How to Run Windows on Android Tablet

Understanding the Limitations

Running Windows on an Android tablet presents several challenges due to fundamental differences in operating systems and hardware architectures. Here are the main reasons:

1. Hardware Compatibility: Android tablets typically use ARM-based processors, incompatible with the x86 architecture required by Windows.
2. Bootloader Access: Limited access to the bootloader on Android devices makes installing a different operating system like Windows difficult.
3. Driver Support: Windows requires specific drivers for various hardware components found in Android tablets, which are not available for ARM-based processors.

Using Remote Desktop Apps

Remote desktop apps offer a straightforward way to access a Windows environment on an Android tablet. These apps connect to a Windows PC over the internet, allowing remote control from your Android device.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free app enabling remote access to a Windows PC from an Android tablet. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Your Windows PC:

   • Open Google Chrome on your Windows PC.
   • Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for Chrome Remote Desktop.
   • Click the Add to Chrome button and then Add extension when prompted.

2. Set Up Remote Access on Your Windows PC:

   • Open Chrome Remote Desktop by clicking the extension logo in the Chrome extensions list.
   • Click Remote Access in the left navigation pane.
   • Click the Turn on button under Set up remote access.
   • Enter a name for your PC and click Next.
   • Enter a PIN to secure access to your PC and click Start. Remember this PIN for later use.

3. Connect to Your Windows PC from Your Android Tablet:

   • Download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Android tablet.
   • Open the app and select the Google account used on your Windows PC.
   • On the app’s home screen, find your PC listed by the name given earlier.
   • Click it and enter the PIN set earlier when prompted. Check the box next to Don’t ask for a PIN again… if needed, and click Connect.

AnyViewer

AnyViewer is another popular remote desktop app. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install AnyViewer on Your Windows PC:

   • Download and install AnyViewer on your Windows computer.
   • Log in to the app and sign up for an account if you haven’t already.

2. Perform Unattended Remote Access on Your Android Tablet:

   • Download AnyViewer for Android on your tablet.
   • Log into the same account used on your Windows PC.
   • The devices logged into the same account will display on the My devices list.
   • Tap your target PC and tap One-click control to quickly connect to the PC.

Using Emulators

Emulators can help run Windows applications on an Android tablet, though they may not provide a full-fledged Windows experience. Here are two methods using emulators:

Limbo PC Emulator

Limbo PC Emulator is an Android application that can emulate various operating systems, including Windows. Here’s how to use it:

1. Requirements:

   • Android 5.0 or newer
   • Snapdragon 660 processor or above
   • At least 4GB independent RAM for the operating system in Limbo Emulator.

2. Installation Steps:

   • Download Limbo PC emulator and Windows ISO File from the website.
   • Install Limbo PC emulator APK and open it.
   • Tap the Load Machine and create a new machine.
   • Enter a machine name and tap CREATE.
   • Under CPU/Board section, confirm the settings.
   • Go to Storage, select Hard Disk A, and open it. Then tap the Windows ISO File downloaded before.
   • Go to Boot Settings, and select Hard Disk.
   • Go to User Interface and set the necessary settings.
   • Scroll up to the top interface and tap the Start button.
   • Wait for the installation process to complete, then use the Windows operating system on your Android device.

Change My Software

Change My Software allows running both Android and Windows operating systems on an Android device. Here’s how to use it:

1. Requirements:

   • A computer, an Android tablet, or phone
   • USB cable
   • Strong internet connection
   • At least 8GB internal storage on Android device
   • Minimum 1 GB RAM.

2. Installation Steps:

   • Download Change My Software on your computer, then connect your Android tablet to the computer with a USB cable.
   • Run the application on your computer, and click Continue when it detects your Android device.
   • Choose a language to install.
   • Wait for the download process to complete (it may take several times according to your network condition).
   • When the download completes, click Install.
   • Wait for the Windows installation.
   • When you see the successfully installed information, close this program, and your Android device will restart automatically.
   • Now you have both Windows and Android operating systems on your tablet; you can choose Windows to start (the first login usually takes a long time).

Using Cloud-Based Virtual Machines

If you don’t have access to a spare Windows PC or prefer not to use remote desktop apps, subscribing to a cloud Windows virtual machine service is an option. These services allow access to a virtual Windows environment from an Android tablet over the internet.

RemotePC by iDrive

RemotePC by iDrive is a popular cloud-based virtual machine service offering unlimited remote access for a year with a subscription fee of $20. Here’s how to use it:

1. Sign Up for an Account:

   • Visit the RemotePC website and sign up for an account.
   • Follow the instructions to set up your virtual machine.

2. Access Your Virtual Machine from Your Android Tablet:

   • Download the RemotePC app on your Android tablet.
   • Log in to your account and connect to your virtual machine.
   • You can now use Windows applications on your Android device as if using a native Windows installation.

Running Windows on an Android tablet is not straightforward due to hardware and software incompatibilities. However, several alternatives can help achieve a Windows-like experience. Remote desktop apps like Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyViewer provide a seamless way to access and control a Windows PC from an Android tablet. Emulators like Limbo PC Emulator and Change My Software offer a more integrated solution but may require more technical expertise and hardware specifications. Cloud-based virtual machine services like RemotePC by iDrive provide a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing Windows applications remotely. By exploring these options, you can effectively run Windows on your Android tablet, making it easier to use Windows software even when away from your primary computer.