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How to install & set up Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4
Get the latest Microsoft OS running on a small device
While there has been plenty of chatter around TPM 2.0 and CPU requirements for Windows 11, leaving owners of older generation PCs worried if they’ll ever get their hands on those rounded corners, in a huge turn of events, you can, in fact, install Windows 11 on a tiny, low powered machine – the Raspberry Pi 4.
Why this is such a big deal is because Raspberry Pis in general are known for tinkering and those wanting to maybe emulate some old school games due to their inexpensive nature and time form factor. But now, with the ability to install and run the exciting new Windows update, it opens up an array of possibilities for Pi owners or for those who want a pocket-sized PC capable of an OS of this caliber.
With this guide, we’ll be taking you through all the necessary steps for how to install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4 as well as how to get it set up too so you can experience the fancy new features Microsoft has in store.
1
How to install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4
Now, let’s not beat around the bush, there are a bunch of steps that you’re going to need to follow to get Windows 11 up and running on your Raspberry Pi 4 but don’t be overwhelmed. If you closely follow the instructions below, you should be able to get Windows 11 up and running no problem and even if you make mistakes, you can revert them and start over.
One caveat we do have to state is that the Windows 11 build used for the Pi install is not an official product from Microsoft due to the image creation process to get it working on the system. This means that installing the OS is at your own risk so proceed with caution.
STEP
1
Search for “Windows 11 Arm” on the site UUDump.
STEP
2
Choose the latest Windows 11 build for “arm64”.
STEP
3
Choose the language you’d like the Windows 11 installation to be assigned to.
STEP
4
Opt for your preferred Windows 11 version. In our case, we chose both the Home and Pro versions. Hit ‘Next’.
STEP
5
Select the “Download and convert to ISO” download method and press “Create download package”.
STEP
6
Once the file is downloaded, extract it to your desktop, naming it “win11”.
STEP
7
Open your “win11” folder and double click on uup_download_windows.cmd.
STEP
8
When the security prompt is triggered click “More info”, “Run anyway” and then allow the app to make changes to your PC.
STEP
9
Allow the process to complete and press 0 to exit.
STEP
10
Insert your storage device into the PC.
STEP
11
Download the Windows on Raspberry Imager tool to create a compatible image.
STEP
12
Extract the downloaded ZIP folder to the “win11” folder you created earlier.
STEP
13
Open the Windows on Raspberry tool.
STEP
14
Choose your preferred language. Click “Next”.
STEP
15
Choose your storage device and set the Pi device to Raspberry Pi 4.
STEP
16
Browse for your created Windows 11 Pi image. Hit “Next”.
STEP
17
Select the “Use the latest driver package on the server” option. Click “Next”.
STEP
18
Choose the “Use the latest UEFI firmware available on the server” option. Press “Next”.
STEP
19
A configuration screen will appear. You don’t need to change anything here, just hit “Next”.
STEP
20
You should now see an installation overview. Check everything is correct and click “Install”.
STEP
21
The installation process will now take place. Once completed, eject your storage choice, connect it to your Pi 4 and boot up.
Windows 11 should be installed on your Raspberry Pi 4. Now, let’s get to setting that new OS up.
2
How to set up Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4
Now that you’ve got Windows 11 installed on your Raspberry Pi, you’re also going to have to do a few more tweaks to get the OS set up on your mini PC. Let’s get into how to set up Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4.
STEP
1
When booting your Raspberry Pi 4 up, press “ESC” to enter setup.
STEP
2
Select the “Device Manager” option and press “Enter”.
STEP
3
Choose the “Raspberry Pi Configuration” selection.
STEP
4
Within “Raspberry Pi Configuration”, select “Advanced Configuration”.
STEP
5
Remove the RAM limit by changing the “Limit RAM to 3 GB” to “Disabled”. Save this option by pressing “F10” then exit.
STEP
6
Next, enter “Display Configuration” by selecting that option.
STEP
7
Set your desired resolution. Save by pressing “F10” and exit.
STEP
8
Exit to the initial setup menu and hit “Continue”.
And there we have it, you should have not only installed Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 4, you should also have it all set up correctly. You can now take advantage of the new features in the new Windows OS in all that Pi compact form factor we all know and love.
Can a Raspberry Pi 3 run Windows 11?
Unfortunately, the Raspberry Pi 3 and older generations will not be able to run Windows 11 simply due to the fact that it doesn’t have the internal power necessary. The Raspberry Pi 4 on the other hand has increased RAM and other new internals thus creating an environment where Windows 11 can become a real option.