A developer claims that it's now possible to run homebrew desktop applications on Windows RT, the ARM / tablet version of Windows 8. Without modifications the only desktop applications that should run on Windows RT devices are applications from Microsoft, like Office and Internet Explorer.
Developer C.L. Rokr has posted a blog in which he states that Windows RT doesn't differ much from Windows 8 and that it's therefor possible to run the homebrew applications. In contrary to Windows 8, the RT version of Windows doesn't have a full desktop mode. In Windows RT users can only run a few Microsoft applications, like File Explorer, Internet Explorer and Office. According to Rokr this is an artificial difference. He calls RT a great port of Windows 8 but the only reason that RT doesn't have a full desktop mode is because Microsoft decided to do so.
In the Windows kernel there is a value called 'minimum signing level', in Windows 8 it has the value 0, in Windows RT it's 8. The 0 means that all software can be run where you are able to run applications from Microsoft, the Windows Store and downloaded ones like you're used to on every Windows version. The 8 means that only software with a Microsoft certificate can be run and this is the value found in Windows RT and when you're able to change the minimum signing level then you're able to run all applications. That doesn't mean you can run all Windows 8 software once the value is changed, Windows RT requires the software to be compiled for ARM processors.
Rokr found out that that it's possible to change the minimum signing level for Windows RT in the system memory. He hasn't posted a working method for those who want to use homebrew Windows RT applications but with his instructions it shouldn't be hard for others. Developers on the XDA forums are reporting that were able to run the first unsigned application on Windows RT already.
The workaround also has a big drawback, it isn't permanent, as a value in the computer's RAM it will be gone once the computer is restarted. It's not possible to change the value in the system files as the secure boot feature of Windows restricts this. The hack also doesn't make it possible to install applications from the Windows Store without paying, it just gives you back control over you device by letting you install the applications you want.
