Welcome to our detailed tutorial on how to install the latest Microsoft Windows operating systems, such as Windows 11 or Windows 10, on a Raspberry Pi device. With technology continually advancing, it’s crucial to stay updated with the most recent software versions. In this guide, specifically updated for the latest from Microsoft, you’ll learn the steps to get your Raspberry Pi running the newest Windows operating system.
Getting Started with Windows 11/10 Installation on Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is famed for its affinity with Linux-based operating systems, with the Raspberry Pi OS being a popular choice. Nevertheless, there is a growing interest in running Windows on Raspberry Pi. Officially, Microsoft supports the Raspberry Pi through Windows 10 IoT Core; however, this isn’t a full desktop OS—it’s designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) development. But, thanks to the ingenuity of the community, it’s possible to run a complete desktop version of Windows on a Raspberry Pi.
In this guide, we will share how you can install Windows 11 or the earlier version Windows 10, on your Raspberry Pi 4. With a new easy installation method available, you no longer need a Windows PC to carry out the installation. Be prepared that this method is slower and may take over an hour, but we will guide you through each step to make it as simple as possible.
Steps for Installing Windows 11/10 on Raspberry Pi 4
Finding and Downloading the Right Windows 11/10 Build
- Start by heading over to the UUP Dump website and search for the “Windows 11 ARM” using the top search bar.
- Select the latest Arm64 build of Windows 11 from the search results.
- Choose your language and edition—Windows 11 Home or Pro would typically be the versions to select.
- Opt for “Download and Convert to ISO” and initiate the download of the ISO file creation package on your system.
Preparing the Windows 11/10 ISO File
- Once downloaded, use a tool like WinRAR to extract the file to a directory of your choosing.
- In the extracted folder, locate and run the “UUP_Download_Windows.CMD” file and follow the command prompt process to completion.
Creating a Bootable SD Card for Windows 11/10 Installation
- Insert an SD card or USB drive into your computer.
- Download the “Raspberry Pi Imager” tool and install it.
- Launch the Imager and select your device, ensuring you specify Raspberry Pi 4.
- Locate the Windows 11 ISO file that you prepared in the previous steps.
- Use the tool to write the image to your SD card or USB drive.
Initial Setup of Windows 11/10 on Your Raspberry Pi 4
- Connect the bootable device to your Raspberry Pi and power up.
- Enter the settings by pressing ESC during boot and adjust configurations such as the RAM limit and display settings.
- Save your settings and continue to boot into Windows 11, completing the setup process on your device.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Raspberry Pi with Windows
By following these steps, you’re well on your way to enjoying the latest Windows operating system on your Raspberry Pi 4. Remember, the build used in this tutorial isn’t an official Microsoft release, so some bugs may be present. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic way to explore Windows on this compact yet powerful device.
FAQ
Q: Can a Raspberry Pi 4 run Windows 11 efficiently?
A: While the Raspberry Pi 4 can run Windows 11, it is not as efficient as on a standard PC due to hardware limitations. Performance may be slower than what you are accustomed to on regular desktops or laptops.
Q: Will I need a Windows license to install Windows 11 on my Raspberry Pi?
A: For the installation process described in this guide, you do not need a Windows license. However, to fully activate Windows and access all features, a license might be necessary.
By adhering to this step-by-step tutorial, you will have a functional Windows 11 or Windows 10 environment on your Raspberry Pi. This not only extends the versatility of your Raspberry Pi but also teaches valuable skills in software installation and device configuration.
