If you own a Windows RT device, you might be interested to know that there is a way to run ported Windows applications on Microsoft’s new Windows RT devices.
When Microsoft created their Windows RT operating system, they essentially used the Windows 8 OS but modified it to run on devices equipped with ARM-based chips instead of x86 processors. This means that, by default, Windows RT will only run apps installed from the Windows Store. However, this limitation has now been overcome.
Jailbreaking Windows RT Devices
The team over at xda-developers has discovered a way to use jailbroken Windows RT devices to run Windows desktop applications. This breakthrough has opened up a new world of possibilities for Windows RT users. Developers have already started to recompile apps so they can be side-loaded on the Microsoft Surface RT and other Windows RT devices. This means that users are no longer restricted to the limited selection of apps available in the Windows Store.
Jailbreaking a Windows RT device involves exploiting a vulnerability in the operating system to gain root access. This allows users to install and run software that is not officially supported by Microsoft. While jailbreaking can void your warranty and potentially expose your device to security risks, it also provides the freedom to customize and enhance your device’s functionality.
Ported Applications and Tools
Xda-developers have created a list of software that has already been ported to run on jailbroken Windows RT devices. This list includes popular applications such as 7-Zip, Notepad++, and PuTTY. These applications have been recompiled to work with the ARM architecture used by Windows RT devices. More details about the ported applications can be found over at the xda-developers forums.
In addition to the ported applications, xda-developers have also released the Windows RT Jailbreak Tool. This tool simplifies the process of jailbreaking a Windows RT device, making it accessible to a wider audience. The tool and detailed instructions on how to use it are available in a separate xda-developers thread.
The ability to run desktop applications on Windows RT devices significantly enhances their utility. For example, users can now use advanced text editors, file compression tools, and terminal emulators that were previously unavailable on Windows RT. This makes Windows RT devices more versatile and capable of handling a wider range of tasks.
However, it’s important to note that not all desktop applications can be easily ported to Windows RT. Applications that rely heavily on x86-specific features or require significant system resources may not perform well on ARM-based devices. Developers need to carefully recompile and optimize their applications to ensure compatibility and performance on Windows RT.
The discovery of a method to run ported Windows applications on jailbroken Windows RT devices is a significant development for users of these devices. It provides greater flexibility and expands the range of software available to Windows RT users. While there are risks associated with jailbreaking, the benefits of being able to run a wider variety of applications may outweigh these risks for many users.
Source: Liliputing
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