Windows Phone Internals 2.3 released, unlocks bootloader on any Lumia

Meant to appeal to tinkerers, Windows Phone Internals is a tool that helps to gain root access on Lumia devices. Back in early December, the developer behind Windows Phone Internals, who goes by the name of Heathcliff74, teased the tool's first update since 2015, which would allow it to work on all Windows Phone 8 and Windows 10 Mobile-based Lumias. Just over a month later, that update is now available as Windows Phone Internals version 2.3.

Windows Phone Internals essentially automates the processes required to unlock the bootloader on any Lumia device, disabling security features and allowing you to gain root access. Once you've achieved root access, your device is completely unlocked, allowing you to flash custom ROMs, create full device backups, or even use your Lumia in Mass Storage Mode. The tool also potentially opens the door for developers to cook up other cool hacks for Lumia devices.

In short, this update potentially breathes new life into a segment of devices that is not a focus for Microsoft anymore. If you're willing to tinker with your Lumia, you can download Windows Phone Internals version 2.3 now. And for more on getting started, you can watch an overview of the latest update below.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl