Installing Windows 11 on Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with proven methods

Is it possible to run Windows 11 on a Xiaomi smartphone?

The idea of installing a full Windows 11 on a Xiaomi smartphone seems fantastic, but thanks to the WoA (Windows on) project. ARM) And for enthusiastic developers, it's become a reality. POCO, Redmi and Mi based on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (especially series) 8xx) performance is not inferior to budget laptops, which allows you to run desktop OS. However, it is important to understand: this is not an emulation, but a full installation of a modified version of Windows adapted for the use of the computer. ARM-architecture.

Before you start, consider that the process requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty, and is fraught with the risks of "bricking" the device. 9, POCO F1, Redmi K20 Pro and new models on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2. Performance will be lower than on PCs, but for office tasks, easy programming or software testing – it is quite enough.

In this guide, we will look at two main methods: installation through Project Renegade (for power users) and a simplified method using pre-made images. Both options require technical training, but the result is worth the effort – you will get a full-fledged pocket PC with support for.exe-applications, WSL 2 and even easy games.

Which Xiaomi models support Windows 11?

Not every Xiaomi smartphone is capable of running Windows 11. Basic requirements Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (better than series) 8xx or newer), at least 6 GB of RAM and support UEFI-Below is a table of compatible devices with the level of stability:

For other models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO M4 Pro) installation is possible, but will require significant improvements and does not guarantee stable operation. XDA Developers or in the WoA Project Telegram channel – support for new devices appears regularly.

⚠️ Note: Installing Windows 11 on Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (such as Dimensity or Helio) is currently impossible due to the lack of drivers for the device. ARM64-Attempt to install on these devices will result in a system that is not working.

Phone Preparation: Unlocking the bootloader and Backup

The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader, which is not something you can install custom firmware without, and it's officially supported by Xiaomi, but it has limitations:

• 🔓 Unlocking erases all data on the device – backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP.
• ⏳ Waiting for permission can take up to 720 hours (30 days) for new Mi accounts. Older accounts (created before 2022) are unlocked faster.
• 📱 Make sure the version MIUI 12.5.3 - newer versions may have problems with unlocking tools.
• 🔌 Battery charge must be at least 60%, otherwise the Mi Unlock program will not work.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and install it on a Windows PC.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate options OEM-unlocking and debugging USB developer menu.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, start Mi Unlock, and follow the instructions. The system will request that you link your Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you previously blocked the bootloader through fastboot oem lock, it can take up to 30 days to unlock even for older accounts. Check the lock status with the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for the line Device unlocked: false - if you have one, you will have to wait.

After unlocking, it is recommended to sew TWRP Recovery will make Windows installation easier and allow you to backup your current firmware. TWRP — download only from verified sources (for example, the official website or the theme of the device on the Internet). XDA).

Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)|Data backup created|Installed TWRP Recovery|Download the image of Windows 11 for ARM|Compatibility of the phone model is checked-->

Selection of installation method: Project Renegade vs Pre-made images

There are two main approaches to installing Windows 11 on Xiaomi:

1. Project Renegade is an advanced method that manually configures drivers, is suitable for experienced users, allows you to fine-tune the system for a particular device. UEFI.
2. Ready-made images are a simplified version from the community (for example, assemblies from gus33000 Suitable for beginners, but may contain bugs and not support all phone functions.

Comparison of methods:

For most users, it is recommended to start with ready-made images, for example, the assembly of WOA-LxsManager for the first time. POCO F1 include:

• 🖥️ Full Windows 11 desktop with support Win32-applications.
• 🌐 Working Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (based on drivers from Qualcomm).
• 🔋 Optimized energy consumption (up to) 4-5 battery-hours).
• 🎮 DirectX 12 support for lightweight games (e.g. Minecraft or Minecraft) CS:GO minimally).

If you choose Project Renegade, be prepared to manually compile the kernel and set up the setup. ACPI-This method is the most control, but requires a deep knowledge of embedded systems. EDK2.

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Before installing, check if your model supports USB-OTG It's going to connect a keyboard, a mouse, or even a keyboard. SSD-storage device.

Step-by-step: installing Windows 11 on Xiaomi

Consider a simplified method using a finished image on an example POCO F1. For other models, the steps are similar, but drivers and partition markup may differ.

Step 1: Preparing image and tools

Download the necessary files:

• 📁 Windows image 11 ARM for your model (for example, POCOF1_WOA_22H2.zip).
• 🛠️ Platform Tools (contains fastboot and adb).
• 🔧 WOA Installer – utility for automatic installation.

Step 2: Disk markup

Connect your phone in fastboot mode (hold power). + Reduce volume when turned on) and perform in the command line:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined, start the markup:

fastboot oem fdisk


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

These teams will create new sections for UEFI Windows. All data will be erased!

Step 3: Install Windows

Unpack the downloaded image and run WOA-Installer.exe. Select:

• Model phone (POCO F1, Mi 9, etc.).
• Partition size for Windows (32 GB or more is recommended).
• Install Drivers (Drivers for Wi-Fi, Sound, Sensors)

Wait until the process is completed (it will take). 15-30 When it's finished, the phone automatically restarts to Windows.

Step 4: Initial setting

After the first launch:

1. Choose the language and region (Russian is supported).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi – the drivers are already installed.
3. Set up a Microsoft account (you can skip it, but some features will be limited).
4. Install updates through the settings → Windows Update.

⚠️ Warning: Don't update Windows through Windows Update the first day after installation! First check driver stability.Some updates may break your phone hardware compatibility.

Set up Windows 11 after installation

After successful installation, the system will work, but for comfortable use will require additional adjustment:

1. Optimization of productivity

Windows 11 defaults on ARM It's a lot of resources, it's a lot of work:

• 🔧 Turn off visual effects: Options → Special facilities → Effects of transparency.
• ⚡ Switch to Power Scheme Energy Saving (right-click on the battery in the tray).
• 🖥️ Reduce the screen resolution to 720p (if the display driver allows).
• 🛑 Disable unnecessary services: press Win + R, enter msconfig, and disable the autoload of unnecessary programs.

Installation of drivers

Even in pre-built builds, some features may not work. Check and install drivers manually:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Download drivers for Qualcomm Atheros with DriverPack Solution.
• 🔊 Sound: Use the Realtek driver HD Audio or Qualcomm Audio.
• 📷 Camera: For most models, only the main camera works through the Windows Camera app.
• 🎮 Graphics: Install Adreno driver for Snapdragon (e.g. Adreno 640 for Snapdragon 855).

Installation of applications

Windows 11 on ARM supportive:

• 📦 Win32-applications (through emulation) x86). Most programs (such as Photoshop, Office) work without problems.
• 🎮 Games: Light projects on Unity or Godot are launched, but AAA-games will slow down.

Important: Some antiviruses (such as Kaspersky or Kaspersky) ESET) They can block the system due to non-standard configuration. UEFI. Use the built-in Windows Defender or disable the antivirus completely.

4. Connecting peripherals

For full work, connect:

• ⌨️ Keyboard and mouse through USB-OTG Bluetooth.
• 🖥️ External monitor through USB-C to HDMI (It's running on Snapdragon. 855/860).
• 💾 Outside SSD For memory expansion (Windows will see it as a regular disk).
• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (3.5 mm or Bluetooth).

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For maximum performance, disable OneDrive background sync and Windows search indexing. This will reduce the load on the processor and increase battery life.

Solving common problems

Even with the right installation, there can be difficulties. Consider typical errors and ways to correct them:

1. Windows does not boot (black screen or logo)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: connect the charger and wait 10-15 On some models (POCO X3 Pro) a charge of at least 30% run-up.
• 🛠️ bootloader damaged: re-question UEFI Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot uefi.img
• 🗃️ Disk markup error: Check partitions through diskpart in the Windows Command Prompt on PC.

2. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working.

Most often, the problem is the lack of drivers.

1. Download the driver for your model with DriverDB.
2. Install manually through Device Manager (select Update Driver) → Perform a search on this computer).
3. If it doesn’t work, try rolling back the driver to an older version.

3.Touch screen is not responding

This is a typical problem for Redmi. K20 Pro and Mi 9T Pro. Decisions:

• 🔄 Restart your phone to Safe Mode (hold the Shift when you restart). If the sensor is working, the problem is driver conflict.
• 📥 Install an alternative sensor driver (such as Goodix or Synaptics).
• 🖱️ Connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG And you can set up the system with it.

4. Fast battery discharge

Windows 11 It is not optimized for mobile devices, so the battery will run out of power. 2-4 How to extend the working hours:

• ⚡ Turn off background processes through the settings → Confidentiality → Background applications.
• 🔋 Reduce screen brightness by up to 50% and turn off adaptive backlight.
• 🛑 Turn off Windows Hello and biometric authentication – they’re constantly using sensors.
• 🔌 Use the plane mode if you don’t need the internet.

5. Low performance in games

Even on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, games will be slowed down due to the lack of full Adreno drivers.

• 🎮 Reduce the game resolution to 720p and turn off the smoothing.
• 🔧 Use it. DXVK Transform DirectX calls to Vulkan (improves) FPS play-off).
• ❄️ Cool the phone – overheating leads to trottling (reduced processor frequency).

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If Windows is installed, you will be able to see your phone as a Lumia 950. XL (In Device Manager, don't worry, that's okay. Just install the drivers for your model manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Windows 11 Xiaomi