Innovative Project Brings Windows to Android Smartwatches
Windows on Arm has a storied history, dating back to the Surface RT, but a new venture is taking the concept in an unexpected direction. Gustave Monce, a PhD student from Bordeaux, has embarked on an audacious project that aims to run Windows on an Android smartwatch, specifically the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Monce’s initiative, humorously dubbed “Windows on ARM (ARM as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, not the Cambridge-based firm),” showcases a blend of creativity and technical prowess. While the use of block capitals for “ARM” may be a playful misdirection, it reflects Monce’s commitment to the whimsical nature of his undertaking.
Initially unveiled on April Fools’ Day, Monce has since clarified the seriousness of his project with a note stating:
EDIT 4/1/2025 – 10:20 PM UTC+2: This is/was serious, and is not a joke. This is UEFI on Pixel Watch 3 with the ability to boot Windows and Linux.
For those intrigued by the technical aspects, Monce invites interested parties to explore the code behind this endeavor, humorously referencing the ticking of the project with a pun.
Monce is no stranger to pushing boundaries; he previously developed DuoWOA, which enabled Windows 11 to run on Microsoft’s Surface Duo, a dual-screen device originally designed for Android. His efforts garnered attention in May 2022, and by October, he had successfully integrated Wi-Fi and cellular data capabilities. Additionally, he is working on LumiaWOA, aimed at running a full version of Windows 10 or 11 on the Nokia Lumia 950 and 950XL, devices that originally shipped with Windows 10 Mobile.
While the current state of the smartwatch project may appear rudimentary, Monce is utilizing an Arm64 build of Windows PE, which serves as a Preinstallation Environment—akin to a Linux live ISO. This approach allows the Google Pixel Watch 3 to boot a WinPE image via UEFI, a process that involves installing UEFI and enabling USB mass-storage mode. However, the final step of installing the operating system on the watch remains undocumented.
Monce acknowledges the playful nature of his project, stating:
Yes, this is an April Fools project, and like with every April Fools project I personally do, it’s real and goofy and it’s not finished either. You can try it now. But honestly, you really should not lol.
Despite its current limitations, the project is undeniably impressive. While it may not serve a practical purpose just yet, the idea of customizing a smartwatch with alternative firmware is intriguing. For those seeking a more straightforward solution, however, the Pine64 PineTime remains a viable option.
