Finally! Clean Install Windows 11 on ARM Laptops

Bloatware is likewise delivered with most utilitarian choices you don’t need when purchasing a new laptop. Users have been attempting to get rid of these undesirable programs for years by formatting their laptops and then installing a new copy of Windows.

For laptops with Qualcomm ARM processors, this wasn’t an option. There were no Windows 11 ISOs available for users to run on ARM devices, as they were required to use manufacturer provided recovery images full of useless software.

Fortunately, Microsoft has done something about it. Users can now download an official Windows 11 ISO for ARM devices and perform clean installs and restore performance.

Qualcomm

Before Starting, What You Need To Know

Supported Devices

Newer ARM laptops made based on Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus are what this ISO can work with.
Manufacturers still provide recovery images for use only on older ARM devices.

About Windows 11 ARM ISO File

File Size: Approximately 5 GB.
Internet Connection Required: Installation downloads drivers as well.
Latest Version: Features AI tools like Copilot, including Windows 11 24H2.

Why This Is A Big Deal For macOS Users

This update now benefits Mac users running Windows 11 in a virtual machine. Before that, they had to imitate both the runtime environment and its architecture. The ARM ISO now makes it possible for Windows 11 to run better in virtual worlds, increasing performance and compatibility.

Step-by-Step: Windows 11 ARM How to download and install

1. Download the Official ISO

Head over to the Microsoft Download Page (official link).
From the menu, select Windows 11 (multi –edition ISO for Arm64).
Click Download Now.
Click on Download Now again & select your installation language and click on Confirm.

2. Create a Bootable USB

For example, it is possible to use a free and open source application such as Rufus, to generate a bootable USB.
Download Rufus here.
Then, according to the tool’s instructions, convert the ISO into a bootable USB drive.

3. Install Windows 11

Plug the bootable USB in to your laptop then restart it.
Boot the drive and try to access the boot menu and then point it the USB drive as the boot source.
For a fresh install of Windows 11, follow the on screen instructions.

Final Thoughts

Also, a nice thing for users to do is void the license that you paid for by wiping out the bloatware and taking complete control of your laptop: use Microsoft’s new ARM compatible Windows 11 ISO. This update provides flexibility and convenience no matter if you’re refreshing a device powered by ARM, or running Windows on a Mac.