Remember the ASUS Zenfone 2? Yes, the affordable flagship smartphone that had everyone talking months ago, and perhaps even until today. Well, it turns out the device can be hacked to run Windows 7 — and run it well enough to be potentially useful for those in need of a truly pocketable computer, or those who simply want to impress their peers. With most devices using Windows 10, it is impressive that there is one that can still run Windows 7 (thanks to the Window 10 automatic update). If you are interested in finding out more about the end of Window 7, you might be interested in this article – Windows 7 end of life.
It turns out the Zenfone 2 can be hacked to run Windows 7 — and run it well enough to be potentially useful for those in need of a truly pocketable computer.
Because, really, how often do you come across a phone that can run the same applications as desktop computers?
The hack comes by way of a talented XDA-Developers senior member who goes by the username “ycavan,” and according to the developer, it can be used to install other versions of Microsoft’s operating system as well, such as Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10. You know, operating systems that are actually optimized for touchscreens.
In addition to the ISO file of your OS of choice, some tinkering is involved, of course, as the hack requires a Zenfone 2 with an unlocked bootloader and plenty of know-how when it comes to flashing files manually, partitioning SD cards, and installing Windows software in a virtual-machine environment.
Needless to say, if you don’t know what any of those terms mean, you’re probably better off leaving your phone in its current state, with its warranty intact.
The hack requires a Zenfone 2 with an unlocked bootloader and plenty of know-how when it comes to flashing files and installing Windows in a virtual-machine environment.
And before you ask if it’s possible to install a full-fledged copy of Windows on any handset of your choosing, consider that the ASUS Zenfone 2 makes use of an Intel processor instead of a chip from Qualcomm or MediaTek. And if there’s anything to be learned from the history of Windows, it’s this: It can run on just about any Intel processor with little to no tinkering.
Here’s a short clip showing Windows 7 on an ASUS handset designed for Android:
[youtube link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Smcq8qLEY” width=”560″ height=”315″]
Video of ASUS Zenfone 2 running Windows 7 from Yua Ca Van’s YouTube channel
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