Raspberry Pi 3 will soon run Windows 10 — if Microsoft allows it

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The Raspberry Pi 3 is a mini-computer which can be used to power a wide range of devices in day-to-day life. Mostly used by students and hobbyists, the Raspberry Pi 3 has the potential to become a very popular computer provided Microsoft agrees to offer Windows 10 as an option.

This mini-computer already runs Windows 10 IoT Core, a downsized version of Windows 10 for Internet of Things devices. The Raspberry Pi 3 is already being used to provide computing power for smart devices such as robots and drones, and the Windows 10 desktop OS could help it to enter many more fields.

Despite its size, this mini-computer sports a 64-bit ARM processor, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a high-definition graphics processor. The only thing it needs to become more popular among users is a popular OS with a user-friendly interface such as Windows 10.

The problem is that Windows 10 is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi 3. Windows 10 only supports x86 chips, while Windows 10 Mobile is compatible only with Qualcomm-based ARM processors.

In other words, if Microsoft wants to bring Windows 10 to the Raspberry Pi 3, it needs to make one of its operating systems compatible with this tiny computer.

So far, the partnership between Microsoft and Raspberry has been a successful one, but it seems the tech giant is not interested is directing resources to design a version of Windows 10 compatible with the Raspberry Pi. Perhaps the Redmond giant will do so after the Anniversary Update is launched, as the company’s resources are now mainly directed to improving the Windows 10 user experience.

“It’s Microsoft’s decision. I would love it if Microsoft would do that. I’d love to see it”, says Raspberry founder Eben Upton.

You can buy the Raspberry Pi 3 mini-PC from the Microsoft Store for $49.99.

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