14 DAY TRIAL // While Windows 10 Mobile was at one point supposed to become a true competitor to iOS and Android, Microsoft had a completely different plan in mind.
And we all know what happened next, with both Windows 10 Mobile and the phones running it eventually getting the ax.
However, the dream of a true Windows phone lives on, all thanks to a project started by the skilled developer Gustave Monce. The work on this project started a long time ago, and the purpose is essentially to bring Windows 11 (the full version) to a Microsoft Surface Duo.
By default, the Surface Duo runs Android, but with the right work, it appears it could also handle the ARM version of Windows 11 as well.
The most recent version of the project, detailed on GitHub, comes with notable improvements, as Windows 11 on the Surface Duo now has Wi-Fi, cellular data, and even GPS. Furthermore, the developer says users would soon be able to make calls as well.
For now, the camera is disabled, but it should be up and running shortly.
Here are the biggest changes in the latest version of the project:
- WiFi is now functional (2.5Ghz/5Ghz). Mac Address retrieval is not yet here however
- Cellular Data is now functional (LTEA/LTE/HSDPA+/HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS)
- Cellular Texts are now functional. Use the Chat application to send and get messages.
- Calls, VoLTE, RCS, and more are coming soon in a later release
- eSIM support is now enabled in this release
- GPS is now functional
If you want to try out Windows 11 on a Surface Duo, you can find the full information on the GitHub page of the project linked above. However, keep in mind the device isn’t yet ready to become your daily driver, especially given the limitations in terms of features.