The developers, who with Tiny11 have slimmed down Windows 11 so much that Microsoft's current operating system even runs in the memory of a graphics card, have presented a new feat: a Linux that starts from a Windows blue screen (BSOD).
If you'd rather look for an alternative to Linux, we have a savings tip: Buy Windows 11 Pro legally for just 70 euros instead of 259 euros.
The curious project is called “BugCheck2Linux”. It uses a software driver that can be used to start the RISC-V emulator on Linux with a BugCheck callback. To put it somewhat flippantly: Windows crashes and falls into a Linux shell. The makers explain the whole thing like this on X/Twitter:
A little-known feature of Windows Bug Check (the infamous BSOD) is that it can be used to launch a callback driver that can execute code even if the system has crashed. Although it is intended for troubleshooting, it can also be used for other unconventional purposes such as…. Run Linux!
Although this Linux runs, it has significant limitations. For example, the resolution is only 640 x 480 pixels with just 16 colors. It only runs on computers with BIOS. But above all: it reacts very slowly and certain keys such as Backspace are not available.
BugCheck2Linux is of course not a serious and sensible approach at this point in time when Windows 11 crashes. Firstly, hardly any Windows user can do anything with a Linux system and secondly, it does not restore the data and applications that are caused by the blue screen Windows have been lost. In addition, starting a Linux system does not eliminate the cause of Windows 11 crashing.
BugCheck2Linux
BugCheck2Linux
Instead, BugCheck2Linux is currently seen as a curious technology demo that shows what is possible with Windows after a crash. BugCheck2Linux is an entertaining technology demonstration, but not a concrete solution to a crash that actually occurs.
On Github you can find the BugCheck2Linux project page here.
This YouTube video shows how Windows 11 crashes and then Linux starts after a few seconds:
All reports about Tiny11:
