After weeks of trying to get Windows RT on Lumia phones up and running, a developer has managed to boot UEFI on Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, here’s evidence that at least one such experiment has succeeded.
Microsoft introduced UEFI for Windows operating systems with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) defines an interface between Windows and the device’s firmware. The developer appears to be using TianoCore, an open source Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.
With Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, Ben also managed to boot Android on his Microsoft Lumia 950 XL. It’s likely that the successful run of UEFI could finally allow the developers to install Windows 10 ARM on Windows Phones.
The loyal user base that has tried to keep Windows 10 Mobile alive for so long might be interested in Windows 10 ARM for their Windows Phone. Windows RT on Windows Phones was just an experiment with no real benefit to the users as the platform itself is dead and no longer supported by Microsoft. Windows 10 ARM on Lumia is possible, though it obviously requires a ton of work.
The developer earlier this year explained the possibilities of installing Windows 10 ARM on a Lumia 950 XL, though it’s difficult. The Windows 10 ARM project for Microsoft Lumia Windows Phones might see the daylight in the coming months, but it depends on a lot of factors. If it happens, it would be a good news for those who are hoping to keep their old Windows Phone around for a little longer.
The focus could soon be switched to installing Android on Lumia phones. Android for old Lumia Windows Phone is indeed useful but the performance and driver support is questionable.
Microsoft is working on a new project that could bring Windows 10 ARM to a mobile form factor device. Microsoft’s foldable Andromeda will be powered by Windows Core OS and run on ARM architecture, but everything is still in the rumour stage.
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Android perhaps is not entirely feasible due to lack of drivers for everything. Unless the same components have been already used in Android devices and they could reuse the drivers somehow. However each new Android release will require large amounts of work, you won't be able to just upgrade it even if you have the current version running fine.