While custom builds offer incredible performance, there are trade-offs to keep in mind:

achieves its performance goals by gutting core Windows security components, most notably Microsoft Defender . While suitable for hobbyists on isolated machines, it presents an unacceptable security posture for any system handling personal credentials, finance, or network access. Defender cannot be restored to full functionality.

: Telemetry, background services, and targeted ads are disabled by default to give you full control over your data. Classic Aesthetic

For privacy purists, that’s a win. For security-minded users, it’s a red flag—no built-in AV out of the box.