An iPad can’t run macOS, but it can run… Windows 11?

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Despite Apple not officially supporting macOS on the iPad, one innovative developer has managed to find a method for installing a computer operating system – in this case, an unauthorized version of Windows 11 – onto the most sought-after tablet globally. Remarkably, Tiny11, an unofficial build of Windows 11, has been successfully demonstrated on an iPad Air equipped with an M2 processor.

On an iPad Air, the experimental version of Windows 11 called Tiny11 functions less smoothly due to the hardware not being officially supported. It’s essentially a tech demo rather than a practical choice for iPad users, but it’s certainly intriguing.

For quite some time now, there’s been a strong desire among many for Apple to adapt macOS for use on iPads. This enthusiasm intensified as iPads began incorporating the same processors used in MacBooks. However, despite recent speculation suggesting that the upcoming iPadOS will resemble macOS more closely, Apple has yet to confirm plans to transfer its computer operating system onto tablets.

NTDEV, creator of Tiny11, posted a video demonstrating its operation under Windows 11. The operating system requires some time to start up and launch applications, but Tiny11 seems functional on an iPad Air.

As a thrilled enthusiast, I exclaim: “Behold, I’ve successfully managed to run tiny11 arm64 on an iPad Air M2, thanks to UTM and its JIT emulation!” Surprisingly, it performs quite admirably! Can you envision the performance if virtualization could be achieved without jailbreaking?

In my viewpoint, it appears that NTDEV might be using the term “decently” a bit creatively, given the unsubstantiated foundation of the system. However, I must admit, it’s quite remarkable to see Tiny11 functioning at all on an iPad Air, considering the circumstances.

What is Tiny11?

NTDEV, an independent developer, has crafted an alternative version of Windows 11 known as Tiny11. Over time, NTDEV’s work has been nothing short of remarkable, such as making Tiny11 functional with only 184MB of RAM. Impressively, they have also developed a Windows 11 variant that weighs just 100MB, lacking even the graphical user interface (GUI).

Tiny11 represents a streamlined, minimalist variant of Windows 11, where many applications and features found in the standard Windows 11 have been removed or omitted.

Thanks to the work done by NTDEV, Tiny11 only requires around 8GB of space on a computer, compared to the approximately 20GB needed for the standard version of Windows 11. This means that Tiny11 occupies significantly less storage space on a PC.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve discovered an amazing find – Tiny11! Unlike Windows 11 that requires some hefty system specifications, this lightweight alternative can run smoothly even on systems that fall short of the minimum requirements. What sets it apart even more is its local account feature, meaning you don’t need a Microsoft account to get started with Tiny11. It’s like having a tailor-made operating system experience just for me!

A streamlined variant of Windows 11 without the necessity for a Microsoft account might seem appealing, but Tiny11 is an unauthorized edition of Microsoft’s operating system. Although the creation of Tiny11 showcases technical prowess, I advise against ordinary users installing it on their computers.

Since Tiny11 is developed and managed by just one person, it might be more susceptible to security threats. Additionally, removing some features from Windows 11 may impact the overall functionality of the operating system.

While Tiny11 isn’t designed as a direct replacement for Windows 11, it serves as a playground for experimentation so that others don’t have to. For tech-savvy users with older systems, it offers a fun, educational experience, and an alternative version of Windows 11, understanding the advantages and disadvantages that come with its unofficial status.

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2025-04-22 15:09