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Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

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Installing Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 4 can transform this compact device into a versatile mini PC, opening up a range of functionalities. While Microsoft’s standard procedures are designed for conventional computers, resourceful methods exist to enable Windows on ARM-based systems like the Raspberry Pi. This guide will walk you through the process of circumventing these limitations and successfully installing Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 4.

System Requirements

Before initiating the Windows 11 installation, ensure your Raspberry Pi 4 meets the necessary system requirements. These prerequisites are essential for a smooth and functional Windows 11 experience on your device. Carefully review the list below to confirm compatibility.

  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model: A Raspberry Pi 4 board with a minimum of 4GB of RAM is required. For optimal performance, an 8GB version is highly recommended. The memory capacity significantly impacts the responsiveness and overall user experience of Windows 11.

  • Storage Device: An external flash drive or, preferably, an SSD (Solid State Drive) with at least 64GB of storage space is necessary. Installing Windows 11 on an external drive is generally recommended for better performance and to avoid potential issues with SD card installations. While direct SD card installation is possible, it’s often less reliable and slower.

  • Essential Peripherals: You will need standard computer peripherals, including a keyboard, a mouse, and an HDMI monitor. These are crucial for navigating the installation process and interacting with Windows 11 once it’s installed.

  • Network Connection: A stable and reliable network connection is needed. This is important for downloading necessary files during the installation process and for general use of Windows 11 after installation, including updates and online services.

System Requirements

Once you have confirmed that your Raspberry Pi 4 setup meets these requirements, the next crucial step is to ensure your device’s firmware is up to date.

Firmware Update

Updating your Raspberry Pi 4’s firmware to the latest version is a critical step before attempting to install Windows 11. Firmware updates often include essential bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements that can be vital for a successful Windows 11 installation. If you are confident that your firmware is already up to date, you can proceed to the installation methods. Otherwise, follow these steps to update your firmware using the Raspberry Pi OS terminal:

  1. Open Terminal: Access the terminal application within your Raspberry Pi OS environment. This is typically done through the application menu or by using a keyboard shortcut.

  2. Update Package Lists: Execute the following command in the terminal to refresh the package lists, ensuring you have the latest information about available software updates:

    sudo apt update

    This command fetches package information from the repositories configured in your system.

  3. Perform Full Upgrade: Next, run this command to upgrade all installed packages to their newest versions, including firmware components:

    sudo apt full-upgrade

    This command downloads and installs the latest versions of all packages, including firmware updates. It may prompt you for confirmation during the process; typically, you should proceed with the upgrade by typing ‘Y’ and pressing Enter.

  4. Reboot the System: After the upgrade process is complete, it’s essential to reboot your Raspberry Pi 4 for the firmware updates to take effect. Use the following command to gracefully shut down and restart your device:

    sudo shutdown -r now

    This command initiates a reboot, ensuring that the new firmware is loaded upon system startup.

Firmware Update

With your firmware updated, you are now ready to proceed with installing Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 4. There are two primary methods to accomplish this: installing directly from the Raspberry Pi OS or using a Windows computer. Both methods leverage the WoR Flasher tool, but they differ in their initial setup and execution. Let’s explore each method in detail.

Method 1: Installation Directly from Raspberry Pi OS

This method involves installing Windows 11 directly from within the Raspberry Pi OS environment. It is often considered efficient if you are already comfortable working within the Raspberry Pi OS. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Install WoR Flasher

The first step is to install the WoR (Windows on Raspberry) Flasher tool. This tool is crucial for flashing the Windows 11 image onto your storage device. Open the Terminal in your Raspberry Pi OS and execute the following command to clone the WoR Flasher repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/Botspot/wor-flasher

This command downloads the WoR Flasher files to your Raspberry Pi.

Step 2: Run WoR Flasher Installation Script

Navigate to the downloaded WoR Flasher directory and execute the installation script. Use the following command in the Terminal:

~/wor-flasher/install-wor-gui.sh

This script will install the graphical user interface (GUI) version of WoR Flasher, making the process more user-friendly.

Step 3: Confirm Installation

During the installation script execution, you might be prompted for confirmation. Type ‘Y’ and press Enter to confirm and proceed with the installation.

Step 4: Launch WoR Flasher and Select Options

Once installed, the “Windows for Raspberry” application will launch. Within the WoR Flasher interface:

  • Select Windows 11 as the operating system you want to install.
  • Choose Pi4/400 as the target device.

WoR Flasher Interface

Step 5: Proceed to Next Steps

Click the “Next” button in the WoR Flasher interface to move to the subsequent configuration steps.

Step 6: Language and Storage Selection

Ensure your USB drive or SSD is connected to your Raspberry Pi 4. In the WoR Flasher interface:

  • Select your preferred language for Windows 11.
  • Choose the connected USB drive or SSD as the installation location. Be absolutely certain you select the correct drive, as this process will erase all data on the selected drive.

Step 7: Initiate Flashing

Finally, click on the Flash button to start the process of flashing the Windows 11 image onto your selected storage device. This process can take a significant amount of time, depending on the speed of your storage device and the size of the Windows 11 image. Ensure that your Raspberry Pi 4 remains powered on and that the USB drive remains connected throughout the flashing process.

Step 8: Post-Flashing Steps

Once the flashing process is complete:

  1. Power Off: Turn off your Raspberry Pi 4.
  2. Remove SD Card: Remove the SD card that contains the Raspberry Pi OS. This is crucial to ensure that the system boots from the newly flashed USB drive.
  3. Boot from USB: Ensure the USB drive or SSD containing the flashed Windows 11 image remains connected. Start your Raspberry Pi 4.

Step 9: Windows 11 Setup Wizard

Upon booting, the Windows 11 Installation Wizard should appear on your connected monitor. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows 11 setup process. This typically involves selecting your region, language, keyboard layout, and creating a user account.

Windows 11 Installation Wizard

After completing these steps, Windows 11 should be successfully installed and running on your Raspberry Pi 4.

Method 2: Installation Using a Windows Computer

If you prefer to use a Windows computer for the installation process, or if you are less familiar with Raspberry Pi OS, this method provides an alternative approach. This method still utilizes the WoR Flasher tool, but the initial steps are performed on a Windows machine.

Step 1: Download Windows 11 ARM ISO

First, you need to obtain a Windows 11 ARM ISO file. Since Microsoft doesn’t officially provide direct ISO downloads for ARM versions, you’ll need to use a utility like UUP dump.

  1. Visit UUP dump: Open a web browser on your Windows computer and go to uupdump.net.
  2. Search for Windows 11 ARM: In the search bar, type “Windows 11 dump” and press Enter.
  3. Select Version: Choose the specific Windows 11 version you want to install from the search results.
  4. Language Selection: On the next page, select your desired language and click “Next”.
  5. Edition Selection: Choose the appropriate Windows edition and click “Next”.
  6. Download and Convert: In the “Download Method” section, select “Download and convert to ISO”. Then, click “Create download package”.
  7. Extract and Run Script: A ZIP file will be downloaded. Extract the contents of this ZIP file and run the uup_download_windows.cmd script as an administrator. This script will download the necessary Windows components from Microsoft’s servers and create a Windows 11 ARM ISO file in the same folder. This process may take some time depending on your internet speed.

UUP Dump Website

Step 2: Download WoR Flasher for Windows

Next, download the WoR Flasher tool for Windows from the official website.

  1. Visit WoR Project Downloads: Go to worproject.com/downloads.
  2. Download WoR for Windows: Download the WoR image ZIP file for Windows.
  3. Extract and Run: Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file and run WoR.exe as an administrator on your Windows computer.

Step 3: Configure WoR Flasher

Launch the WoR Flasher application on your Windows computer.

  1. Language Selection: Select your preferred language and click “Next”.
  2. Storage Drive Selection: In the “Storage drive” section, choose the USB drive or SSD that you intend to use for installing Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 4. Warning: Ensure you select the correct drive as this process will erase all data on it.
  3. Device Type: Set the “Device type” to “Raspberry Pi 4”.
  4. Select Image: In the “Select image” section, browse to and select the Windows 11 ARM ISO file that you created using the UUP dump script in Step 1. The other fields should automatically populate once you select the ISO file. Click “Next”.

WoR Flasher Windows Interface

Step 4: Driver and Firmware Selection

  1. Drivers: On the “Select the drivers” page, check the option “Use the latest package available on the server”. Accept the terms and conditions, and click “Next”.
  2. UEFI Firmware: On the “Select the UEFI firmware” page, select “Use the latest firmware available on the server”. Wait for it to download, and then click “Next”.

Step 5: Install Windows 11

  1. Installation Page: You will now be on the installation page. Click “Install” to begin the process of flashing Windows 11 onto your USB drive or SSD. This process will take some time.

Step 6: Boot Raspberry Pi 4

Once the flashing process is complete:

  1. Connect USB Drive: Safely eject the USB drive or SSD from your Windows computer and connect it to your powered-off Raspberry Pi 4.
  2. Boot and Follow Wizard: Power on your Raspberry Pi 4. It should boot from the USB drive and launch the Windows 11 installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

With these steps completed, you will have successfully installed Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 4 using a Windows computer.

Installing Windows 10 on Raspberry Pi 4

The process for installing Windows 10 on Raspberry Pi 4 is very similar to installing Windows 11. The key difference lies in obtaining a Windows 10 ARM ISO file instead of Windows 11. When using the UUP dump method, simply search for “Windows 10 dump” and proceed with the download and ISO creation for Windows 10 ARM. The subsequent steps using WoR Flasher remain largely the same, just ensuring you select the Windows 10 ISO file instead of the Windows 11 ISO.

Can Windows 11 Run on Raspberry Pi 4?

Yes, Windows 11, specifically the ARM version, can indeed run on Raspberry Pi 4. While it’s not officially supported by Microsoft and requires workarounds like WoR Flasher, the performance is generally considered smooth enough for basic tasks and experimentation, especially with 8GB RAM models and SSD storage. The WoR Flasher tool has significantly simplified the process, making it accessible to a wider range of users interested in exploring Windows on Raspberry Pi.

Installing Windows OS for IoT on Raspberry Pi

For Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Microsoft offers specialized versions of Windows, particularly Windows 10 IoT Core. This version is designed for single-board computers like Raspberry Pi and is optimized for resource efficiency.

Windows 10 IoT Core

Windows 10 IoT Core is ideal for projects where you need a lightweight Windows environment on your Raspberry Pi, especially for running a single application. It is less resource-intensive than full Windows 10 or 11 and is well-suited for IoT scenarios.

Hardware Requirements for Windows 10 IoT Core

To install Windows 10 IoT Core on Raspberry Pi, you will need:

  • Raspberry Pi Board: Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 (Note: The original article mentions Pi 3, but newer versions might also be compatible with appropriate images).
  • Input Device: Keyboard for language selection during setup.
  • Display: Monitor or TV to view the installation process and interact with the OS.
  • HDMI Cable: To connect the Raspberry Pi to the display.
  • SD Card: To install the OS onto the Raspberry Pi (typically a smaller size is sufficient for IoT Core compared to full Windows).
  • Network Connection: WiFi or Ethernet for downloading components and updates.

Installation Steps for Windows 10 IoT Core

  1. Download Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard: Download the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard from the Microsoft website.
  2. Run Setup: Run the downloaded Setup.exe file to install the IoT Core Dashboard application.
  3. Launch Dashboard and Setup New Device: Open the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard. The first screen is “Set up a New Device”.
  4. Device Type Selection: Select your device type (e.g., “Raspberry Pi 3” or “Raspberry Pi 2 & 3”).
  5. OS Build: Ensure the OS Build is set to “Windows IoT Core”.
  6. Insert SD Card: Insert an SD card into your computer.
  7. Administrator Password: Enter and confirm your administrator password.
  8. Network Selection: Choose your WiFi connection.
  9. Install: Click “Install” to begin writing the Windows 10 IoT Core image to the SD card.

Booting and Initial Setup of Windows 10 IoT Core

  1. Power Off Raspberry Pi: Ensure your Raspberry Pi is powered off.
  2. Insert SD Card: Insert the SD card with Windows 10 IoT Core into the Raspberry Pi.
  3. Connect Peripherals: Connect HDMI cable, internet (Ethernet or USB WiFi), and input device (keyboard).
  4. Power On: Power on the Raspberry Pi.

The Raspberry Pi will boot from the SD card and automatically install Windows 10 IoT Core. After installation, you can deploy your IoT applications to the Raspberry Pi.

Installing Windows on a Raspberry Pi 4, whether it’s the full Windows 11 or the lightweight Windows 10 IoT Core, opens up exciting possibilities for projects and experimentation. While not officially supported, the community has developed tools and methods to make it achievable. Have you tried installing Windows on your Raspberry Pi 4? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

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