Introduction

Running full Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi devices has historically been a challenging endeavor marked by complex installation processes and limited hardware compatibility. However, Botspot’s Virtual Machine (BVM) marks a transformative leap, enabling a surprisingly speedy and accessible Windows 11 experience on Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, and related Compute Modules. This article explores the background, technical details, and implications of this cutting-edge project.

Background

The Raspberry Pi, a popular and low-cost single-board computer PC, has long been celebrated for its versatility in DIY, educational, and hobbyist computing. Traditionally, Microsoft’s Windows operating systems were not designed to run natively on Pi hardware due to architectural differences and driver support limitations. While Microsoft briefly supported an embedded edition called Windows 10 IoT Core, it lacked desktop experience and broad user appeal.

With the rise of ARM-based computing, Windows 11 introduced native ARM64 support, but running it directly on Raspberry Pi hardware remained impractical due to performance and driver challenges. Earlier projects, such as Windows on Raspberry (WoR), achieved partial success but suffered from limited device compatibility and installation complexity.

Botspot, a pseudonymous developer and enthusiast in the SBC community, created the BVM script and toolchain that embrace virtualization rather than bare-metal installation, sidestepping many hardware limitations. This approach leverages the Pi’s ARM64 CPU architecture to run Windows 11 inside a virtual machine atop Linux-based Pi OS, effectively bridging the gap between the two platforms.

How Botspot’s Virtual Machine Works

Unlike traditional emulation which interprets processor instructions and incurs heavy performance penalties, BVM performs hardware-level virtualization. This means Windows 11 for ARM64 runs in a VM that directly executes ARM instructions on the Pi’s CPU. Advantages include:

  • Native ARM64 instruction execution: No costly binary translation slows down processing.
  • Support for Raspberry Pi 4, 5, Compute Modules 4 & 5, and Pi 400/500 form factors: Broad hardware compatibility.
  • Runs on top of Raspberry Pi OS or other Linux distributions: The VM runs seamlessly alongside Linux.

BVM supports critical features including:

  • Audio and networking: Audio playback and Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity work out of the box.
  • USB pass-through: Allows connecting Windows-only peripherals, such as security keys or printers.
  • File sharing: Shared network drives enable easy data exchange between Linux and Windows.
  • Compatibility for x86 apps: Thanks to Microsoft’s Prism x86 emulation layer within Windows ARM.

A key limitation remains the lack of GPU hardware-accelerated graphics, restricting the use of demanding games and 3D applications.

Installation and Usage

Installing BVM requires preparing a Windows 11 ARM64 image, a Raspberry Pi OS base, and running Botspot’s scripts to set up the VM. Documentation guides users through:

  1. Downloading and preparing the Windows 11 ARM ISO.
  2. Flashing Raspberry Pi OS with necessary virtualization tools.
  3. Running Botspot’s installation script for BVM.
  4. Configuring USB devices and networking.

The process is command-line oriented but designed for enthusiasts comfortable with Linux terminal operations. Once installed, users launch the VM to enjoy a full Windows 11 desktop in a window or full screen.

Performance Insights

Despite expectations that virtualization on Pi hardware might be sluggish, users have reported a surprisingly responsive desktop experience for typical productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and educational software. This is primarily because Windows 11 ARM runs natively on the Pi’s ARM CPU, and the host OS efficiently allocates system resources.

Performance factors include:

  • Lightweight resource usage compared to traditional x86 virtualization.
  • Efficient CPU scheduling via KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine).
  • Lower latency in device access through USB pass-through.

However, multi-monitor setups, heavy multitasking, or graphics-intensive workloads exceed the Pi’s capabilities.

Broader Implications

Botspot’s BVM unlocks new possibilities for using Windows applications on cost-effective, low-power hardware. It democratizes cross-platform usage by making it feasible to run Windows-only software in classrooms, maker spaces, and small businesses without expensive PCs.

It also points toward potential thin-client or virtual desktop use cases, where Pi devices serve as lightweight terminals launching Windows environments on demand.

Educational institutions gain flexible multi-OS labs without dual hardware investments, while hobbyists can experiment with complex workflows involving legacy Windows apps.

Open-source vitality and community support around BVM enhance its sustainability, though it remains dependent on continued development and user contributions.

Conclusion

Botspot’s BVM is a milestone in bridging Windows and Raspberry Pi ecosystems through efficient ARM64 virtualization. It delivers an accessible, practical way to run Windows 11 on affordable single-board computers with performance that challenges assumptions. While not a complete desktop replacement for power users, it opens a realm of lightweight productivity, educational exploration, and hybrid OS experimentation.

This project exemplifies innovative, community-empowered computing and promises to evolve with future Pi hardware and virtualization advances.