Can Windows 11 Run on Android Phones? Inside the Renegade Project

At the end of last month, the highly anticipated Windows 11 preview was released, and users can join the Windows Insider program to install the test version.

Although the preview is somewhat rough, many early adopters have installed it, sharing screenshots and even the new black‑screen crash that replaces the classic blue screen.

For most regular users the final release is expected later this year, and the preview still has many bugs such as a broken global search and the need to reinstall Windows 10 via image to roll back.

Despite these issues, some developers have explored whether Android phones can run Windows 11, since the OS now supports Android apps.

This effort is called the Renegade Project, and its source code is available on GitHub:

https://github.com/edk2-porting/edk2-sdm845

One of the authors, Xilin Wu, says the Windows 11 ARM64 edition can be installed on phones with Snapdragon 845, while Snapdragon 855 devices partially support the edk2‑sm8150 port.

Using the project, Windows 11 has been booted on devices such as OnePlus 6T and Xiaomi 8, though many phone functions like calling are unavailable.

Developers have also demonstrated Windows 11 running on Raspberry Pi 4 and on the Lumia 950 XL, the latter supporting phone calls.

On Raspberry Pi, the ARM version of Windows 11 provides a full desktop experience, similar to Windows 10, requiring a Pi 4 with at least 4 GB RAM and a Windows 11 ARM64 image.

The current builds can handle basic OS functions, including Bluetooth and USB input, but the system is not intended by Microsoft for phone use, and features such as contacts, mobile signal, and telephony remain challenging.

References:

https://enter21st.com/devs-beginning-bringing-windows-11-to-android-telephones-from-oneplus-xiaomi/

https://www.windowslatest.com/2021/06/30/windows-11-is-already-running-on-raspberry-pi-4/