If you have been courageous sufficient to be an early adopter of the Microsoft Surface Duo, you may additionally be fearless sufficient to put in Windows 11 on it. I’m right here to let you know do it, however I’m additionally right here to let you know to not do it.

For the uninitiated, the Surface Duo is actually a dual-screen smartphone, even when Microsoft doesn’t need you to consider it that approach. Whatever it’s, the system runs Google’s Android (a cell OS, I ought to level out) regardless of being made by the world’s largest software program maker.

If that doesn’t sit proper with you, then I’ve some excellent news: now you can dual-boot Windows 11 and Android onto the unique Surface Duo. Before you begin experimenting, I ought to warn you that this isn’t an official characteristic rolled out by Microsoft and that the method is a relatively difficult one. It may end in extreme efficiency points, and it will end in knowledge loss. What I’m getting at is that you just in all probability shouldn’t do this, and for those who do, ensure that it’s not in your main system.

Now that I’ve cleared my conscience, let’s get into the small print of the guide to putting in Windows 11 onto the Surface Duo printed this week by Gustave Monce, an engineering pupil. You’ll simply want the 128GB config of the unique Surface Duo to run Windows 11 alongside Android, as Neowin notes.

Now for one more warning: even when put in correctly, Windows 11 barely capabilities on the Duo. That isn’t stunning, contemplating the system wasn’t meant to run the desktop working system. The OS will boot up, however the contact controls, community, mobile knowledge, cameras, and different important {hardware} options received’t work correctly.

Again, for those who’re determined to remodel the Duo right into a pseudo-Windows cellphone, again up any essential knowledge on the system, and positively don’t use your each day driver. Once you’re prepared, you possibly can observe the information Monce and fellow developer Simone Franco uploaded to Github. Note the warning on the prime: “THIS WILL WIPE ALL YOUR ANDROID DATA.”

OK, I believe I’ve gotten the purpose throughout. The directions are lots detailed, so these with some technical data shouldn’t have an excessive amount of hassle with the method. Once the set up is full, your Surface Duo will boot Android as regular however will want a PC in addition Windows when wanted. That 128GB of storage can be cut up evenly between the 2 working methods. This software program trick doesn’t work on the Surface Duo 2 and hasn’t been examined on the unique 256GB mannequin.

As a lot as I warning towards placing Windows 11 on the Surface Duo (and even proudly owning the system within the first place), for those who miss Windows Phone as a lot as I do (and I genuinely imply that) and have a spare Duo round, then it is perhaps time to disregard your mind and go along with your coronary heart.