Requirements:
Steps:
Notes:
Step 1: Install DevEco Studio
Step 2: Configure the SDK
Step 3: Set Up a Virtual Device
Step 4: Launch the Emulator
Limitation: The emulator runs in an ARM or x86 virtual machine. It feels native, but 3D gaming and USB passthrough are limited. It resets to its original state after closing (unless you save a snapshot).
Currently, you cannot download a HarmonyOS ISO file and install it as your main operating system on a standard PC. If you want to try it today, your best bet is downloading DevEco Studio and running the official Emulator. For a native experience, we must wait for Huawei to expand the rollout of HarmonyOS PC to international hardware markets.
Installing on a PC depends on whether you want to use it as your primary operating system or test it as a developer. For most users, there is no official "ISO" for standard PCs, as the commercial HarmonyOS PC is currently exclusive to specific Huawei hardware like the Huawei MateBook Pro
Below are the primary ways to experience HarmonyOS on a computer: 1. HarmonyOS PC Emulator (For Developers & Testing) how to install harmony os on pc
The most reliable way to run the system on a Windows or Mac PC is through Huawei's official developer toolkit. This allows you to run a virtualized version of the OS. Step 1: Install DevEco Studio Huawei Developer official website and download the DevEco Studio installation package for your OS (Windows or macOS). Step 2: Set Up the SDK Launch DevEco Studio and navigate to File > Settings > OpenHarmony SDK . Download the required components for your target version. Step 3: Launch the Emulator Emulator Management Panel within the IDE. Select the device type (e.g., "PC" or "Tablet") and click
The system will automatically download the necessary image and start the virtual environment. DEV Community 2. OpenHarmony for Standard PCs
While the consumer "HarmonyOS NEXT" is closed-source and hardware-locked, the open-source foundation, OpenHarmony , can be ported to third-party laptops. Requirements:
A 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and 16GB of free space. Installation Steps: Download Image:
Find a community-maintained OpenHarmony x86 image (often available on GitHub or specialized developer forums). Create Bootable Media: Use a tool like to flash the image onto a USB drive (8GB minimum). Boot from USB: Restart your PC, enter the BIOS/Boot menu (usually ), and select your USB drive. Requirements:
Follow the on-screen prompts to partition your drive and install the OS. 3. Upgrading a Huawei MateBook
If you already own a compatible Huawei MateBook (typically released in China), you may be able to upgrade through the Check Eligibility:
app and look for the "HarmonyOS NEXT" or "HarmonyOS PC" beta banner.
Back up all local data, as this is a complete architecture change from Windows. Install Update:
Join the beta program, agree to terms, and download the update (which can be over 8GB) through the system settings. Important Considerations Steps: