[Guide] How to jailbreak Windows RT

A couple of days ago, it was revealed that Windows RT had been jailbroken, which allow users to bypass the restriction of installing apps from the Windows Store and run unsigned ARM based desktop apps. Microsoft would later respond that there was no imminent security threat, and that a patch would be released in a couple of days.

Meanwhile the XDA-Developer community has released a tool which automates the jailbreak process. The process alters a key area of the Windows RT kernel, making it possible to run unsigned apps, a process which would generally not be possible. You can find the step by step guide on how to jailbreak the Microsoft Surface RT or other Windows RT device using the All-in-One RT Jailbreak tool below.

1. Download Windows RT Jailbreak tool v 1.0.3 and extract it’s contents to a directory on your Windows RT tablet.
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2. Open the extracted folder and double click runExploit.bat-
3. Follow the instructions of the installer that opens (first time use only) -

[NOTE] Because of secure boot, you will have to run the batch file every time you want to use desktop style applications on your tablet. A process which iOS tethered jailbreak users will be very familiar with. -

1. Boot up your Windows RT device and wait until the OS loads everything.
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2. Run runExploit.bat and wait around 20 seconds until the exploit runs.
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3. Press the Volume Down button on your device.
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4. Wait for runExploit.bat to finish and follow the prompts which appear on your screen. -

[NOTE] Keep in mind that the process isn't without its flaws. For example running the exploit below the tablet boots properly can result in a Blue Screen Error. If you see this error, its best to wait a couple of minutes before running the exploit. -

You should now be able to run unsigned desktop-apps, but keep in mind that you still need to find desktop apps which can run on your Windows RT. Most code designed for computers with the x86 architecture CPU in mind will need to be recompiled for your tablet’s ARM processor.

 

To make our life easier, the XDA forum has a list of apps that have been pre-compiled for Windows RT desktop mode. The list include some popular titles like:

• PuTTY
• 7-Zip
• Notepad++

Have you jailbroken your Microsoft Surface RT or other Windows RT tablet. If you have feel free to share you experience in the comments section below.