Running Windows 11 directly on an iPad with M-series chip is now a reality, but the experience...

Although iPad and Windows are fundamentally incompatible, a curious force has always driven enthusiasts to install this 'windowed' operating system on the iPad. This scenario is becoming more plausible thanks to recent chip developments in top-tier iPads.

Some enthusiasts have explored ways to install ARM version of Windows on iPads with M-series chips. While it could be installed through virtualization on the iPad, it's not as smooth as running Windows ARM on a Mac using Parallels.

The passion for installing Windows on iPad

Installing Windows to run on an iPad without the need for remote tools like TeamViewer or UltraViewer is a lofty dream. It envisions users seamlessly handling the unique tasks of Windows on a compact iPad, essentially turning it into a Surface-like device while still utilizing iPadOS. Unfortunately, this beautiful scenario remains unrealized.

There have been 'temporary' solutions to use Windows not only on iPads but also on various devices, primarily through remote desktop control. However, this approach introduces control issues. Trying TeamViewer or Google Remote Desktop to run Windows on iPad resulted in satisfactory display but poor control. Navigating the mouse on the iPad was challenging, leading to abandonment. Prolonged use revealed increasing latency, providing a less-than-ideal experience of using Windows on iPad through this method.

For those without a ready computer, utilizing Microsoft's Windows 365 service or renting any virtual machine to run Windows remotely is an option. Running Windows on iPad through Remote Desktop apps still poses challenges in control and stability, even with services like Windows 365 or other virtual machines.

Directly Running Virtual Machines on M-series iPad

Unsuccessful remote access is often due to limitations in remote features on devices, both in terms of software and internet connection. However, with the M1 and M2 chips equipped on the iPad, why not leverage them to run Windows directly on the iPad? A clever example is if we know how to install it. And there is indeed a way - running a virtual machine.

There might not be any virtual machine apps on the App Store to install Windows, but there's a method using AltServer to install UTM - a virtual machine emulator that supports iPad through JIT for real-time software translation and execution.

Finding a suitable Windows ARM version to install on the iPad is even more challenging than finding the virtual machine itself. Fortunately, through relentless searching, a trimmed-down version of Windows 11 - Tiny 11, has been discovered. This minimal version of Windows 11 is compact enough to run on low-spec devices. In this case, not that the device is low-spec, but the emulator is not sufficient to unleash the full power of this device. Fortunately, we can now install Windows on the iPad.

Direct Windows 11 Experience on iPad - Poor, Very Poor

It could be due to the emulator software or the trimmed-down version of Windows 11. Regardless, the Windows experience on the iPad is far from smooth, and it might even be worse than using it through remote control.

Basic applications like browsers and file systems function, and it's possible to install apps. However, each command requires a wait before execution, making it impractical for regular use and particularly challenging for productivity.

In summary, the direct experience of running Windows on iPad is far from satisfying. It's sluggish, uncomfortable, and challenging, encapsulating the struggles faced in this Windows 'experiment.'

Interim Conclusion

Achieving smooth Windows operation on iPad is a daunting task, nearly impossible when the devices and operating systems are fundamentally unrelated. Even if installed, there's no guarantee of optimal performance, as hardware and software must be intricately and reciprocally optimized. In the case of Windows and iPad, it's a tough call.

However, the joy sometimes lies not in running Windows on iPad but in the exploration process to install it on the device. Even if it runs smoothly, there's little use since if Windows is needed to that extent, one would have bought a Surface instead of an iPad.

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