Windows 11 works on any device without needing a virtual machine.
Windows 11 works on any device without needing a virtual machine.
I thought it would be useful to share this approach. Many have figured out how to run a leaked Windows 11 ISO on real hardware using Clonezilla. Start by installing the questionable ISO into a VM. After setup, clone the virtual drive using Clonezilla. Insert the cloned ISO onto a virtual DVD in the VM and press the boot select button to enter VMware BIOS. From there, boot into Clonezilla. You’ll need an external drive to store the saved image. It appears Windows 11 doesn’t support direct installation on bare metal, but you can boot it from a disk and restore the image afterward. Once restored, you can install drivers easily. You can even activate it if you’re comfortable doing so. Just remember, the leaked ISO is questionable—consider keeping it offline if you plan to use it. As of June 17, 2021, edited by Kilrah.
Why bother at all? You can easily copy and paste the virtual disk, use CTRL C and CTRL V to boot from VHD, and Vmware handles the format differently. I’m also sure you can install the ISO directly on hardware, as some of us have done before.
I attempted it first, but it ended up being more frustrating than helpful. I’m only comfortable with clonezilla and thought this might be a simpler option. Of course, others have figured out similar methods, though few people share their experiences on hardware setups.