Run on Win11 for ARM is supported via emulators like QEMU or virtualization tools, but performance may vary.
Run on Win11 for ARM is supported via emulators like QEMU or virtualization tools, but performance may vary.
I noticed that video. It seems to discuss using Win11 on a phone for certain tasks, especially when traveling. The person mentions concerns about security and privacy, noting that tablets are more vulnerable. They’re curious if x86 emulation works for non-ARM software on phones.
Windows on ARM exists. It started with Windows 8. There used to be a Windows Phone, but it didn’t capture much market share and was eventually stopped. The phone shown in the video is an older Windows Phone model. The operating system they’re using has had all the unnecessary features removed. It isn’t officially backed by Microsoft.
I'm using the Lumia 950 XL with Windows 11, yes. It runs significantly better than on the video version if you turn off Windows 11's extra security options. You'll see even improved performance after disabling Windows Defender. The Snapdragon 810 chip is quite outdated—it caused major issues when it first launched. Qualcomm released a newer model quickly, and other makers followed suit. However, Windows 11 won't stay stable for long; Microsoft has stopped providing support for such older processors. The Rasbery Pi 4 is also likely to stop working as a result.
The main challenge with the Lumia 950 XL on Windows 10 or 11 is the absence of proper GPU drivers. Most essential system drivers are based on leaked versions created by developers or Microsoft for testing Windows 10 on the device. Playing 240p YouTube smoothly is difficult because the SoC lacks adequate GPU support. Windows 10 Mobile drivers don't function under Windows 10, even though they share some similarities with Windows 11.
Although some community members have managed to create custom drivers for things like Wi-Fi, the experience isn't flawless. For instance, not all Snapdragon 810 cores are utilized, and battery life is poor—constant full performance drains the battery quickly. The device only supports 3GB of RAM (depending on the model) and lacks driver compatibility.
While it's an interesting project to experiment with, it's not recommended for everyday use. Under Windows 10, apps and messaging work fine, but the overall performance is limited. Running Windows 11 on an ARM-based device like this is tricky due to hardware constraints. The Raspberry Pi 4 running Windows 10/11 is similar in many ways, though some features are missing.
Using a standard OS like Windows 10 or 11 isn't ideal for demanding tasks. The camera struggles, and the battery life is disappointing. The device can only run certain apps and doesn't support full functionality.
If you're looking for a properly supported ARM-based experience, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with an Intel or Microsoft SQ3 ARM SoC is a better option. It offers strong performance and official support.
It's worth noting that Microsoft has historically partnered closely with Qualcomm, which restricts Windows to only Qualcomm chips for many years. This focus on smartphones means ARM64 laptops aren't a priority, and the company hasn't invested heavily in laptop chip development. The emphasis remains on mobile devices, limiting innovation in desktop performance.
Prices often reflect this trade-off—Intel models offer better value and longer battery life, while Qualcomm chips are priced higher for premium features like 4G support or advanced AI cores. For developers targeting ARM64, the path forward is clear: stick with native ARM apps for optimal results.
Hey! I need a device under 8 inches with full Windows support that runs Open Office directly.
Unless Open Office offers a native Windows 11 for ARM, using the Lumia 950 XL will likely cause problems. Spotify may load very slowly. If you opt for the web version because Edge runs natively on ARM64, the experience remains similar to the Lumia 950XL—drivers are missing and performance suffers. The Surface Duo is costly, and modifying it could lead to failure, especially on such an early stage.