What build of Windows 8.1 to put on Core 2 Duo?

Question

Windows

Hello!
There is a 2011 Macbook with Core 2 Duo + 8 GB RAM, it is still alive, and I don’t want to merge Avito for a penny yet.
It costs El Capitan and Windows 2003 Server - I use it in a ratio of 1% / 99%. Windows flew and flies, but I want to roll at least 8.1
Standard 8.1 Pro / Ultimate noticeably slow down in the interface - menus / windows.
I liked the Live CD build from Strelec based on WinPE 8.1 - due to the fact that a lot of unnecessary components are thrown out, everything works very quickly. But it is only in the form of Boot CD / USB for repair.
Which of the known assemblies can be installed as a permanent OS?
It is desirable that everything or almost everything be thrown out: unnecessary network protocols, Mongolian languages, auto updates, security bells and whistles (UAC, Firewall, Defender), Metro interface, Weather, Exchange prices, etc., etc.
All you need is a classic interface like StartIsBack, TCP / IP, media components / codecs, and everything basic.
The machine is not the main one, there is no banking software on it, so firewall / av, as well as daily updates, are not needed at all.
More or less like this. I would be grateful if someone could share their knowledge!
PS: Please, answers to the point. No need to advise Linux, Win 10, or give a laptop to the hungry children of Africa :)

Answer 1

Grab the free version of ntlite and rebuild the install image. On top you can grind Dism++ , WinAeroTweaker .
With these utilities, without much long picking, I cut the figure eight so that it began to work adequately even on netbooks.

Answer 2

Standard 8.1 Pro / Ultimate noticeably slow down in the interface - menus / windows.

With an SSD and 8GB of memory, nothing slows down. And in terms of performance, it is no different from the seven.

I liked the Live CD build from Strelec based on WinPE 8.1

Well, firstly, assemblies cannot be used in any case - only original images from macrosoftware, the exception is self-made assemblies.
Although if you don't care how it will work, you can also stick the assembly on the left.
Secondly, the assembly you are talking about is based on the WinPE operating system - it's not Windows, it's just an installation environment and nothing more.

Answer 3

Native canonical Windows 7 Professional.

Answer 4

Roll over Windows 10 LTSB. This is the version from which EDGE, Store and METRO applications were cut. You will be offered the 2016 version - do not be afraid. LTSB has a long support life and the next version is expected sometime in late 2019.
I strongly advise you to avoid thoughts of abandoning updates and “security stray”. We live in an era of viruses that can get in and install themselves even if the user is not logged in. Well, that is, all this can be turned off, but there will be no obvious royal increase in speed (all this code uses resources surprisingly well and wisely), and security will sag a lot . Regardless of your skill level
Why all the same Win10, although it was asked not to be mentioned? Because optimization was brought into it and it will be faster than Win7 on similar hardware.
Otherwise, you will get a stable system with a minimum of configuration, as you want, which receives updates 2-3 times a year (not counting windows defender), but only the most critical bug fixes.
Of the obvious disadvantages:
- You can never license it for home use. From the word in general.
- You will never be able to add an EDGE or a store there, even if you really want to.
Anticipating a contemptuous smirk: you will need to look at the PDF one day. And the choice is either a reinforced concrete-working utility built into EDGE, or a free application from the store for a megabyte or two, or something hacked, broken, downloaded from a dubious warez site with a note “before installing, be sure to turn off the antivirus!” ... That's how I this edition and refused at the time.