS today and experience the difference.

© 2024 HandleOS. All rights reserved.

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