HelloAssembly: The smallest possible complete Windows application (2021)

2026-08-25 | original

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Why This Matters

HelloAssembly showcases the pursuit of creating the smallest possible complete Windows application using assembly language, highlighting techniques to optimize size while maintaining full functionality. This effort is significant for the tech industry as it pushes the boundaries of minimalism, efficiency, and understanding of Windows internals, which can influence embedded systems, security, and software optimization strategies.

Key Takeaways

The project demonstrates how to build a Windows app with minimal size using assembly language.
Various optimization techniques, including shell coding and manual PE headers, are explored to reduce executable size.
Virus scanners may flag these tiny applications as malware due to their aggressive optimization tactics, posing challenges for distribution.

HelloAssembly

The smallest possible complete Windows application.

From the episode "Hello, Assembly! Retrocoding the World's Smallest Windows App in x86 ASM" on Dave's Garage:

And the follow-up episode "C vs ASM: Making the World's SMALLEST Windows App":

Introduction

Code in the repository:

Optimized version of the original code is in the folder "TinyOriginal"

Version applying shell coding tactics is in the folder "Lasse"

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Explore topics: windows assembly pe header asm exe