Emir BardakçıSince Microsoft announced, back in December 2019, that it would no longer support Windows 10 Mobile, there has been a lot of speculation about a potential Windows-powered smartphone. We are yet to see an official Windows 11 mobile device, but that does not mean the dream isn’t kept alive by independent developers and enthusiasts.
A Reddit user, anh0l, has just managed to successfully install Windows 11 on a Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro with the help of an open-source project called Project Renegade. Shockingly, the OS reportedly runs fairly smoothly on the device, apart from minor issues like touchscreen glitches.
What is Project Renegade?
Project Renegade is an open-source project to put Windows operating systems on Android smartphones. Based on EDK2-UEFI firmware, the project allows the porting of Windows 11 to devices originally designed for Android.
- POCO X3 Pro
- Nokia Lumia 950/950 XL
- Microsoft Surface Duo series
- And other Android-based devices listed on the project’s official website.
The project provided detailed installation guides and lists of device compatibilities that will help enthusiasts try out Windows on their smartphones.
Performance on Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro
The success of POCO X3 Pro says a lot about the potential of this innovative project:
- Smooth Operation: The report says Windows 11 runs great on the device, proving that its hardware could run a desktop-level operating system.
- Touchscreen Issues: There are still functional challenges, like touchscreen input glitches, which indeed require further optimization.
- Slim Versions of Windows Not Recommended: The project does not recommend using slimmed-down versions of Windows 11, as this may cause compatibility issues.
Why Does This Matter?
- Resuscitating the Dream of Windows Mobile: Even though Microsoft stepped out of the race to provide a mobile OS, projects like this hint at latent demand for a Windows-based mobile ecosystem.
- Versatility of Android Hardware: This is a testimonial to the adaptability of modern smartphones, as far as running a full-fledged desktop operating system on Android hardware is concerned.
- Community Innovation: The successes of independent developers indicate the potential of open-source collaboration in pushing boundaries.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Although the improvements brought about by Project Renegade are astonishing, from a practical point of view, some issues like touchscreen problems and limited device support still remain. However, with continuous support from the community, further optimizations may bring Windows 11 on smartphones closer to a viable user experience. The dream of a Windows-powered smartphone lives on only in the hands of enthusiasts for the time being. Whether Microsoft decides to revisit its ambitions regarding mobile is yet to be seen, but projects like Project Renegade will continue to evolve the concept.
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That’s truly awesome, how about having dual operating systems on the device. I think that would be amaizing.