Thanks to DriveDroid, you can install Windows from Android. It only takes a few minutes to set it up.
Requirements
Before you proceed with this tutorial, ensure that you have the following things in place:
A rooted Android device (Magisk and SuperSU work well for this – always back up your device before rooting)4.5GB or more free space on your Android deviceThe Windows ISO file
Setup
First, you need to install DriveDroid or DriveDroid Paid on your device. Launch the Google Play Store app on your device, search for “DriveDroid” and install from there. It’s important to note that the current free version works best with Android 9 devices. However, it’s still one of the best options, despite not being updated for a while. Once you have it installed, you can run the USB setup wizard to configure the application. Hit “Setup” to begin. It will verify that your device has not been blacklisted. Tap “Proceed,” then grant the app root access. Next, connect your Android device to a PC using a USB cable. You need to choose from a list of USB systems for handling USB. Most devices will work with the first available USB system. Finally, open the file manager on your PC and confirm whether your device is mounted as a USB drive or CD drive. This indicates that your device works well with DriveDroid. You may close the Wizard and proceed with the rest of the tutorial. If your device doesn’t show up at all, head back to the previous page and try other USB systems until one works.
Create a Bootable Windows Image
Once you have scaled the initial setup, creating a bootable Windows ISO on your Android device should be a walk in the park. Follow the below-listed steps and make sure your device remains connected to your PC before continuing. You may need to enter the boot menu if your PC isn’t set to boot from external devices or disks first. During the boot process, press F8, F11, or Del (the button varies based on your PC) to access the boot menu. Choose the UEFI option with a name that usually starts with Linux File-CD. That’s it! Windows should boot normally, and you will be able to continue the installation process from there.
1. Will this cause any data loss on my Android device?
It shouldn’t. As long as you perform the root process correctly and have ample space on your device, you shouldn’t lose any files, apps, or settings. However, always back up your device first. If you’re worried, consider using an old Android device instead if there is one available.
2. Will DriveDroid let me boot other operating systems?
Yes. It’s actually designed for letting you boot Linux systems directly from your Android device so that you don’t have to install them on your PC. For example, if you wanted to give Linux a test drive before creating a dual-boot system on your PC, use DriveDroid to install a Linux distro on your Android device and boot directly into it by connecting your Android device to your PC via USB. If you’re not sure which Linux distros to try, check out some of the best Linux distros for Windows users.
3. Can I delete the Windows ISO once I’m finished?
Absolutely! Once Windows is successfully installed on your PC, you no longer need the Windows ISO on your Android device. Feel free to delete it to save space.
4. Is there a big difference between DriveDroid and DriveDroid Paid?
While I personally had no issues with the free version of DriveDroid on Android 12, some users have reported having better success on Android 11 devices using the paid version.
5. Will DriveDroid let me run Windows from Android?
While you can run Linux systems, you can’t run Windows fully from Android using DriveDroid. This is only to start the installation process. This works the same as creating a recovery or installation media on a DVD or USB drive.
