Microsoft has finally released ISO images of Windows 11 for Arm architecture, a significant development that arrives years after the introduction of this hardware platform. The latest ISO pertains to the current version, Windows 11 24H2, signaling a serious commitment from the tech giant towards the Arm ecosystem. This move is particularly crucial as Microsoft aims to bolster the appeal of its Copilot+ PCs, with Arm’s CEO, Rene Haas, recently asserting that achieving a 50 percent market share in the PC segment is within reach over the next five years.
Streamlined Access to Windows on Arm
Previously, obtaining Windows on Arm was limited to VHDX files intended for virtual hard disk use or through various third-party sources. The introduction of an official ISO simplifies the process significantly, allowing users to explore the operating system on Arm-based devices, provided they have the necessary drivers in place.
With the ISO image, customers can create a bootable installation. Notably, devices equipped with Snapdragon X Series processors can operate without the need for additional drivers. However, while booting is feasible, users will still likely need specific drivers for other hardware components, a requirement that Microsoft suggests can be addressed through Windows Update.
For those utilizing earlier generations of Snapdragon processors, it will be necessary to inject drivers into the image to avoid boot failures. Additionally, users of other Arm devices can leverage the ISO to set up virtual machines (VMs). It is important to note that this image does not facilitate native Windows operation on Apple Silicon; instead, Microsoft advises creating an Arm64 VM on Apple devices. Similar constraints are expected for other Arm-based hardware, such as the Raspberry Pi 5, although community-driven driver solutions are likely to emerge soon.
The long-awaited release of the ISO marks a pivotal moment for Windows on Arm, addressing previous uncertainties regarding its viability. This development not only enhances support for existing Arm hardware but also opens the door for a broader array of devices in the future.
