2014-08-27, 04:05
Updated 2015-07-06
Seeing there have been quite a few questions about running Windows on the Chromebox recently, all of which being asked in what really seems to be the wrong thread for this, let's create a new thread, specifically for all questions related to running Windows on the Asus/HP/Acer/Dell Chromebox, and our experiences with it.
To start off, here's a little bit of a FAQ:
Q: Does Windows run on the Chromebox?
A: Yes, but not without a few minor issues.
Q: Which version of Windows runs on the Chromebox?
A: Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 are confirmed working. Windows 7 does not work, period.
Q: Can I install Windows to the internal SSD?
A: Yes, but 16GB is not enough for a typical Windows install, esp after updates. Upgrade the internal SSD, or install to an external HDD/USB stick (unsupported / YMMV)
Q: How do I install Windows to an external HDD or USB stick?
A: For Windows 8.1/10, just use the WinToUSB utility
A: For Windows 8, either follow the guide in post #217, or (easier) run the script in post #298.
Note: unsupported / don't ask for help here
Both methods require a minimum storage capacity of about 16 GB.
Q: What are common issues with running Windows on a Chromebox?
A: Without the use of a utility like Speedfan, the fan will stay at the lowest fan speed. Set speedfan to run at startup/as a service in the background and everything will work properly
Q: What if I need SPDIF audio output?
A: Use a USB SPDIF adapter, like the Turtle Beach one linked on the ChromeBox wiki.
Q: If I still want to try it out, how do I get Windows onto the Chromebox?
A: Follow the steps in the wiki and use Matt Devo's ChromeOS Firmware Utility Script to set up your Chromebox for a Standalone Setup. Once you have flashed the standalone / UEFI firmware, simply install Windows from a USB stick.
Q: Is there anything else I need to do after install?
A: Run WIndows Update to get the latest drivers etc.
Q: Do I need to install any drivers manually?
A: No, but one user reported having issues with suspend/resume caused by the Management Engine using the driver from Windows Update, so if you run into that, you can update using this driver from Intel's site.
Q: If I can't get it to work, can I expect to get help with my issues on this forum?
A: You can try asking in this thread, and see whether anyone may be able to help you with your particular issue.
Good luck!
Seeing there have been quite a few questions about running Windows on the Chromebox recently, all of which being asked in what really seems to be the wrong thread for this, let's create a new thread, specifically for all questions related to running Windows on the Asus/HP/Acer/Dell Chromebox, and our experiences with it.
To start off, here's a little bit of a FAQ:
Q: Does Windows run on the Chromebox?
A: Yes, but not without a few minor issues.
Q: Which version of Windows runs on the Chromebox?
A: Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 are confirmed working. Windows 7 does not work, period.
Q: Can I install Windows to the internal SSD?
A: Yes, but 16GB is not enough for a typical Windows install, esp after updates. Upgrade the internal SSD, or install to an external HDD/USB stick (unsupported / YMMV)
Q: How do I install Windows to an external HDD or USB stick?
A: For Windows 8.1/10, just use the WinToUSB utility
A: For Windows 8, either follow the guide in post #217, or (easier) run the script in post #298.
Note: unsupported / don't ask for help here
Both methods require a minimum storage capacity of about 16 GB.
Q: What are common issues with running Windows on a Chromebox?
A: Without the use of a utility like Speedfan, the fan will stay at the lowest fan speed. Set speedfan to run at startup/as a service in the background and everything will work properly
Q: What if I need SPDIF audio output?
A: Use a USB SPDIF adapter, like the Turtle Beach one linked on the ChromeBox wiki.
Q: If I still want to try it out, how do I get Windows onto the Chromebox?
A: Follow the steps in the wiki and use Matt Devo's ChromeOS Firmware Utility Script to set up your Chromebox for a Standalone Setup. Once you have flashed the standalone / UEFI firmware, simply install Windows from a USB stick.
Q: Is there anything else I need to do after install?
A: Run WIndows Update to get the latest drivers etc.
Q: Do I need to install any drivers manually?
A: No, but one user reported having issues with suspend/resume caused by the Management Engine using the driver from Windows Update, so if you run into that, you can update using this driver from Intel's site.
Q: If I can't get it to work, can I expect to get help with my issues on this forum?
A: You can try asking in this thread, and see whether anyone may be able to help you with your particular issue.
Good luck!