ByOn Tuesday, Microsoft rolled out Windows 11, version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, for qualifying devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and 23H2. This latest update is available via the Windows update and ISOs.
While the official ISOs for x64 PCs are already available for public download, the company has now decided to release Arm64 ISOs for Windows 11 24H2 to increase Windows’ reach on Arm-powered devices.
Currently, one can download Windows Arm64 ISO only via the Windows Insider Program and by downloading the VHDX file. The VHDX file is designed exclusively for use in virtual machines, such as Hyper-V, and cannot be installed directly on physical Arm hardware. This restricts users’ ability to install Windows 11 on their actual Arm devices.
To eliminate this limitation, Microsoft wants to release Windows Arm ISOs so everyone can download them directly from their official download page (via u/SilverseeLives). While the company hasn’t disclosed the release date, it does mention on the Download Windows 11 page that “Windows 11 ISOs for Arm64 devices will be made available. available in the coming weeks.”
If the company releases Windows ARM ISOs on its official download page, it will allow users with physical ARM-based PCs to easily install Windows 11 directly on their devices, without needing to depend on the Windows Insider Program or virtual machine setups.
Although not confirmed yet, it is expected that Windows 11 ISOs for Arm devices may be made available via Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to simplify the process of creating installation media for another Windows on Arm PC.
The availability of Windows ISOs for Arm devices is a crucial step toward enabling custom-built Arm PCs, ultimately paving the way to a broader adoption of the Arm ecosystem in the PC world.
