Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (2024)

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (1)

Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority

While there are some Windows 11 tablets you can buy, there are even more Android-based tablets available, and you can even use a bluetooth keyboard to work on them like a Windows desktop or tablet. But what if you wanted to install Windows on your Android tablet? Unfortunately, there’s no way to install the Windows operating system on Android tablets due to the difference in hardware and limited access to the bootloader. However, if you’re determined, Remote Desktop will get you close to the real experience.

QUICK ANSWER

You cannot install Windows on an Android tablet, but you can use remote desktop apps like Chrome Remote Desktop if you have a spare Windows PC. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a cloud Windows virtual machine like RemotePC by Drive. Android apps are available for both, essentially letting you use a Windows desktop on an Android tablet.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

  • Using Chrome Remote Desktop
  • Running Windows through the cloud

Use Windows on an Android tablet via Chrome Remote Desktop

We cannot directly install Windows on an Android tablet, but Chrome Remote Desktop can still emulate the experience. This requires a powered-on Windows PC, which you can then remotely control from your Android tablet. Simply make sure you have the Google Chrome browser installed on your PC.

Open Google Chrome on your Windows PC and head over to the Chrome Web Store. Search for Chrome Remote Desktop, and click it to open the page.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (2)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Click the Add to Chrome button. Then, click Add extension when the confirmation pops up.

Next, open Chrome Remote Desktop by clicking on the extension logo from the Chrome extensions list. Click Remote Access in the left navigation pane.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (4)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Click the Turn on button under Set up remote access. Enter a name for your PC, and click Next.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (5)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Enter a PIN to secure access to your PC, and click Start. Make sure to remember this PIN. If Windows asks for any administrator permission, allow it.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (6)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

On your Android tablet, download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Make sure you’re using the same Google account on your tablet as on your Windows PC, specifically the one in the Chrome window where you’ve installed the extension.

Open the app on your tablet and select that particular Google account if asked. On the app’s home screen, you’ll find your PC with remote support listed by the name you gave it earlier.

Click it and enter the PIN you had set earlier when prompted. Check the box next to Don’t ask for a PIN again… if need be, and click Connect.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (7)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

That’s it. Your Android tablet will connect to your Windows PC, letting you use Windows on your Android tablet.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (8)

Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Running Windows through the cloud

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (9)

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Since it’s not possible to install Windows on an Android tablet, your second best bet is to run a remote virtual machine. While the above method borrows a spare Windows system that you have, the other option you have is to sign up for a Windows cloud virtual machine service and use the official app for the service on your Android tablet to access it.

These services are paid but you can get some for low annual prices. As long as you have a fast internet connection, though, the experience will feel more or less like a native Windows installation. Our go-to recommendation is RemotePC by iDrive, where $20 gets you unlimited remote access for a whole year.

It’s not possible to install the full Windows operating system on an Android tablet. However, you can use a free app like Chrome Remote Desktop to control your Windows computer from your Android phone or tablet.

Android phones do not have the ability to install Windows, but you can use apps to control an existing PC remotely.

No, PC software is fundamentally incompatible with Android. However, you can stream an existing Windows computer over the network.

No mainstream phone can run Windows. That said, some have unofficial community-made workarounds to dual boot Android and Windows.

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets (2024)

FAQs

Here's how to install Windows on Android tablets? ›

QUICK ANSWER

How to install Windows on an Android tablet? ›

You have 3 options:
  1. Use a remote access to an existing windows machine.
  2. Use an emulator (Very slow)
  3. Do the very hard work to hack the windows kernel and your tablet bootloader in order to make your tablet able to boot it.
Oct 18, 2023

Can I put Windows 10 on my tablet? ›

Windows 10 is designed to work on desktops, laptops, and tablets. By default, if you're using a touchscreen device without a keyboard and mouse, your computer will switch to tablet mode. You can also switch between desktop and tablet mode at any time.

How do I run Windows 10 on my Android phone? ›

In the first step, you need to download and install some applications on your Android device. These applications are "Limbo PC Emulator" and "File Manager" from Play Store. Now, download Windows from any web source you prefer on your Android phone. Keep in mind; download only such Windows that your phone can handle.

How to install Windows 11 on Android? ›

Download the ISO: You can download the Windows 11 ISO file directly from Microsoft's official website using your phone's web browser. Transfer the ISO to USB: Connect your USB drive to your phone using an OTG cable. Then use a file manager app to move or copy the ISO file from your phone's storage to the USB drive.

How do I install a new OS on my Android tablet? ›

Open the settings app: Tap Systems and then Systems Update. Follow any steps on the screen. Your tablet will check in with its manufacturer to see if there are any newer OS versions available and then run the appropriate installation.

How to make bootable USB Windows 10 on Android? ›

How To Make Bootable Usb Windows 10 On Android with PassFab 4Winkwey (Android)?
  1. Connect your usb drive with the OTG cable to your Android phone.
  2. Search for PassFab 4Winkey (Android) from Google play and download it. ...
  3. Then you can create the bootable usb from your android phone by following the step-by-step guide shown.
Nov 16, 2023

Which tablet can install Windows? ›

Brands which make Windows tablets are:
  • Microsoft Surface lineup : Surface Go or Pro(not cheap)
  • Huawei Matebook E(not cheap)
  • Alldocube.
  • Chuwi.
Nov 20, 2023

Can tablets run Windows programs? ›

All modern Windows tablets run regular windows apps… whether they come from the official Store or installed from exe files from the internet. The Surface RT built in 2012 will not. (These are fairly rare now.)

Which Windows 10 version is best for tablet? ›

There is absolutely no difference in the version of Windows 10 used on a tablet compared to a PC or laptop version of Windows 10. Tablets generally have very basic hardware and most drivers for the tablets can be found in the Windows 10 installation, rather than needing to download drivers separately . . .

Can I convert my Android tablet to Windows 10? ›

Replies (3) 

Not sure if anyone has asked this question, can windows 10 be installed on an adroid tablet like an asus? No, Windows does not support the Android platform. The new Universal Apps for Windows 10 does support porting to the Android and iOS platform.

Can I download Windows 10 for free? ›

No matter how or whether you pay for it, you can download Windows 10 or download Windows 11 for free from Microsoft.com. And, in fact, you should only download it from Microsoft, as grabbing it from any other site or from a P2P network could give you malware.

How do I access Windows on Android? ›

Access a computer remotely
  1. On your Android device, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app . ...
  2. To find the “Remote Access” page, tap Menu Remote Access .
  3. From the list, tap the computer you want to access. ...
  4. Enter the PIN.
  5. To continue, tap the Arrow .
  6. Control the computer with a virtual trackpad.

Can I get Windows 11 on a tablet? ›

The New Way Windows 11 Works on Tablets

Using Windows 11 on a tablet is much more akin to using it on a desktop, whereas Windows 10's Tablet Mode has a unique feel. You see the similarities between Windows 11 for tablet and desktop use in the taskbar and in how application windows appear.

Is Windows 11 free? ›

Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.

Can I install Windows 7 on Android tablet? ›

Believe it or not, you can actually run Windows 7 on Android, and you don't even have to root your device. In this article, we'll show you how and provide you links to everything you need to download and get Windows 7 up and running on your device.

How do I run an exe file on Android? ›

You can open exe files on Android using Inno Setup Extractor or any DOS BOX app like aFreeBox. You can also use Wine or Winlator, but these apps aren't available in the Google Play Store. An easier option would be to sign up for a cloud computing service. Editor's note: Android doesn't officially support exe files.

How to make Android phone as a bootable USB without root? ›

Enter PassFab 4Winkey (Android). Proudly introduced by PassFab, this revolutionary software can easily create a bootable USB from Android without PC, make things easier. A standout feature of PassFab 4Winkey (Android) is it creates bootable USB drives directly from Android without rooting.

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