Any bootloader that can load Windows 11 on an UEFI 32-bit only tablet? (CPU is 64-bit)

spapakons · Sep 6, 2024

Hello!

I have an old HP tablet that has Intel Atom Z series 64-bit CPU but the UEFI firmware is locked by HP to boot only in UEFI 32-bit mode. No Legacy BIOS mode (aka CSM) is supported, no UEFI 64-bit mode. I would like to test Windows 11 on it but the USB won't boot because of the locked UEFI 32-bit. I tried to cheat and created a hybrid Windows 10 32-bit and 11 USB flash drive. I used the Windows 10 22H2 32-bit ISO and created an UEFI mode (GPT) USB Flash drive with Rufus. Then I replaced the file install.wim with the respective file from Windows 11 ISO. I managed this way to trick Windows 10 32-bit Setup into installing Windows 11. However before I could celebrate my success I discovered that I could not boot into Windows 11 because of the locked UEFI 32-bit. So is there ANY UEFI 32-bit bootloader that can load Windows 64-bit? I have already read about Grub 32-bit that can load some 64-bit versions of Linux, but it cannot load Windows 64-bit. Anything else I am missing?

Thank you in advance.

dacrone · Sep 6, 2024

i'd be interested in it if anyone can figure it out as well. i've played with an asus t100 transformerbook that has the same setup. never could get that one to work either

cereberus · Sep 6, 2024

spapakons said:
Hello!

I have an old HP tablet that has Intel Atom Z series 64-bit CPU but the UEFI firmware is locked by HP to boot only in UEFI 32-bit mode. No Legacy BIOS mode (aka CSM) is supported, no UEFI 64-bit mode. I would like to test Windows 11 on it but the USB won't boot because of the locked UEFI 32-bit. I tried to cheat and created a hybrid Windows 10 32-bit and 11 USB flash drive. I used the Windows 10 22H2 32-bit ISO and created an UEFI mode (GPT) USB Flash drive with Rufus. Then I replaced the file install.wim with the respective file from Windows 11 ISO. I managed this way to trick Windows 10 32-bit Setup into installing Windows 11. However before I could celebrate my success I discovered that I could not boot into Windows 11 because of the locked UEFI 32-bit. So is there ANY UEFI 32-bit bootloader that can load Windows 64-bit? I have already read about Grub 32-bit that can load some 64-bit versions of Linux, but it cannot load Windows 64-bit. Anything else I am missing?

Thank you in advance.

Nope - this is utterly impossible as tablets can only play 32bit Windows 10 (and maybe 8) and a 32Bit Windows OS does not exist.

kelper · Sep 6, 2024

The only way would be a BIOS transplant. I don't even know if the BIOS is on its own chip. I have an ASUS T100TA with exactly this limitation.

spapakons · Sep 6, 2024

I didn't ask if there is a 32-bit version of Windows 11, I know it is 64-bit only, thanks. I asked if there is any 32-bit bootloader than can boot in UEFI 32-bit mode but load an 64-bit Windows version such as Windows 8/10/11 64-bit. The original OS was Windows 8.0 32-bit which was upgraded to 8.1 and finally replaced by Windows 10 32-bit 22H2 (not enough disk space for a proper upgrade). It works fine with Windows 10 32-bit, but I wouldn't mind if I could try Windows 11 on it.

spapakons · Sep 6, 2024

kelper said:
The only way would be a BIOS transplant. I don't even know if the BIOS is on its own chip. I have an ASUS T100TA with exactly this limitation.

You mean to physically replace the BIOS chip? I would rather not risk damaging it. I am not this good with the soldering iron, let alone I would probably need special equipment, not just a soldering iron. If there is anything I can do in software/firmware without touching the hardware, I'm all ears.

kelper · Sep 6, 2024

Perhaps the genius at X-Lite can port W11 to a 32-bit version. But my old ASUS T100TA is miserably slow even running W10 X-Lite.

dacrone · Sep 6, 2024

kelper said:
Perhaps the genius at X-Lite can port W11 to a 32-bit version. But my old ASUS T100TA is miserably slow even running W10 X-Lite.

i have full win 10 pro on mine and it runs fine. need to disable some services and some group policies for unnecessary crap

kelper · Sep 6, 2024

dacrone said:
i have full win 10 pro on mine and it runs fine. need to disable some services and some group policies for unnecessary crap

Windows X-Lite does what you suggest; it's still slow. It was upgraded to 2GB Ram, but realy can't cope. It's samall and light so it could be useful on a trip if I need to pack light and only want email, but my phone does that. I just hate to throw it away. It can 'host' a webcam to keep an eye on the snow when I am away in the winter.

dacrone · Sep 6, 2024

cant vouch for the 'lite' builds. never touched em. i know by manually configuring and debloating it, works just fine for web browsing and using streaming apps like netflix, etc

cereberus · Sep 6, 2024

spapakons said:
I didn't ask if there is a 32-bit version of Windows 11, I know it is 64-bit only, thanks. I asked if there is any 32-bit bootloader than can boot in UEFI 32-bit mode but load an 64-bit Windows version such as Windows 8/10/11 64-bit. The original OS was Windows 8.0 32-bit which was upgraded to 8.1 and finally replaced by Windows 10 32-bit 22H2 (not enough disk space for a proper upgrade). It works fine with Windows 10 32-bit, but I wouldn't mind if I could try Windows 11 on it.

I have just found a site that explains a way to use grub on a Linx 1010 similar tablet to install Linux

HOWTO: Install Linux on a Linx 1010B Tablet

What’s Working? Equipment Required Considering Dual-Boot Ensuring you can go Back to Windows Later Preparing for the Install Installing Fedora Reverting your USB Stick to Normal Post-Install Notes Other Setups Other Desktop Environments Do you have an old Linx 1010B tablet sat around doing...

ianrenton.com

Maybe this will give you a clue

Pity the Linx forum website is closed down now.

spapakons · Sep 6, 2024

I don't want to install Linux. Windows 10 32-bit is far more versatile than any Linux and of similar speed if debloated. I was just curious how Windows 11 would be like on that tablet. I use it mostly for watching videos outside home, including YouTube, Netflix and Disney+ (with image settings to low). For up to SD videos (720x576 PAL) and bitrate up to 1000K it doesn't have any issues. To make it easy for the CPU I convert videos to 640x480 at 400K HEVC to watch them offline.

spapakons · Sep 6, 2024

Regarding X-Lite, I wouldn't trust it. I downloaded Revo Uninstaller portable and manually removed all Windows applications I never use. Also I made sure any desktop application is installed on the SDHC card rather than on C:. Next I might have a look at the non-Microsoft services and disable those I don't think are necessary. I have already disabled all startup applications except AnyDesk and Open Shell (I prefer Windows 7 start button and start menu to the flat Windows 10 default).

kelper · Sep 6, 2024

Until you trial X- Lite I do not think your negative opinion is helpful.

XxXxX · Sep 6, 2024

you can use a grub Linux boot loader to replace the 64 bit windows boot loader on a live bootable usb.
grub doesnt care if the bios is 32 or 64 bit or care where you install the boot loader on the system.

Installing Windows x64 on 32-bit UEFI (EFI-IA32) via GRUB

I am attempting to install Windows 10 x64 (64-bit) on a device that only has 32-bit UEFI (for the moment) Since x64 Linux can be booted via a custom 32-bit GRUB.. I assume it could also do the sa...

superuser.com

this maybe of help, best of luck. Steve ..

dacrone · Sep 6, 2024

Recommending Tiny11 and XLite for new windows users or (not to be ‘mean’) computer illiterate users isn’t a solution though. This forum has become flooded with those two recommendations when the developers are relatively unknown. More issues can arise from installing those two OS’ than standard tinkering with a legit build of Windows.

Berton · Sep 6, 2024

I'm afraid Win11 is out of reach on a 32-machine. You could use Win10, it has another year to go. As for other 32-bit, Windows XP was the first to offer either 32-bit or 64-bit, still have the Dell OEM disc for 64-bit Pro. And don't be misled by the C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) folders in Win11, it supports 32-bit programs just as earlier versions did.

kelper · Sep 6, 2024

dacrone said:
Recommending Tiny11 and XLite for new windows users or (not to be ‘mean’) computer illiterate users isn’t a solution though. This forum has become flooded with those two recommendations when the developers are relatively unknown. More issues can arise from installing those two OS’ than standard tinkering with a legit build of Windows.

Why be so cynical? I can't find any reports of problems with security for those who use X-Lite.

cereberus · Sep 6, 2024

spapakons said:
I don't want to install Linux. Windows 10 32-bit is far more versatile than any Linux and of similar speed if debloated. I was just curious how Windows 11 would be like on that tablet. I use it mostly for watching videos outside home, including YouTube, Netflix and Disney+ (with image settings to low). For up to SD videos (720x576 PAL) and bitrate up to 1000K it doesn't have any issues. To make it easy for the CPU I convert videos to 640x480 at 400K HEVC to watch them offline.

I am not suggesting you install Linux - it is about installing grub which can load Windows.

Frankly, I do not hold any real hope out for you getting Windows 11 to work - its min spec is far in excess of tablet spec - You will have to bypass TPU, minimum disk capacity and CPU type - I think the cruncher will be the CPU.

The other potentisl showstopper is these tablets have special drivers that are generally not in the standard windows iso, particularly touch and rotation drivers. Many a person has semi-bricked these tablets because they did not backup OS before replacing (Macrium Reflect was one of the few image tools that handled 32bit UEFI - I did a post on this years ago on reddit - lost in mists of time regrettably). I say semi-bricked as you had to use a usb mouse and keyboard without the special drivers.

I remember going through hoops and loops to export the special drivers - the rotation drivers needed some numerical data as well to orientate properly on my old Linx. Fortunately for an HP, I expect it would be easier - may even be able to get them online.