Install Windows on a Raspberry Pi, is it possible?

In addition to the typical desktop computer that many of us have in our homes, some people choose to incorporate a Raspberry Pi as an extra device. The potential uses and benefits of these small devices are only limited by our creativity.

It’s highly probable that you’ve heard of these hardware devices before, or maybe you even own one. In reality, they are miniature computers that operate on open hardware. Originally, they were intended to operate on a Linux operating system.

raspberry pi

The Raspberry Pi is a versatile device that offers a wide range of possibilities to users. With the help of various software, users can easily build their own personal storage server, media center, or even a retro console. Although the price of Raspberry Pi has risen significantly in recent times, it still remains an affordable and easy-to-use device that packs surprising power in most cases.

One of the advantages of Raspberry Pi is the ability to install multiple operating systems, many of which are based on Linux. However, some users may wonder if it is possible to work with Windows on this small computer. Windows is the most widely used operating system on desktop computers, so it’s a common question among those who are new to Raspberry Pi.

The good news is that it is indeed possible to install and work with Windows on a Raspberry Pi. And the best part? The process is not complicated at all. So, for anyone who has considered this possibility, the answer is a resounding yes.

What do I need to install Windows on a Raspberry Pi

However, we do not highly recommend using Windows on a Raspberry Pi because it was not designed to work optimally on this type of hardware. Moreover, several adjustments have to be made to the Microsoft system to ensure smooth functioning on these small boards. It is also important to note that the minimum requirements for running a Windows system are typically much higher than those of Linux.

windows raspberry

Despite the challenges and potential drawbacks, the answer is still affirmative if we ask ourselves whether we can install Windows on a Raspberry Pi. However, it’s important to be aware of the requirements and potential issues involved. Here are the necessary requirements for installing Windows on a Raspberry Pi:

  • Have a Raspberry Pi 4 that has 4 and 8 GB of RAM , preferably the second mode. It would be worth it with the Raspberry Pi 400.
  • A monitor with an HDMI connector.
  • Ethernet cable to connect the Raspberry to the Internet.
  • Keyboard and mouse.
  • A Windows ISO.
  • The open source program WoR-Flasher  with which we are going to create the Windows installation media for this device.

In order to install Windows on a Raspberry Pi, you will need to have an external SSD disk or a micro-SD card with a minimum storage capacity of 32 GB. Using an external SSD disk is preferable to ensure faster data transfer.

However, it is important to note that the performance of the Windows operating system on a Raspberry Pi will be significantly different from what you would normally experience on a regular desktop PC.