Microsoft Officially Releases Windows 11 ISO File On ARM

Microsoft has finally released an ISO image of Windows 11 on ARM, making the installation process much easier for ARM-based PC users. This file, which is included in the 2024 version of Windows 11, allows users to install the operating system directly on Copilot+ PCs and other devices equipped with ARM processors.

Previously, the ARM version of the operating system was exclusively available for download either through Windows Update or via a virtual disk image (VHDX) file, considerably restricting its availability and ease of installation.

With the release of the ISO image of Windows 11 for ARM devices, ARM users now have greater flexibility to install the operating system directly from the ISO file, thereby removing the reliance on physical installation media such as DVDs or USB flash drives. Further, the ISO can be used to create a Windows 11 on ARM virtual machine on supported hardware.

Like x64 Windows 11 ISO files, users can use the ISO file to manually create bootable installation media, such as a USB flash drive, for installing Windows 11 on ARM devices. However, Microsoft noted that to ensure that the installation media boots successfully, it may be required to include device-specific drivers from the manufacturer.

Microsoft is only offering a multi-edition ISO for download, which means users need to use their product key to unlock the correct edition.

The company notes that the newer ARM-based PCs with a Snapdragon X Series processor can boot and install Windows 11 from the ISO without additional drivers from device manufacturers. Although these devices can boot Windows installation media and complete the installation successfully, they will lack complete functionality until all necessary drivers are installed.

To install those drivers and restore functionality, users can use an ethernet connection via a dongle or dock to connect to Windows Update and download the drivers. All subsystems will be functional once drivers are installed and the device is rebooted.

Devices with older generations of Snapdragon processors (Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, Gen 2, etc) require device-specific drivers to be integrated into the installation image. Without these drivers, the device may either fail to boot or boot into a state where input functionality is unavailable.

You can download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for ARM-based PCs page from the official Microsoft website here. Windows 11 is available as a disk image in multiple languages, with file sizes averaging around 5.1GB depending on the version.