How to make a full-fledged Xiaomi PC: from Mi Desktop Mode to Windows 11

The idea of using a smartphone instead of a computer has long since ceased to be a fantasy. With Xiaomi devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity, it has become even easier — thanks to powerful processors, support for the development of the new model. USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and branded solutions like Mi Desktop Mode, but how exactly to turn your Redmi Note 12 Pro into a new one?+ or POCO F5 In this guide, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple (connect to a monitor) to extreme (install Windows on the computer). ARM).

It's important to understand that not every method is suitable for everyday work. 6/Pro Snapdragon-powered 870 They're showing better desktop performance than smartphones because of active cooling and a larger screen. Here's an attempt to run Photoshop through emulation on Redmi. 10C We'll be honest about the limitations of each method so you can choose the best option for your tasks.

1. Mi Desktop Mode: Xiaomi's proprietary desktop

The easiest and official way is to use the built-in Mi Desktop Mode, available on most devices with a mobile device. MIUI 12.5+. This mode converts the smartphone interface into a simplified desktop with mouse, keyboard and external monitor support to activate it:

1. Connect your smartphone to the monitor/TV via USB-C → HDMI Adapter (we recommend the original Xiaomi) USB-C to HDMI or certified Anker 310).
2. In the notification that appears, select Desktop Mode.
3. Connect a wireless or wired keyboard/mouse via Bluetooth or USB-OTG.

Advantages of the method:

- Works without root and modification.

- Support for most applications including WPS Office, Chrome, Telegram).

Minimum delays when displaying (if a quality adapter is used).

Limitations:

- No support. x86 applications (only) ARM-version).

The interface is simplified – there is no full file manager or taskbar as in Windows.

Some games (such as Genshin Impact) refuse to run in this mode.

Supported smartphone (list below)|Quality USB-C → HDMI adapter|Monitor with permission up to 4K@30Hz|Keyboard and mouse (wired or Bluetooth)|Charger (smartphone discharges faster when displayed on the screen)

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The list of devices with official support for Mi Desktop Mode:

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Helio G (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Desktop Mode may not work properly or at all. Check support on Xiaomi Support before buying an adapter.

2. Connect to the monitor via DeX analogues (Samsung DeX, Huawei Desktop)

If your Xiaomi does not support Mi Desktop Mode, you can try third-party solutions that mimic the Samsung DeX or Huawei Desktop.

• 🔹 Second Screen (a mouse/keyboard-enabled backup app) works via Wi-Fi Direct or USB-C.
• 🔹 Sentio Desktop is a plugin for Tasker that creates a desktop interface.
• 🔹 UserLAnd – Launching a full Ubuntu or Debian in a container with an external screen.

For example, let’s take a look at the userLand setting:

1. Install UserLAnd from Google Play.
2. Select a distribution (Ubuntu or Debian) and install it.
3. Connect to the device through VNC Viewer (address will be indicated in the appendix).
4. Connect the monitor through USB-C → HDMI and activate screen duplication in Android settings.

Pros of the method:

Full Linux environment with support for apt, python, git.

- Can we install GIMP, LibreOffice, Blender (ARM-version).

- It works even on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A).

Cons:

Low performance in graphical tasks.

- Tough setup for beginners.

- No support. x86 Applications (e.g. Adobe Premiere).

Mi Desktop Mode|Second Screen|UserLAnd|Samsung DeX through workarounds|I've tried nothing.-->

Install Windows 11 on Xiaomi (WoA and RenoX projects)

For enthusiasts willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is an option to install Windows 11 ARM Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon processors, which requires unlocking the bootloader, firmware customization. UEFI And manually installing drivers:

• 🔹 WoA (Windows on ARM) — universal project for most Snapdragon devices.
• 🔹 RenoX - specialized firmware for Xiaomi Mi 6, Mi 9, POCO F1.
• 🔹 DUALBOOT — You can choose between Android and Windows when booting.

Step-by-step instructions for POCO F1 (Snapdragon 845):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).


2.Install TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




3.Slice UEFI: fastboot flash boot woa-uefi.img




4. boot to UEFI and install Windows 11 ARM via the USB- drive.




5. Install drivers for sensor, Wi-Fi, sound (download from 4PDA or XDA).

What works after installation:

- Touchscreen (calibrated).

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (drivers from Qualcomm).

- Sound through the speakers and 3.5mm connector.

- Connecting to the monitor through USB-C.

What doesn’t work (or doesn’t work well):

Cameras (no official Windows drivers)

- modem (3G/4G/5G — only USB-tetering).

- Accelerometer and gyroscope.

Quick battery discharge (Windows is not optimized for mobile processors)

⚠️ Note: Installing Windows on Xiaomi voids warranty and may result in a brick (inoperability) of the device. Some models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) lack display drivers, making the installation pointless.

4.Using Xiaomi as a system unit with a docking station

If you don't need a desktop interface, but you just need to connect your smartphone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, you just need to buy a docking station. USB-C Docking Station (model) MCD02AM) permitting:

• 🔹 Output the image on the monitor through HDMI 4K@30Hz.
• 🔹 Connect the keyboard/mouse through USB 3.0.
• 🔹 Charge your smartphone (Swift Charge 3.0 support).
• 🔹 Connect an external drive or card reader.

How this works in practice:

1. Connect the docking station to the smartphone through USB-C.

2. connect the monitor to the docking station through HDMI.

3. Connect the keyboard and mouse to USB-port.

4. On your smartphone, turn on the mode USB-tetering (if you need the Internet).

Advantages:

No need to adjust - everything works out of the box.

You can quickly turn off your smartphone and take it with you.

Supported by most Xiaomi devices (even without Desktop Mode).

Disadvantages:

Delays in input (lag) when using wireless mouse/keyboard.

- Restriction on authorization (maximum) 4K@30Hz).

- Docking station takes port USB-C, What prevents charging (if the station is not supported) PD).

adb shell setprop persist.sys.usb.config diag,adb,serial_cdev,rmnet,diag_mdlog,mbim,qdss,qdss_mdm,rmnet_sdio,dpl,cdc_ether

It'll reset the configuration. USB-port-to-factory settings.-->

5. Cloud PC via Xiaomi: Shadow, GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud

If your Xiaomi doesn't have a lot of resources, but you have fast Internet, you can use cloud services, which let you run a full Windows PC or game console directly from your smartphone, displaying the image on an external monitor.

How to set up Shadow PC Xiaomi:

1. Install Shadow from Google Play.
2. Connect the keyboard/mouse via Bluetooth or USB-OTG.
3. Connect your smartphone to the monitor through USB-C → HDMI.
4. Run Shadow and select the PC configuration (from 4 to 16 GB of RAM).

The advantages of cloud solutions:

- Full Windows with Support x86 applications.

The power of a cloud PC is superior to any smartphone.

There is no risk of damaging the device (unlike Windows firmware).

Cons:

- A stable internet connection is required (with ping). >50ms will be lags).

Subscription can be more expensive than buying a budget PC.

- Some services (e.g. GeForce) NOW) Do not support the output of an external monitor directly.

💡

Cloud PCs are the best choice for gamers and designers who need the power of a full computer, but there is no way to buy it. 25 Mbit/s and ping <30 miss.

6. Emulation x86 on ARM: Exagear, QEMU, Termux

If you need to start x86-applications (e.g. AutoCAD or 1C) Xiaomi with a processor ARM, You can use emulators. You know, the best solutions:

• 🔹 Exagear - Proprietary emulator x86 for ARM (Wine supports).
• 🔹 QEMU — Open emulator, works through Termux.
• 🔹 Box86/Box64 — translation x86 into ARM on the fly (for Linux).

Example of Exagear installation:

1. Download Exagear from Eltechs (registration required).
2. Install. APK and activate the license.
3. Download Wine for Exagear and install it.
4. Run.exe files through the file manager.

What's going to happen?

- Light Windows applications (Notepad)++, 7-Zip).

- Old Games (Half-Life, Diablo) II).

- Some versions 1C:Enterprise (with reservations).

Limitations:

- Strong decline in productivity (5-10 times slower than native one) x86).

- No DirectX support for DirectX 11/12 (OpenGL).

Many programs (such as Adobe Illustrator) are not working.

⚠️ Attention: Emulation x86 on ARM — It's always a trade-off between compatibility and performance. For example, Exagear can run Photoshop. CS6, But it's going to be so slow that it doesn't make sense. For serious problems, it's better to look at cloud solutions or buy mini PCs.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To facilitate the choice, we have brought all methods into a table with estimates for key criteria:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 For office work (Word, Excel, mail) - Mi Desktop Mode + docking-station.
• 🔹 For programming – UserLAnd or cloud PC.
• 🔹 For games - GeForce NOW Xbox Cloud.
• 🔹 For experiments - Windows 11 ARM (Only if you're ready for bugs).

FAQ: Frequent questions