Microsoft is making it easier to install Windows 11 on Arm-based PCs

Microsoft has released a Windows 11 disk image for Arm-based PCs. The rollout allows users to create bootable installation media or access Windows Setup from a running copy of Windows to clean install the operating system (OS). However, those with an older Arm64 PC may need an additional workaround before they can boot it up. The ISO contains the latest Windows 11 2024 update and can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website.

Windows 11 ISOs for Arm64 PCs

According to According to Microsoft, Windows 11 ISOs are primarily designed for installing Windows 11 on an Arm virtual machine running on supported hardware for development purposes. However, it can also be used to install the operating system on Arm64 PCs. Users can perform an instant clean install of Windows 11 on devices powered by the latest Snapdragon

Meanwhile, older PCs will require the injection of drivers into the ISO from the device manufacturer in order to successfully boot the operating system. If this is not followed, it may boot to a state where the input is non-functional. The ISOs can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website and include version 24H2 that was released last month as part of the Windows 11 2024 Update.

Windows 11 is available in disk image format in multiple languages. Depending on the version chosen, the image file will take up approximately 5.1 GB of space.

Recent changes

Microsoft recently introduced two major changes with the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview on the Canary Channel. This includes a Prism emulator for Arm-based PCs that allows additional extensions for devices running Windows 11 on Arm-based chipsets, improving support for running the latest apps and more legacy apps and games.

Additionally, the Windows 11 Insider Preview also brings a new on-screen gamepad keyboard layout that allows users to use the Xbox controller to navigate and type.