The idea of turning an Android phone into a real laptop capable of running Microsoft's operating system has sparked the curiosity, challenge, and imagination of thousands of technology enthusiasts around the world. The dream of Install Windows 10 and 11 on Android phones is closer than ever to becoming a reality thanks to community developments and independent projects.
However, there are many questions. Is it really feasible to use Windows on an Android phone the way you would on a PC? Which models allow it? What methods exist, and what are their advantages and limitations? We'll tell you all about them here.
Can you really install Windows 10 or 11 on an Android phone?
The answer, although surprising to many, is Yes, it is technically possible to install Windows 10 and Windows 11 on certain Android phones.However, it's not a straightforward task, nor is it free from technical and compatibility hurdles, as neither Microsoft develops nor officially supports versions of its systems for Android phones.
All initiatives are community-based and rely on reverse engineering projects, custom driver development, and specific adaptations for ARM processors, particularly the Snapdragon family. The most ambitious approach is to achieve native execution —that is, installing Windows just like on a PC, without the need for virtualization or emulation—. This is exactly what the well-known Project Renegade.
On the other hand, there is the option of run Windows through emulators Such as Limbo, which basically simulates a virtual PC inside a mobile device, allowing you to install almost any version of Windows, although with clear limitations in terms of performance and real-world usability. This option offers a wider range of compatible models, but is much less efficient, requires powerful devices, and offers a different experience than on a conventional computer.
Project Renegade: Native Windows Installation on Android Phones
El Project Renegade is the main player in the landscape of native Windows installations on Android phones. It is an open-source community initiative made up of enthusiasts who, through research and testing, have managed to Port UEFI firmware and various ARM versions of Windows 10 and 11 to devices with Snapdragon processors, mainly the Snapdragon 845 (very common in 2018 and 2019 mobiles) and Snapdragon 850 (oriented towards ARM laptops with great architectural similarity).
The process followed by the community has been, in general, complex and laborious. First, the mobile device's bootloader is enabled to boot alternative operating systems, in this case an ARM64 version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 downloaded from official developer channels (such as Windows Insider). Then, the big challenge lies in adapt the drivers of all the components of the mobile: touchscreen, physical controls, storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, GPU, and, to a lesser extent, sensors and cameras. Often working without official documentation and through reverse engineering, many functions are limited or inoperable in practice.
Which Android phone models are compatible with Project Renegade? Although the list is not very extensive, it includes several iconic and powerful devices:
- Xiaomi Mi 8
- Pocophone F1
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 3
- OnePlus 6 and 6T
- OnePlus 5
- LG G8x and other LG models with Snapdragon 845
- Some Samsung Galaxy of the time (with Snapdragon 845, usually in American versions)
- Google Pixel compatible
- Old Lumia and tablets with ARM processors
On all these devices, It is essential to unlock the bootloader and carefully follow the instructions published by the community, which often offers detailed information in their GitHub repositories. It's a good idea to check compatibility before beginning, as final functionality varies greatly depending on the model and driver version available.
General steps for installing native Windows 10/11 with Project Renegade
Below is a summary of the typical steps the community follows to port Windows to Android phones, although it's essential to consult the specific documentation for each model:
- Back up all your data (This is essential, as the process erases all content on the phone.)
- Unlock the bootloader of the device following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Download the ARM64 ISO image of Windows 10 or 11 from official developer channels (such as Windows Insider).
- Copy the ISO image to a pendrive or external storage and connect it to your mobile using a USB OTG adapter.
- Enter bootloader mode from the device and start the flashing or custom installation process following the instructions in the Project Renegade repository or the specific community.
- Adapt and add specific drivers for your model, if available.
- Log into Windows for the first time, configure your system, and test its features.
It is important to remember that the process is not universal and compatibility varies greatly by model, version, and region. It's recommended to always check compatibility lists before getting started and consult device-specific forums.
Install Windows on Android using emulation: Limbo Emulator and alternatives
If your phone does not appear on the list of those compatible with Project Renegade, but you want to experiment with Windows on Android, even if it is in a limited way and without the risk of modifying partitions or bootloaders, the best option is to use emulators like LimboThese allow you to run a virtualized version of Windows in the phone's memory.
This method is much simpler and compatible with almost any powerful mobile phone, although you have to take into account the minimum requirements To ensure acceptable startup and operation:
- 8-core processor with 64-bit architecture
- 6 GB of RAM or more
- Android 9 or higher (ideally Android 10+)
- Sufficient storage, considering that the Windows ISO weighs between 5 and 6 GB
Its main advantage is that does not require modifying partitions or unlocking the bootloader, and can be easily uninstalled. The disadvantage, however, lies in Low performance, with slow loading and an unsmooth experience, especially for demanding tasks.
Basic step-by-step guide to running Windows 10/11 with Limbo Emulator
- Download Limbo Emulator in APK version from its official website. The ARM version is recommended.
- Get the Windows 10 or 11 ISO on the official Microsoft website, selecting the ARM64 version and language.
- Install the Limbo app on your mobile, allowing installation from unknown sources.
- Create a new virtual machine in Limbo, naming it for example “Windows 11” and configuring RAM (minimum 3GB), 8 CPU cores and optimization options.
- Prepare the ISO image as bootable on a PC, for example using Rufus, and transfer it to the phone.
- Mount the ISO in Limbo in the virtual hard disk section, selecting it as the boot system.
- Start the virtual machine and wait for Windows to load, which may take several minutes on first boot.
- Configure graphics and sound parameters as appropriate, using default values for stability.
The result varies depending on the capabilities of the mobile: on powerful devices, You can access the desktop, manage files, and install basic applications.However, fluidity and performance are still limited compared to a real PC due to virtualization.
What does Limbo Emulator offer? Pros, cons, and real-world context
Emulation with Limbo Allows you to run Windows on mobile devices where native booting is not possible or is under development., although with several limitations:
- Performance is low for demanding tasks, and response can be slow even on high-end devices.
- Not recommended for heavy gaming or professional tasks, but it is useful for testing the system or running light applications.
- It does not affect mobile data or modify its operating system., since it is a reversible isolated environment.
Therefore, Limbo is recommended for those looking for a test experience or curiosity, reserving Project Renegade for advanced users with compatible mobile devices who demand higher performance.
Actual performance and limitations when running native Windows on Android mobile
Getting Windows 10 or 11 to work on mobile is certainly a technical achievement, but the user experience is far from perfectThe main challenges and limitations identified by users who have completed the process are:
- Partial functionality of components: The camera, advanced sensors, GPS, and even sound don't always work properly. In most cases, only the touchscreen, some buttons, storage, and, on certain devices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work properly.
- Incompatibility with external video output: Unlike technologies like Samsung DeX, it is not possible to project the screen to an external monitor from the USB-C port on most compatible phones.
- High resource and memory consumption: Running Windows requires at least 6-8GB of RAM for minimal tasks, so older or mid-range phones can quickly run out of RAM.
- Data loss and factory reset: The installation process erase all content on the phoneIt's essential to make a backup beforehand, as reverting can be complicated.
- Advanced technical process: Requires intermediate to advanced knowledge of ROM flashing, partitioning, and fastboot/ADB commands.
- Risk of rendering your phone unusable: A poorly executed process can render the device unusable (called "bricking").
What can you actually do with Windows on an Android phone?
One of the most striking aspects of these developments is the possibility of Run native Windows PC programs and games on your mobile. Among the most popular examples documented by the community and specialized YouTubers like Geekerwan, titles such as Crysis 3, Tomb Raider and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which have been released and played on devices such as the OnePlus 6T with Windows 11.
However, the results are far from the experience on a laptop or desktop PC: Performance is variable, with frequent crashes, long loading times, and graphical and audio limitations.Advanced features like ray tracing, which requires significant processing power, are only available on models with 8GB or more of RAM, and even then, performance is generally mediocre. Despite this, the technical achievement and demonstration of progress in cross-platform convergence are remarkable.
The main attraction of the method is Turn a compatible mobile phone into a portable Windows mini PC: You can run office software, navigate with full browsers, access File Explorer and experiment with the Windows interface in touch mode, although with obvious limitations and without being able to use the camera for photos or project on large monitors (except through alternative methods via Wi-Fi with high latency).
Main problems and risks when installing Windows on Android phones
It is important to be aware of the risks and limitations before attempting to install Windows—either natively or emulated—on an Android phone, as the consequences can be serious:
- The device's warranty may be voided. after unlocking bootloader or modifying partitions.
- Loss of personal data is almost certain, due to the restoration required in many cases.
- There is a risk of "bricking" the mobile phone if the process fails, rendering it unusable.
- Official technical support does not exist, only helps in specialized communities and forums, without guarantees.
- Functionality is always partial, with possible failures in the camera, sensors or mobile connections.
- Future updates may be impossible or very complicated, due to changes in partitions and firmware.
For those who use their mobile phone for critical or professional tasks, It is not recommended to attempt these processes.
Is it worth installing Windows on an Android phone?
Although it is technologically impressive, The experience for daily use and practical utility remains limitedMost experts agree that it's still a long way from becoming a stable option for mainstream users.
The main motivations are usually:
- Experiment and learn: Know the limits of the hardware and develop technical skills.
- Recycle old devices: Give them a second life as experimental minicomputers.
- Play classic PC titles: Although with variable performance and limited experience.
- Cover specific needs: Run Windows apps that aren't on Android, albeit with compatibility issues.
For the general user, The risks, instability, and limited functionality make it not worth it.For enthusiasts and developers, it represents a learning opportunity and a way to demonstrate the progress of cross-platform convergence.