WTF?! Microsoft may have officially retired its mobile ambitions years ago, but that hasn't stopped enthusiasts from keeping the dream alive. Believe it or not, it's possible to install a full version of Windows 11 on select smartphones. The result? A quirky combination of desktop functionality in your pocket, complete with the occasional blue screen of death to remind you of the good old days.
A Reddit user recently confirmed that Windows 11 can be forced to run on certain modern mobile devices based on the Arm architecture. Thanks to the efforts of the Renegade Project, resourceful (and patient) enthusiasts can experience the full Windows desktop environment on their phones. Amusingly, some argue that this unofficial workaround might end up being supported for longer than Microsoft ever supported its own Windows Phone platform.
The Renegade Project provides UEFI firmware designed to enable custom operating systems on devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This firmware acts as a customizable boot manager, allowing users to install and run multiple OSes, including mainline Linux distributions, Android, and even Windows on select Snapdragon-powered devices.
However, the installation process is far from straightforward. It involves using various tools, performing disk partitioning, deploying Windows images, configuring drivers, and more. Fortunately, the project offers a clear list of supported devices to guide users. Developers also caution against using stripped-down Windows versions like Tiny11, which could lead to software or hardware compatibility issues.
Reddit user "anh0l" managed to overcome the challenges and successfully installed Windows 11 on an Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro smartphone. Despite some touchscreen glitches, anh0l described the Windows experience on this three-year-old device as surprisingly smooth. The phone's 120Hz refresh rate adds a level of responsiveness, and Bluetooth mice can be used to navigate the OS effectively.
Renegade Project's UEFI firmware has been confirmed to work on various mobile devices, including the Nokia Lumia 950 and 950 XL, Surface Duo and Duo 2, and more. However, anh0l noted significant drawbacks to running Windows 11 on smartphone hardware. These include poor battery life (lasting only 2.5 hours), a lack of support for fast-charging protocols, and overheating issues. Still, the setup can handle tasks like running the Dolphin GameCube emulator, offering an intriguing opportunity for retro gaming enthusiasts.
For context, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile – the final version of its ill-fated Windows Phone platform – in 2015. The OS received official support until January 14, 2020, marking the end of Microsoft's mobile ambitions.