How to install full version of Windows 10 on a Lumia 950 phone

A group of developers recently have found out a way to install the full version of Windows 10 onto a Microsoft Lumia 950 phone, and now, if you’re up to the challenge, you can install the desktop version of the operating system on your phone (via Neowin).

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to install Windows 10 for ARM on your Lumia 950 phone.

How to install Windows 10 for ARM on Lumia 950

To install Windows 10 on your Lumia 950 phone, you’ll need to download the ARM version of the operating system, reset your phone, and use a third-party app to load the software onto the device.

Warning: This is not a process supported by Microsoft, and they may brick your phone making it unusable. Also, you’ll lose some functionalities like Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. If you want to use the Lumia 950 as your primary phone, it’s not recommended to use this guide. Use this guide at your own risk. You have been warned.

Downloading Windows 10 on ARM ISO

Microsoft doesn’t offer a direct download for the ARM version of Windows 10, as such you’ll need to use a workaround.

Download the unofficial Windows 10 on ARM ISO from Adguard.
Use the “Select style” drop-down menu and select the Windows (Final version) option.
Use the “Select version” drop-down menu and select the latest version for arm64 option.
Use the “Select language” drop-down menu and select your language.
Use the “Select edition” drop-down menu and select the Windows 10 Home option.
Use the “Select type download” drop-down menu and select the Download ISO compiler in OneClick option.
Click the link on the right to download the downloader script.

Download Windows 10 on ARM ISO file
Double-click the script to download the Windows 10 on ARM ISO.

Resetting Lumia 950

To successfully install Windows 10 on your Lumia 950, the device needs to be using a supported version of Windows 10 Mobile. If you have installed updates since the original release, you have to reset your phone.

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click on About.
Check that the Reset Protection feature is disabled.

After completing the steps, download the Windows Device Recovery Tool from Microsoft, use the tool to reset your device.

Unlocking Lumia 950 bootloader

You’ll also need to unlock your Lumia 950 to install the full version of Windows 10.

Download the Wpinternals.net tool.
Unzip the files.
Run the application.
Select the Unlock bootloader option from the left pane.

Windows Phone Internals app to unlock bootloader
Continue with the on-screen directions to unlock the Lumia 950 phone.

Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll need to download some additional files, and then you’ll be asked to reboot the device.

Installing Windows 10 on ARM on Lumia 950

To load the full version of Windows 10 on ARM on a Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL, use these steps:

Download the WoA Installer for Lumia 950/XL from GitHub. (You’ll need the app and the Core Package.)
Start the app.
Click the Advanced tab.
Import the Core Package available in the zip file.
Open File Explorer.
Browse to the folder with the Windows 10 on ARM ISO file.
Right-click the ISO and select the Mount option.
In the “WoA Installer” app, click the Browse button to locate the install.wim file available within the “sources” folder inside mounted ISO file.
On your Lumia phone, make sure is connected to your computer as a Mass Storage.
In the “WoA Installer” app, use the Manual mode, and select the option to start in Mass Storage mode.
Click the Full Deployment button.

Install Windows 10 on ARM on Lumia 950

After completing the steps, Windows 10 on ARM will install on your Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL device.

If you’re having issues during this process, you can also use the official guide from the developers of the WoA Installer app that includes even more details to complete the installation.