UPDATE: In a groundbreaking move for DIY tech enthusiasts, the Raspberry Pi is now capable of running Windows 11 virtual machines (VMs) with impressive performance. This development, confirmed by recent tests, has the potential to transform how users leverage the low-cost single-board computer for advanced tasks.
This revelation comes just as more tech aficionados turn to Raspberry Pi for creative projects, despite its traditional limitations in handling demanding applications. September 2023 has seen a surge in interest, as reports confirm that with the right setup, users can deploy not just one, but multiple VMs on their Raspberry Pi devices without significant performance issues.
Using Canonical’s MicroCloud platform, users have discovered that running Ubuntu Server on Raspberry Pi is not only feasible but efficient. Testing shows that with an 8GB Raspberry Pi, deploying two lightweight VMs alongside containers is achievable without slowing down the system. Users with the Raspberry Pi 5 can even manage up to four VMs simultaneously, provided memory resources are not overextended.
Excitingly, the ability to run Windows 11 as a virtual machine on Raspberry Pi has emerged, thanks to the user-friendly Botspot VM. This tool simplifies the installation process, allowing users to get Windows 11 up and running quickly. While some performance issues arise when using a 4K display, switching to 1080p resolves these problems, making the experience much smoother.
According to developers and tech enthusiasts, this VM-based Windows 11 instance represents a significant milestone. With the help of Botspot VM, users can now experiment with PowerShell scripts and minor Visual Studio projects directly from their Raspberry Pi, expanding the device’s utility beyond traditional boundaries.
However, experts advise that while running VMs is impressive, leveraging lightweight containers like Docker or Kubernetes remains the best practice for most Raspberry Pi applications. Containers provide an efficient alternative, allowing users to run numerous instances with minimal resource consumption.
As the Raspberry Pi community continues to innovate, this latest capability signifies a major leap forward. Users are encouraged to share their experiences and discoveries as they explore the boundaries of their devices.
Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story, as the intersection of Raspberry Pi technology and virtualization continues to excite and engage tech enthusiasts worldwide.
