Have you been curious as to whether you can run Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi? You're in luck! With the hardware improvements that the Raspberry Pi 4/5 has made over previous versions as well as the tools available to build Windows on Raspberry Pi (WoR) projects, you can now experiment with Microsoft OS on a miniature computer board.
This tutorial outlines how you would go about installing Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi, explains what hardware and software will be required for the process, and provides an overview of the potential performance you will receive and so on. If you love building things yourself or if you're considering to run Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi, this guide will help you get started with Windows 11.
What You will Need
Gather the essentials, before diving in:
- Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5
- MicroSD card (32GB or higher recommended)
- Windows on Raspberry (WoR) Imager
- Windows 11 ARM64 image
- A Windows PC to prepare the bootable media
- Stable internet connection
These items ensure compatibility and help you install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi without hassles.
Why Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi?
Running Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi opens up possibilities:
- Test ARM64 applications
- Build lightweight IoT dashboards
- Explore Windows development on low-power hardware
- Learn OS-level experimentation and bootloader concepts
While it's not meant to replace a full PC, the experience is usable -especially on the Raspberry Pi 5.
Step-by-Step: Installing Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi
1. Download and Install WoR Imager
WoR Imager is a tool that automates the creation of a bootable Windows image for Raspberry Pi devices. It fetches drivers, prepares partitions, and configures the Pi-specific boot environment.
2. Get the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO
Choose the correct ARM64 version of Windows 11 so that it can run natively on Raspberry Pi’s CPU architecture.
3. Flash the MicroSD Card
Using WoR Imager:
- Select the destination (microSD card)
- Select your Raspberry Pi model
- Upload the Windows 11 ARM ISO
- Let WoR prepare and flash the OS
This step may take several minutes depending on card speed.
4. Boot Windows 11 on the Raspberry Pi
Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi, connect HDMI, peripherals, and power it up.
You’ll go through:
- Initial Windows setup
- Language and region options
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet setup
After completion, you’ll land on your Windows 11 desktop—running on a Raspberry Pi.
Performance: What to Expect
Raspberry Pi 5 provides noticeably better Windows 11 performance compared to the Pi 4:
- Faster app loading
- Improved responsiveness
- Better support for video playback
- More stable multitasking
However, even with optimizations, Windows 11 remains heavy for a small SBC—so managing expectations is key.
Tips for a Better Windows on Raspberry Pi Experience
Use a High-Speed MicroSD Card or SSD
Slow storage = sluggish OS. For smoother performance, use a fast card or USB-based SSD.
Disable Visual Animations
Turning off transparency and animations makes Windows feel snappier.
Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
Network drivers on ARM builds sometimes lag behind; Ethernet enhances stability.
Keep the System Cool
Windows stresses the CPU more than Linux. Use a heatsink or cooling fan to avoid throttling.
For Troubleshooting Common Issues check our complete tutorial :How to Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi Devices
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