How to Install Windows 10 on Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

Running Windows 10 on a Raspberry Pi opens up a world of possibilities, providing a familiar desktop environment on a compact and affordable device. While the standard Windows 10 isn't designed for ARM-based devices like the Raspberry Pi, you can use Windows 10 IoT Core or a custom build of Windows 10 ARM. This guide will walk you through the steps to install Windows 10 on your Raspberry Pi.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 4 or 5
  • MicroSD card (at least 16GB, preferably 32GB or more)
  • MicroSD card reader
  • A computer running Windows 10
  • Stable internet connection
  • HDMI cable and monitor
  • USB keyboard and mouse

Step 1: Download the Required Tools

  1. Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard:

Download and install the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard from the Microsoft website.

  1. Windows on Raspberry (WoR) Tool:

Download the Windows on Raspberry (WoR) tool from the WoR project GitHub page.

  1. Windows 10 ARM64 Image:

You will need a Windows 10 ARM64 image. This can be obtained through the WoR tool, which will guide you through the process of downloading the necessary files.

Step 2: Prepare the MicroSD Card

  1. Insert the MicroSD Card:

Insert your MicroSD card into the card reader and connect it to your computer.

  1. Format the MicroSD Card:

Use a tool like SD Card Formatter to format the MicroSD card to ensure it's clean and ready for the installation.

Step 3: Install Windows 10 IoT Core

Option 1: Using Windows 10 IoT Core

  1. Open Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard:

Launch the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard on your computer.

  1. Set Up a New Device:
  • Click on "Set up a new device".
  • Select your device type (Raspberry Pi 2 & 3).
  • Choose the Windows 10 IoT Core version.
  • Select your MicroSD card.
  • Enter a device name and an administrator password.
  1. Download and Install:

Click on "Download and install" to download the necessary files and install Windows 10 IoT Core on your MicroSD card.

  1. Insert the MicroSD Card:

Once the installation is complete, insert the MicroSD card into your Raspberry Pi.

  1. Power On the Raspberry Pi:

Connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor using an HDMI cable, and attach a USB keyboard and mouse. Power on the Raspberry Pi, and it should boot into Windows 10 IoT Core.

Option 2: Using Windows 10 ARM64 (WoR Tool)

  1. Launch WoR Tool:

Open the Windows on Raspberry (WoR) tool on your computer.

  1. Select Your Raspberry Pi Model:

Choose your Raspberry Pi model from the dropdown list.

  1. Select the MicroSD Card:

Choose the MicroSD card as the target device for the installation.

  1. Choose the Windows 10 ARM64 Image:

Follow the WoR tool's instructions to download and select the Windows 10 ARM64 image.

  1. Install the Drivers:

The WoR tool will download and install the necessary drivers for your Raspberry Pi.

  1. Flash the MicroSD Card:

Click on "Flash" to write the Windows 10 ARM64 image and drivers to the MicroSD card.

  1. Insert the MicroSD Card:

Once the process is complete, insert the MicroSD card into your Raspberry Pi.

  1. Power On the Raspberry Pi:

Connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor using an HDMI cable, and attach a USB keyboard and mouse. Power on the Raspberry Pi, and it should boot into Windows 10 ARM64.

Step 4: Initial Setup and Configuration

  1. Complete the Setup:

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup of Windows 10. This will include setting up your region, language, and connecting to Wi-Fi.

  1. Update Windows:

Once setup is complete, check for any available updates to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Conclusion

Installing Windows 10 on your Raspberry Pi provides a unique and versatile computing experience, combining the power of Windows with the compact and affordable Raspberry Pi hardware. Whether you're using Windows 10 IoT Core for development projects or the full Windows 10 ARM64 for a desktop-like experience, this setup can greatly expand the capabilities of your Raspberry Pi. Follow these steps to get started and explore the possibilities of running Windows 10 on your Raspberry Pi.