Microsoft has officially released the Windows 11 ISO file for ARM-based devices. This is great news for users with ARM laptops like Snapdragon X Elite and Plus models. You can now download the latest version (24H2) from Microsoft’s website. This lets you create a bootable USB drive for a clean installation on your ARM-based computer.
Microsoft Releases Windows 11 ISO for ARM Devices: A Big Update for Snapdragon and Apple M-Series Users
This new ISO is designed to work well with Snapdragon-powered devices. If you have a recent Snapdragon X series laptop, Windows 11 will automatically install the needed drivers through Windows Update, just like with standard x64 systems. For older Snapdragon models, you might need to add specific drivers from the manufacturer when setting up. This helps ensure smooth performance, even on older devices.
Easy Installation for Surface Devices
For ARM-based Surface devices, Microsoft has made the setup process simple. They recommend using the “Surface Recovery Image,” which includes all necessary drivers for these devices. This means you can easily install Windows 11 and have it work perfectly without any extra steps. It provides a quick and hassle-free experience for Surface users.
Better Support for Apple M-Series MacBooks
This update is also helpful for MacBook users with Apple’s M-series processors. With the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file, it’s easier to run Windows 11 on these devices using software like Parallels Desktop. However, you can’t run ARM64 virtual machines on regular x64 computers. For those, cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure are the best option.
Improving Compatibility Across Devices
The release of the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO is a big step in expanding support for different devices. It shows Microsoft’s commitment to making Windows more compatible with a wide range of hardware, from Surface tablets to MacBooks. By offering a version specifically for ARM-based devices, Microsoft aims to give users a better, more flexible experience.
If you have an ARM-based laptop, this update could offer new possibilities for using Windows 11. How do you think this will affect device compatibility in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
