Yes, Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi ! - Try This Simple Step by Step Guide to Install

Source: Dev.to

What You Will Need

Gather the essentials before diving in:

• Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5
• MicroSD card (32 GB 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 the 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 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

Download the correct ARM64 version of Windows 11 so it can run natively on the Raspberry Pi’s CPU architecture.

3. Flash the MicroSD Card

Using WoR Imager:

1. Select the destination (MicroSD card)
2. Choose your Raspberry Pi model
3. Upload the Windows 11 ARM ISO
4. 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 the 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 the Windows 11 desktop—running on a Raspberry Pi.

Performance: What to Expect

The 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

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 leads to sluggish OS performance.
• 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, see the complete tutorial: How to Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi Devices.