Your Surface RT can become a highly portable retro gaming console. Developers have successfully compiled various emulators for the platform, including: For playing classic MS-DOS PC games.
Your Surface is now jailbroken. Unsigned ARM desktop applications can now execute. Finding and Installing Apps
Jailbreaking does not allow you to run standard PC .exe files (x86/x64 like Chrome or Steam).
can provide a more permanent solution for certain firmware versions. Compatibility Warning : If your Surface has been updated past October 2016
Projects like grate-linux and community-built images allow you to boot Ubuntu MATE or Raspberry Pi OS-based distributions. The general process usually involves: jailbreak windows rt 8.1 surface
: A lightweight browser designed to look like classic Opera, optimized for RT.
Before starting, ensure you have the necessary hardware and software configurations. Compatible Devices Microsoft Surface RT (Surface 1) Microsoft Surface 2 Nokia Lumia 2520 (and other Windows RT 8.1 devices) Required Materials Your Surface device charged to at least 50%. A USB flash drive (formated to FAT32, minimum 4GB). A separate Windows PC to download and prepare files.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
Open the charm on your Surface (Swipe from the right edge -> Settings). Your Surface RT can become a highly portable
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
The original RT_Jailbreak tool is the most straightforward method, requiring just a few clicks.
Unlike jailbreaking an iOS device or rooting an Android tablet, jailbreaking Windows RT 8.1 does not modify system files permanently or grant dangerous kernel-level access. Instead, the process bypasses Microsoft's policy.
If you ever want to revert the jailbreak, you can simply format your Windows RT device or run the uninstall tool included in the jailbreak package, which will return your device to its original state. Unsigned ARM desktop applications can now execute
: The jailbreak is non‑persistent —it only lives in RAM. Every time you reboot your Surface RT, the system reverts to its locked state, and you must re‑run runExploit.bat . This is because the Secure Boot mechanism prevents permanent modification of the kernel’s signing policy.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
Microsoft occasionally releases security patches that can override the bootloader modifications. If your jailbreak breaks after an update, check the community forums for an updated version of the Yahallo payload. How to Revert to Stock If you want to sell your Surface or undo the jailbreak: Insert your Recovery USB drive. Boot into and select Reset your PC .
Get the latest how-to and design inspiration articles plus special offers sent straight to your inbox.
© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Subscribe today and save up to 66%
SubscribeAll Access members get more
Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest of the member-only content library.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Members get unlimited site access.
To unlock this page,
Start a Free Trial.
Already a member? Log in