Microsoft has officially introduced a Windows 11 ISO tailored for Arm-based systems, marking a significant milestone months after the launch of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite. While various workarounds existed to run Windows on Arm devices, this official release promises a seamless experience for everyday users.
Advancements in the Windows on Arm Ecosystem
Microsoft’s commitment to the Windows on Arm ecosystem is not new; the company has been diligently refining this platform for several years. With the recent debut of the Snapdragon X Elite and potential Arm solutions from Nvidia on the horizon, the timing for an official Windows release for Arm devices could not be more appropriate. Previously, users had to navigate the Windows Insider Program to access Windows 11, an ironic situation considering Qualcomm has been Microsoft’s exclusive partner for Windows on Arm since 2016, a partnership set to conclude this year.
The ISO file, slightly exceeding 5GB, aligns with the typical size for Windows 11 installation media. Microsoft has provided a comprehensive guide detailing how to utilize this build within Hyper-V to create Arm64 Virtual Machines (VMs). However, it is essential to note that Arm64 VMs are incompatible with x86-64 hardware.
For installation, Microsoft recommends following standard procedures akin to those used for x86-based systems. Users can either mount the ISO file as a virtual bootable disc or create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus. This build is designed to operate smoothly on systems equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, although users may need to manually install specific drivers from their device manufacturers.
It is worth mentioning that devices powered by older Snapdragon processors may require OEM drivers to be integrated into the ISO file, as a direct installation could lead to boot failures or other complications.
In an exploratory attempt, we attempted to install the new Windows 11 ISO on a Raspberry Pi 5 with 4GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the installation did not succeed, but we anticipate that the Raspberry Pi community will soon delve into the ISO to explore potential compatibility solutions.
This development signifies a promising advancement, especially as Arm technology emerges as a formidable contender to x86’s long-standing market dominance. While we await the entry of other significant players such as MediaTek, Nvidia, and AMD into this arena, the landscape is poised for change in the coming years. Increased competition fosters a healthier market environment, benefiting consumers and driving innovation forward.
