You Can Now Install Windows 11 on a Surface Duo, But You Really Shouldn't

If you were brave enough to be an early adopter of the Microsoft Surface Duo, you might also be fearless enough to install Windows 11 on it. I’m here to tell you how to do it, but I’m also here to tell you not to do it.

For the uninitiated, the Surface Duo is essentially a dual-screen smartphone, even if Microsoft doesn’t want you to think of it that way. Whatever it is, the device runs Google’s Android (a mobile OS, I should point out) despite being made by the world’s largest software maker.

If that doesn’t sit right with you, then I have some good news: you can now dual-boot Windows 11 and Android onto the original Surface Duo. Before you start experimenting, I should warn you that this is not an official feature rolled out by Microsoft and that the process is a rather complicated one. It could result in severe performance issues, and it will result in data loss. What I’m getting at is that you probably shouldn’t try this, and if you do, make sure it’s not on your primary device.

Now that I’ve cleared my conscience, let’s get into the details of the guide to installing Windows 11 onto the Surface Duo published this week by Gustave Monce, an engineering student. You’ll just need the 128GB config of the original Surface Duo to run Windows 11 alongside Android, as Neowin notes.

Now for another warning: even when installed properly, Windows 11 barely functions on the Duo. That isn’t surprising, considering the device wasn’t meant to run the desktop operating system. The OS will boot up, but the touch controls, network, cellular data, cameras, and other essential hardware features won’t work properly.