How To Run Windows On Ipad

People are currently reading this guide.

👤

Published by A contributor at Hows.Tech sharing helpful insights.

📝 Article edited 0 times 🕒 Last modified by Default Author

Do you dream of transforming your sleek iPad into a powerful Windows machine? Perhaps you need to run specific Windows-only software for work, or maybe you just miss the familiar desktop environment. While an iPad natively runs iPadOS, a dedicated mobile operating system, there are several clever ways to get a taste of Windows on your tablet. It's not always a perfect replication, but with the right approach, you can unlock a surprising amount of Windows functionality.

Let's dive into the possibilities and get you set up!

Step 1: Understanding the Different Approaches – Which Path is Right for You?

Before we begin, it's crucial to understand that you won't be "installing" Windows directly onto your iPad like you would on a traditional PC. Apple's iPads use ARM-based processors and a locked-down operating system (iPadOS) that simply isn't designed to run Windows natively. Instead, we'll be exploring methods that either stream Windows to your iPad or emulate it.

Remote Desktop/Cloud PC (Recommended for Performance & Stability): This is by far the most practical and efficient way to "run" Windows on your iPad. You'll be connecting to a Windows computer (either one you own or a cloud-based service) and essentially streaming its display and interactions to your iPad. Think of it like watching a video of your Windows PC, but with the ability to control it.
- Pros: Excellent performance (as you're leveraging a full PC's power), full Windows functionality, access to all your Windows applications, relatively easy setup.
- Cons: Requires a stable internet connection, you need access to a separate Windows machine (either your own or a subscription to a cloud service).
Emulation (For Experimentation & Legacy Software): This method involves running a virtualized version of Windows on your iPad using an emulator application. The iPad essentially tries to mimic the hardware of a Windows PC to run the operating system.
- Pros: No external PC needed, good for running older, less demanding Windows versions (e.g., Windows XP, Windows 7).
- Cons: Extremely slow performance (especially for modern Windows versions like Windows 10/11), resource-intensive, limited compatibility with modern applications, not officially supported by Apple. This is more of a technical curiosity than a practical solution for daily use.

So, what's your primary goal? If you need reliable access to Windows apps and a smooth experience, remote desktop or a cloud PC is your best bet. If you're a tinkerer interested in seeing Windows boot up on your iPad, even if it's sluggish, then emulation might pique your interest.

For this guide, we'll focus heavily on the much more usable Remote Desktop/Cloud PC methods, but we'll touch on emulation briefly for those curious.

Step 2: Setting Up for Remote Access – The Gateway to Windows

This step is for those who want to use their existing Windows PC or a cloud-based Windows service.

Sub-heading: Option A: Using Your Own Windows PC (Remote Desktop)

If you have a Windows PC at home or work that you want to access from your iPad, this is the way to go.

Step 2.1: Prepare Your Windows PC

Enable Remote Desktop:
- On your Windows PC, go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
- Navigate to System > Remote Desktop.
- Toggle the "Enable Remote Desktop" switch to On.
- Confirm the action if prompted.
- Note: For some versions of Windows (like Windows Home), Remote Desktop might not be natively available. You might need to upgrade to Pro or Enterprise, or consider third-party remote access software (like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, which we'll discuss later).
Check Network Settings:
- Ensure your Windows PC is connected to the internet.
- If you're connecting from outside your home network (e.g., from a coffee shop), you might need to configure your router for port forwarding (typically port 3389 for RDP). This can be complex and poses security risks, so proceed with caution or consider using a VPN. For most users, accessing a PC on the same local network is simpler and more secure.
Know Your PC's Name or IP Address:
- You'll need this to connect from your iPad.
- To find your PC's name: Right-click on This PC (or My Computer) on your desktop, select Properties, and look for "Computer name."
- To find your IP address: Open the Command Prompt (search for cmd), type ipconfig, and look for your IPv4 address under your active network adapter.
Create or Know Your User Account Credentials:
- You'll need a username and password for a user account on the Windows PC that has permission to connect remotely.
- By default, administrator accounts usually have this permission. For other users, you might need to add them to the "Remote Desktop Users" group.
- To do this: Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Remote > Select Users... and add the desired user accounts.

Step 2.2: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop App on iPad

Open the App Store on your iPad.
Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop."
Download and install the official Microsoft Remote Desktop app (it's usually free).

Step 2.3: Connect to Your Windows PC from iPad

Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your iPad.
Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner.
Select "Add PC."
Enter the PC name or IP address you noted earlier.
Optionally, add a user account: Tap "User Account," then "Add User Account," and enter the username and password for your Windows PC. You can choose to be prompted for credentials each time if you prefer.
Tap "Save."
Tap on the newly created PC connection in the app.
If prompted, enter your Windows user account credentials.
You may receive a certificate warning; if you trust the connection (e.g., it's your own PC), tap "Accept" or "Continue."
Voila! You should now see your Windows desktop on your iPad.

Sub-heading: Option B: Using a Cloud PC Service (Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Shadow PC, etc.)

This is an excellent option if you don't have a dedicated Windows PC or want a more portable, always-available Windows environment. These services host a Windows desktop in the cloud, and you access it via an app or web browser.

Step 2.1: Choose and Subscribe to a Cloud PC Service

Microsoft Windows 365: Designed for businesses, this offers a personalized Windows desktop experience in the cloud. You'll need a Microsoft 365 business subscription that includes Windows 365.
***Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)***: Another Microsoft offering, AVD is more customizable and scalable, typically used by organizations for virtualized applications and desktops.
Shadow PC: A popular consumer-focused cloud gaming and PC service that provides a full Windows desktop in the cloud. It's often praised for its performance, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
Other smaller cloud providers: There are various other services that offer cloud-hosted virtual machines. A quick search for "cloud PC" or "virtual desktop service" will reveal options.

Step 2.2: Download the Corresponding App on iPad

For Windows 365/Azure Virtual Desktop/Remote Desktop Services, use the official Microsoft Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop Mobile) from the App Store.
For Shadow PC, download the Shadow app from the App Store.
For other services, check their documentation for their recommended client app.

Step 2.3: Connect to Your Cloud PC from iPad

Open the chosen app on your iPad.
Log in with your credentials for the cloud PC service.
The app will guide you through connecting to your allocated Windows desktop. This is usually very straightforward, as the service handles most of the complex networking.
Once connected, you'll see your cloud-hosted Windows desktop, ready to use.

Step 3: Optimizing Your Windows Experience – Making it Usable

Once you're connected, you'll want to make the experience as smooth as possible on your iPad.

Sub-heading: Input Methods and Peripherals

Your iPad's touchscreen is great for iPadOS, but a Windows desktop thrives with a mouse and keyboard.

External Keyboard:
- Pair a Bluetooth Keyboard: Most Bluetooth keyboards (including Apple's Magic Keyboard for iPad) will work seamlessly. Go to iPad Settings > Bluetooth and pair your keyboard.
- Physical Keyboard Case: If you have an iPad keyboard case (like the Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard), it will work automatically.
External Mouse/Trackpad:
- Pair a Bluetooth Mouse/Trackpad: Go to iPad Settings > Bluetooth and pair your device.
- Apple Magic Trackpad/Mouse: These work exceptionally well with iPadOS and translate nicely to remote desktop environments.
- Note: The cursor on your iPad will likely be the iPadOS pointer, but it will control the Windows cursor within the remote session.
Touchscreen Gestures:
- The remote desktop apps often have their own set of gestures to help navigate Windows. Experiment with them! Common ones include:
  - One-finger tap: Left-click
  - Two-finger tap: Right-click (or tap and hold)
  - Two-finger scroll: Scroll within Windows applications
  - Pinch-to-zoom: Zoom in/out on the Windows desktop
- Look for on-screen menus: Many apps provide a small floating toolbar for common actions like displaying the keyboard, sending Ctrl+Alt+Del, or switching monitors.

Sub-heading: Display Settings and Performance

Resolution:
- In the remote desktop app settings, you can often adjust the resolution of the streamed Windows desktop. A lower resolution will result in better performance and less latency, especially on slower internet connections.
- Conversely, if you have a powerful iPad (like an iPad Pro with an M-series chip) and a fast, stable connection, you can try higher resolutions for a sharper image.
Frame Rate/Quality:
- Some apps allow you to adjust streaming quality. Lowering the quality (e.g., reducing color depth, disabling smooth fonts) can improve responsiveness.
Internet Connection:
- Wi-Fi is paramount: A strong, stable Wi-Fi connection is critical for a good remote desktop experience. Public Wi-Fi networks can be inconsistent.
- Ethernet Adapter (for iPad Pro/Air): If your iPad has a USB-C port, consider using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for the most stable and fastest connection possible. This is highly recommended for demanding tasks.

Step 4: Using Windows on Your iPad – The Experience

Now that you're connected, you can interact with Windows just as you would on a regular PC.

Sub-heading: What You Can Do

Run Windows Applications: Launch any software installed on your remote Windows PC – Microsoft Office, specialized business applications, development tools, etc.
Access Files: Browse your Windows file system, open documents, save new ones.
Web Browse: Use any web browser installed on Windows, with full support for plugins and extensions that might not be available on iPadOS browsers.
Basic Productivity: Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and other everyday tasks work surprisingly well.

Sub-heading: Limitations and Considerations

Gaming: While some lighter games might be playable (especially on a cloud PC with good specs), demanding PC games will likely suffer from input lag and lower frame rates due to streaming.
Hardware Passthrough: Directly connecting USB devices (like a printer, scanner, or specialized dongle) to your iPad and having them recognized by the remote Windows PC is generally not supported or very limited.
Performance Varies: Your experience will largely depend on the speed of your internet connection and the power of the remote Windows PC (or cloud server).
Touch vs. Mouse: While touch gestures help, Windows is still designed for a mouse and keyboard. Complex tasks requiring precise clicks or multi-modifier key combinations can be awkward with just touch.

Step 5: Exploring Emulation (For the Curious & Advanced)

As mentioned, running Windows directly on your iPad via emulation is largely an experimental endeavor due to significant performance limitations. However, if you're keen to try, UTM is the most prominent option.

Step 5.1: Understand the Challenges

Speed: Expect extremely slow performance, especially for Windows 10/11. Boot times can be many minutes, and even basic tasks like opening applications will feel sluggish.
JIT Compilation: Apple's iOS/iPadOS typically restricts "Just-In-Time" (JIT) compilation, which is crucial for emulators to run at decent speeds. This is the main reason for the poor performance. Some methods might allow JIT (e.g., through specific App Store releases or jailbreaking/TrollStore on older iOS versions), but they are rare, often temporary, or highly technical.
Battery Drain: Emulation is very resource-intensive and will rapidly drain your iPad's battery.

Step 5.2: Obtaining and Setting up UTM

Download UTM: UTM is available on the App Store (sometimes as "UTM SE") but it's often limited due to Apple's restrictions. For the full, less restricted experience, you might need to sideload it via methods like AltStore or even jailbreaking for older iOS versions, which is not recommended for average users as it voids warranties and can compromise security.
Acquire a Windows Installation Image: You'll need an ISO file for a Windows operating system. Older versions like Windows XP or 7 might be more "usable" (relatively speaking) due to their lower resource demands. Windows 10/11 ARM versions are an option for newer iPads, but performance is still a major hurdle.
Create a Virtual Machine in UTM:
- Open UTM and tap the "+" icon to create a new VM.
- Choose "Virtualize" for better performance, but you'll need an ARM version of Windows (Windows 10/11 ARM). If you only have x86/x64 Windows, you'll need to choose "Emulate," which will be even slower.
- Select the operating system (e.g., "Windows").
- Follow the prompts to allocate RAM, CPU cores (start conservatively), and storage space.
- Point the VM to your Windows ISO file.
- Start the VM and follow the standard Windows installation process within the UTM window.

Step 5.3: Managing the Emulated Environment

Patience is Key: Seriously, it will be slow.
Input: You'll use the on-screen keyboard and virtual mouse. Connecting an external keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth will improve usability significantly.
Experiment with Settings: Play with the VM's settings within UTM (RAM, CPU, display resolution) to find the best balance for your iPad's hardware, but don't expect miracles.

Conclusion

While your iPad is undeniably a tablet, the dream of running Windows on it is more achievable than you might think, primarily through remote access. Whether you're connecting to your home PC or leveraging the power of a cloud-based Windows machine, your iPad can become a surprisingly capable gateway to the Windows ecosystem. Emulation offers a glimpse into what's technically possible, but for practical use, remote desktop is the clear winner. Embrace the flexibility and enjoy the best of both worlds!

10 Related FAQ Questions:

How to use a mouse and keyboard with Windows on iPad?

You can connect any Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to your iPad via iPad's Bluetooth settings. The iPadOS pointer will then control the Windows cursor within the remote session, and the keyboard will function normally.

How to connect to a Windows PC on a different network from my iPad?

To connect to a Windows PC on a different network, you typically need to configure port forwarding on your router (for RDP, usually port 3389) or use a VPN. Alternatively, consider third-party remote access tools like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, which handle network traversal more easily.

How to get sound from my remote Windows session on my iPad?

The Microsoft Remote Desktop app and most cloud PC clients support audio streaming. Sound from the remote Windows PC should automatically play through your iPad's speakers or connected headphones.

How to use external storage (USB drives) with Windows on iPad?

Direct passthrough of USB storage devices connected to your iPad to the remote Windows PC is generally not supported. For file transfer, use cloud storage services (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) or network shares that both your Windows PC and iPad can access.

How to improve performance when running Windows on iPad?

For remote desktop, ensure a strong, stable internet connection. Lower the display resolution in the remote desktop app settings. For emulation, reduce VM resources (RAM, CPU), use older Windows versions, and be prepared for significant slowness.

How to copy and paste between iPadOS and remote Windows?

Most remote desktop applications support clipboard sharing. You can typically copy text and sometimes images on your iPad and paste them into the remote Windows session, and vice versa.

How to shut down or restart the remote Windows PC from my iPad?

Within the remote desktop session, you can perform standard Windows shutdown or restart procedures through the Start menu or by sending the Ctrl+Alt+Del command (often available via an on-screen menu in the remote desktop app).

How to disconnect from a remote Windows session on my iPad?

Look for a small on-screen menu or button within the remote desktop app that allows you to disconnect or close the session. This usually doesn't shut down the remote PC, just ends your connection.

How to access my local iPad files from the remote Windows session?

Some remote desktop apps, like Microsoft Remote Desktop, offer a feature to redirect local iPad folders to the remote PC, allowing you to access files stored on your iPad directly within the Windows environment. Check the app's settings under "Local Devices & Resources."

How to run specific software that requires Windows on my iPad?

The most reliable way is through remote desktop or a cloud PC service. Install the required software on the remote Windows machine, and then access it from your iPad. Emulation is generally not powerful enough for demanding or modern Windows-only software.

4933240612220226659