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Windows 11 ISO Now Available for Arm64 PCs, But There’s a Key Limitation

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Windows

Microsoft has finally opened up Windows 11 for Arm64 PCs. It’s good news for anyone with the latest Snapdragon X laptops, but things get tricky with older Snapdragon models. Here’s what’s going on and what you need to know:

Windows 11 ISO Now Available for Arm64 PCs, But There’s a Key Limitation

What’s New?

Microsoft’s official ISOs now support Arm64 processors, marking the first time users can clean install Windows 11 on these devices. Intended for virtual machines, but the ISOs can also be used to directly install Windows 11 on Arm64 hardware.

Compatibility Insights

  • Snapdragon X Chips: Newer models (e.g., Snapdragon X Copilot+) are fully compatible and boot-ready.
  • Older Snapdragon SoCs: For devices with older chips like Snapdragon 8cx Gen3, additional drivers need to be integrated before installation.

So, why all the extra steps? Windows on Arm has taken a while to reach a broader audience. 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, though, as Microsoft finally treats Windows on Arm64 as a primary platform. The fact that official Arm64 media is available at all is a sign they’re serious this time.

Installing on Older Snapdragon Devices

For those using the latest hardware, installing Windows 11 should be seamless. For older devices, it’s a little more technical, but it’s worth the effort if you’re ready for the learning curve. Integrating drivers into the ISO for older Arm-based processors requires:

  • Obtaining compatible drivers from the device manufacturer (OEM).
  • Using the DISM tool to integrate these drivers into the ISO’s system image files.
  • Replicating the ISO file for a bootable setup.

Key Requirements for Installation

  • Processor Check: Ensure your PC has a 64-bit Arm-based processor by going to Settings > System > About or searching “System Information.”
  • System Requirements: Not all Windows 10 devices qualify for Windows 11. Attempting installation on unsupported hardware risks compatibility issues, update limitations, and potential warranty voidance.

Installation Steps (ISO Mount Method)

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft’s official site.
  2. Locate the ISO file, right-click, select Properties, then choose Windows Explorer to open ISO files.
  3. Right-click again and select Mount to create a virtual disc.
  4. Double-click setup.exe within the mounted ISO to initiate the Windows 11 setup process.