You can run a lightweight Linux-based operating system on a Raspberry Pi Board, but there is a way to quickly turn a Raspberry Pi board into a small "Windows 11 PC" using the Raspberry Pi hardware and with some necessary components. If you are able to find the appropriate components and are willing to work at it, you can use Windows 11 (ARM Edition) on Raspberry Pi Compatible Models. This project outlines the steps necessary to get you to the point of starting your system and booting to the Windows Desktop.
Why would you want to run Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi? Although running Windows 11 is not officially supported and will not perform the same as a full-size laptop or desktop, you will be able to learn about the ARM OS, how to create boot firmware, and how storage devices are configured to run Windows 11. You will also observe how Linux and Windows can run on the same Raspberry Pi hardware configuration of Raspberry Pi and Linux, allowing you to see the versatility of Raspberry Pi hardware and learn more about how both types of systems work together.
What You Will Need
Hardware
- Raspberry Pi board
- Storage device
- USB keyboard and mouse
- HDMI-compatible display
- Network connection
Software Tools
- Windows on Raspberry (WoR) Imager tool
- Windows 11 ARM64 image
- UEFI firmware
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Prepare the Windows 11 ARM Image
First, download a Windows 11 ARM64 build suitable for Raspberry Pi. Use an ESD image downloader to get the ARM-compatible Windows files and save them on your Windows PC.
2. Flash Windows to Storage
Use the WoR Imager tool to flash the Windows image onto your chosen storage:
- Run the WoR Imager on your Windows PC.
- Select the storage device (microSD or SSD) you will use with the Raspberry Pi.
- Choose the correct Raspberry Pi model in the tool.
- Point the WoR Imager to the Windows 11 ARM image and pick the edition you want (Home or Pro).
- Start the installation process - this can take 15 - 45 minutes depending on storage speed.
3. Set Up UEFI Firmware (Pi 5 Only)
Raspberry Pi 5 requires UEFI firmware to boot Windows. Download the UEFI files and place them on a small microSD card formatted to FAT32. Insert this card along with your Windows SSD into the Pi 5 before powering on.
4. (Optional) Update the Raspberry Pi Bootloader
For Pi 3 and Pi 4, it’s recommended to update the bootloader firmware using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool before installing Windows. This can improve boot reliability and support USB boot if you’re using an SSD.
Booting Into Windows 11
Once everything is in place:
- Insert the prepared storage devices into your Raspberry Pi.
- Power it on and wait for the Windows setup to begin.
- Follow the usual Windows configuration screens (region, keyboard layout, account setup).
- If you run into network requirement screens during setup, there are built-in workarounds to proceed without an internet connection.
After setup completes, you’ll see the Windows 11 desktop appear on your Raspberry Pi. It’s a unique experience to have Microsoft’s modern operating system running on such a small board.
for complete tutorial : Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi Devices
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