[Windows 10 Mobile] :
Hi,

I found a custom firmware for Lumia 950XL and it might be helpful for the users who still use Lumia 950XL

I will give you my review based on my test and the steps if you want to do the same.

Thanks to:

Fadil Fadz

gus33000

WojtasXda

If the topic already posted let me know I tried to search before posting.

Should you replace your firmware with this?

Yes, yes and yes..

The system is way better than the current firmware.

Pros:

Built-in updated apps like (Paint 3D, myTube, 8 Zip...etc)

Built-in CMD (Real CMD)

You can run (.bat) files

Updated original apps like (Video, Photos, Camera..etc)

I feel it lighter (maybe because I like it)

Unlocked by default

Boot menu contains developer options

File Explorer is updated and more advanced (you can access to the packages directly from it)

Display Scale option (You can control the display scale from the control panel)

Nice organize for Start menu (the way that Fadil organize the menu will give you an idea to build nice structure for the apps)

You can install advanced apps using CMD like (Powershell, XAP installer, DotNet Console..etc)

Nice icons for the default apps

Cons & Tips:

So far I didn't find anything bad

Some icons will appear smaller than before because of the default display scale 100% (for me it's was more than normal), but you can change it form the control panel

InteropTools is Beta (there is Legacy version so I prefer to replace it)

You have to be patience with edgeTile if you want to use it , it's too slow when loading for no reason

CMD with external keyboard is better for some functions and easier to use (use left arrow to remove).

Screenshots (100% display scale):

View attachment 5259291 View attachment 5225267 View attachment 5225269 View attachment 5225271 View attachment 5225275 View attachment 5225277

How to install:

AS PER FADIL

DISCLAIMER:

I’m not responsible for any damage that occur on you device.

Do at your own risk.

WARNING ⚠:

Please don’t attempt to flash on other devices.

Please don’t flash without using thor2.

Flashing FFU will erase all your data.

Please ensure that you closed WPinternals before using thor2.

Videos always better and more clear (but read the Quick Guide below if this is your first time)

Features & Custom FFU: Click Here (Youtube)

Installing & Downloads: Click Here (Youtube)

Install Apps using CMD: Click Here (Youtube)

Tools Needed:

WPinternals 2.9 (2nd Video "Installing & Downloads")

WDRT ( Windows Device Recovery Tool) to use thor2 (2nd Video "Installing & Downloads")

Custom FFU (1st Video "Features & Custom FFU")

Quick Guide:

Download the requested tools

Connect your Phone using the USB cable

Phase 1 (Unlock bootloader):

Before start unlocking you have to download

FFU-file

Emergency-files

1- Open "WPinternals"

A- Download FFU + Emergency Files

Goto "Download"

Scroll down then click "Search"

After the results appear Click "Download All"

It will take some time to download

If you already have the files scroll to "Repository"

Click on "Add Existing FFU-file"

Select your file

B- Unlock bootloader

Goto "Unlock bootloader"

Click "OK" to switch to "Flash-mode"

When the phone in "Flash-mode", scroll down and click "Unlock" after reading the descriptions

Multiple reboots expected so you have to wait and don't interrupt the process

Wait until you see this message "You need to manually reset your phone now!"

Restart the phone

Wait until you see this message "Bootloader unlocked successfully"

If the phone already unlocked expected to boot to Mass storage instead of this message

Know Problems

if stuck into Multiple reboots for too long time or you got "Unlock failed", this could happen because of:

You didn't select FFU-file and Emergency-files

The FFU-file is different than the current system (maybe you flashed different one before)

If you bricked the system do the following:

Boot into Flash-Mode by pressing Power + Volume Down once the phone vibrate hold only Volume Down

Then open WDRT for possible restore

If WDRT didn't help check the post below for alternate restore option

https://xdaforums.com/t/bricked-950xl.3990253/#post-83830313

C- Switch to Flash-mode

Goto "Manual mode"

Select "Switch to Flash-mode"

Wait until the phone get in the "Flash-mode"

Now close "WPinternals"

Phase 2 (Install the Custom Firmware)

Before flashing if you aware about your files and not sure about the process

Check "Backup Solution" at the end of this post

Open "WDRT" folder

Click on "File" at the top left of the window

Select Open PowerShell

Select Open As Administrator

Now run the following command:

.\thor2 -mode uefiflash -ffufile "D:\Microsoft.MSM8994.P6211_CITYMAN_10.0.15254.547_v2.ffu"

"D:\.." is an example, use your own location

Press Enter

Wait until the process complete

Now to restart run the following command:

.\thor2 -mode rnd -reboot

Note if you are using CMD remove the ".\" from the command at the beginning

After the restart, expected to see the boot menu

Press on the camera button to select

Done.

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Backup Solution

Spoiler content hidden.