Installing NI Linux Real Time OS on a Desktop PC

Updated Oct 31, 2025

Reported In

Software

  • LabWindows/CVI
  • LabVIEW

Operating System

  • PharLap
  • NI Linux Real-Time

Issue Details

I would like to convert a desktop PC into a Real-Time target running NI Linux Real-Time. Does NI offer the Linux RT OS for Desktop PCs?

Solution

NI is not currently planning on supporting the conversion of desktop PCs to NI Linux Real-Time targets. The NI Linux RT OS is intended for NI-branded Real-Time controllers/hardware, not arbitrary desktop-PC architectures.

If the conversion is attempted, many driver stacks, runtimes, licensing issues, and hardware integrations (DAQmx, RIO, etc.) are not licensed or validated for non-NI hardware.

Additional Information

Conversion of desktop PCs to Phar Lap ETS targets is still available. There are 2 different versions:

  • NI LabVIEW Real-Time Deployment License for Desktop PCs.
  • LabWindows/CVI RT ETS Deployment License Bundle for Standard PCs.

Both of those Deployment licenses are based on Phar Lap. For more information, please see Requirements for Desktop PCs as LabVIEW Real-Time Targets.

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