How to Install Windows 11 on iPad
Sounds a bit weird, doesn’t it? Running Windows 11 on an iPad isn’t your typical app install. It’s more like a work-around — think remote desktop or virtual machine flicks. You can’t just chuck Windows 11 straight onto that iPad. Instead, you’re streaming the whole lot from a separate Windows PC. If that sounds interesting, stay with us. It’s like peering through a portal into a different computer world — without the heavy lifting of proper installation.
Getting Your Windows 11 PC Sorted
First up, you’ll need a Windows 11 PC that’s ready to go and hooked up online. Why’s that? Well, the iPad won’t magically run Windows; it just shows your PC’s desktop like a little window. Sometimes, it’s straightforward — power up the PC, check Windows 11’s all good, and confirm you’re online. But honestly, getting remote access sorted can take a few goes — it’s not always a walk in the park. The Windows PC’s the engine here, so don’t rush this part.
Turning on Remote Desktop
Next, you need to set your Windows 11 PC to allow remote connections:
- Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop
- Switch on the Remote Desktop toggle
- Optional: Dive into Advanced settings and make sure Network Level Authentication (NLA) is checked for better security.
- Take note of your PC’s name under PC name or find your IP by opening Command Prompt and running
ipconfig /all, then look for the IPv4 Address.
If you’re using a local account, remember your username and password for login. Also, make sure your Windows Firewall allows Remote Desktop:
- Open Windows Defender Firewall via Control Panel
- Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
- Make sure Remote Desktop is ticked for both private and public networks.
Installing Remote Desktop on Your iPad
Most folks will grab Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store:
- Open the App Store
- Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Download and install it
Other options include apps like Jump Desktop or Chrome Remote Desktop. If you’re going with Chrome Remote Desktop:
- First, add the Chrome Remote Desktop extension to your Windows PC from the Chrome Web Store.
- Follow the setup steps to enable remote access and keep that code handy.
- On your iPad, grab the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the App Store.
Setting Up Remote Desktop
Besides turning on Remote Desktop, it’s a good idea to set a static IP or DHCP reservation so your IP doesn’t ch-ch-change:
- In your router, assign a fixed IP to your Windows PC based on its MAC address for a solid connection.
- Ensure port 3389 is open in your router/firewall if you’re accessing over the net. Usually, it’s all sorted on your local network.
Hooking Up Your iPad
Open up the remote desktop app on the iPad. For Microsoft Remote Desktop:
- Tap New or Add PC
- Enter your PC’s IP address or hostname in the PC Name box
- Pop in your login details if prompted
- Save it, then tap to connect
If you’re connecting from outside your home network, don’t forget to set up port forwarding on your router and use your public IP or a DDNS service (like No-IP).
- Forward port 3389 to your PC’s internal IP in your router settings.
- Use commands like
ping yourdomain.ddns.netor just type your public IP into the client.
Making the most of your connection
Once you’re in, you can tweak the display options in the app — like resolution or input methods. Many apps support gestures to mimic mouse actions. For a better experience, hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, or even a stylus. To switch keyboard or input settings:
- Tap the keyboard icon for the on-screen keyboard
- For special characters, hold keys or use Alt codes (like
Alt + 0176for °)
Some handy shortcuts to remember:
- Win + D to minimise and show desktop
- Alt + Tab to flick between open apps
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager
For comfy typing, try turning on the on-screen touch keyboard in Windows or customise gesture controls in your remote desktop app.
Final tips
- Consider using a VPN if you’re doing this over the net for extra security.
- Keep your remote desktop app and Windows itself up to date for smooth sailing and safety.
- If things get sluggish, try dropping the display resolution a smidge in the app settings.
This setup turns your iPad into a pretty handy little Windows 11 workstation. It’s not a native install, but it works a treat once it’s all set up. Sure, it’s a bit of a faff to get going, but it’s a real game-changer for working remotely or just having a play with Windows on the go.
Heads up: Once your remote setup’s humming, keep an eye on it. Reliability and updates are key. If connection’s dodgy or laggy, it’s usually a network or software thing. But with a bit of patience, it all feels pretty natural — and keeps your iPad in its wheelhouse.