How to Run Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 5 Using Botspot Virtual Machine

The Raspberry Pi 5 is a powerful single-board computer that has expanded the possibilities for running operating systems beyond Linux distributions. With Botspot Virtual Machine (BVM), it is now possible to run Windows 11 on the Raspberry Pi 5, opening up new opportunities for development, testing, and casual computing.

Why Run Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 5?

Running Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 5 allows users to:

• Experience a full Windows OS on a low-cost, compact device.
• Test and develop Windows applications without needing a full PC.
• Expand the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities beyond traditional Linux use cases.
• Use Windows-specific software that isn’t available on Linux.

That being said, performance won't be on par with high-end PCs, but it can be useful for light tasks.

What You Need to Get Started

Hardware Requirements

• Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB or 16GB recommended for smoother performance).
• High-speed storage:
  
  • NVMe SSD (via a PCIe adapter) recommended for better speeds.
  • High-quality microSD card (minimum 32GB, but 64GB or more is recommended).
• Active cooling solution (a fan or heatsink to prevent overheating).
• Power supply (official USB-C Raspberry Pi 5 power adapter recommended).
• USB keyboard and mouse.
• Monitor with HDMI cable.

Software Requirements

• Raspberry Pi OS installed on the device.
• Botspot Virtual Machine (BVM) (automates the setup process).
• Windows 11 ARM64 Image (automatically downloaded via BVM).
• At least 50GB of free storage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 5

Step 1: Install Botspot Virtual Machine

First, open a terminal on your Raspberry Pi 5 and download the BVM repository:

```bash

git clone https://github.com/Botspot/bvm

```

Navigate to the directory and install BVM:

```bash

cd bvm

./bvm help

```

This command will install all necessary dependencies.

Step 2: Create a Windows 11 Virtual Machine

Once BVM is installed, create a new virtual machine (VM) for Windows 11:

```bash

./bvm new-vm ~/win11

```

This will create a dedicated folder for Windows 11.

Step 3: Download Windows 11 and Required Drivers

To automatically fetch the Windows 11 ARM64 image and drivers, use the following command:

```bash

./bvm download ~/win11

```

This process might take several minutes, depending on your internet speed.

Step 4: Prepare the Virtual Machine

Once the files are downloaded, set up the VM:

```bash

./bvm prepare ~/win11

```

This step configures the virtual machine and ensures Windows 11 is properly installed.

Step 5: First Boot of Windows 11

Now, start Windows 11 for the first time:

‍

```bash

./bvm firstboot ~/win11

```

This will launch Windows 11 inside the virtual machine. The installation process may take a while.

Step 6: Running Windows 11 Efficiently

Option 1: Run Windows 11 Normally

To start Windows 11 in a normal mode:

```bash

./bvm boot ~/win11

```

Option 2: Run Windows 11 in Headless Mode (Better Performance)

For a smoother experience, run the VM in headless mode and connect via Remote Desktop (RDP):

```bash

./bvm boot-nodisplay ~/win11

```

Then, connect to it using:

```bash

./bvm connect ~/win11

```

This helps reduce resource usage and improves performance.

Additional Features & Tweaks

1. USB Passthrough

If you want Windows 11 to access a USB device connected to the Raspberry Pi, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the VM is powered off.

2. Connect the USB device to the Raspberry Pi.

3. Find the USB ID using:

   ```bash

   lsusb

   ```

4. Modify the VM configuration file to include the USB device.

‍

2. Mount the Windows 11 Disk on Raspberry Pi OS

To access Windows 11 files from Raspberry Pi OS, you can mount the virtual disk:

```bash

./bvm mount ~/win11

```

This allows you to transfer files between the host OS and the VM.

After transferring files, unmount the disk:

```bash

./bvm unmount ~/win11

```

Performance Considerations

While Windows 11 can run on the Raspberry Pi 5, it’s important to manage expectations:

•  Great for lightweight applications and basic Windows programs.  
•  Best performance with headless mode & Remote Desktop.  

Not ideal for heavy workloads like video editing or gaming.  

For better performance:

Use NVMe storage instead of a microSD card.

Use an 8GB or 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 model.

Close unnecessary applications while running Windows 11.

Final Thoughts

Running Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 5 using Botspot Virtual Machine is an exciting project that showcases the device's versatility. While it won’t replace a high-end Windows PC, it provides a fun way to experiment with Windows 11 on a low-cost single-board computer.

Key Takeaways:

• BVM automates Windows 11 installation on Raspberry Pi 5.  
• Performance is limited, but suitable for light tasks.  
• Best experience achieved with NVMe storage and Remote Desktop (RDP).  

Would you try running Windows 11 on your Raspberry Pi 5? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

1. Can I install Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi 4?

Yes, but the Raspberry Pi 5 provides better performance due to improved processing power and RAM.

2. Can I install Windows apps on this setup?

Yes, but only lightweight applications will run smoothly. Resource-heavy applications may struggle.

3. Can I dual-boot Raspberry Pi OS and Windows 11?

No, Windows 11 runs inside a virtual machine, not as a standalone OS.

4. Is this a stable solution for daily use?

Not really. It's best for experimentation and testing rather than full-time use.

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