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Recent reviews of the ASUS Zenbook A16 have sparked discussions about the performance of Windows 11 on Arm, with some claims echoing outdated concerns. The arrival of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors has ushered in a new era for Windows on Arm devices, yet misconceptions persist across various online platforms, including Reddit and X.
Devices powered by Snapdragon X chips run Windows 11 on Arm, often referred to as “Windows on Snapdragon.” The crux of the matter is that these PCs are fully operational with Windows, and Microsoft has made significant strides in enhancing compatibility. Developers are increasingly embracing Windows 11 on Arm, leading to a situation where users spend 90% of their time on apps that run natively on Arm. For those applications that are not natively supported, the Prism emulation has seen substantial improvements since its inception.
However, one might be misled by certain reviews and online comments that do not reflect the current state of the technology. In this week’s Windows Wrap, I aim to clarify the narrative surrounding Windows on Arm PCs, which are suitable for a wide range of users.
Biggest News Stories
- Microsoft resets Insider testing.
- Microsoft retires Windows 11 Recovery Assistant, introducing Get Help as a replacement.
- The latest Notepad update for Windows 11 finally removes Copilot branding.
- ASUS’ Zenbook A16 with Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme exemplifies what a flagship Windows laptop should be.
- Windows and Xbox are shifting toward user feedback, though fans are questioning the timing.
- Windows Wrap — Is Microsoft sabotaging its own OS?
Windows on Arm app gap?
It’s not my intention to engage in conflict, but the misconceptions surrounding Windows 11 on Arm are numerous and often exaggerated. A recent review highlighted several major apps that run natively, mentioned Prism emulation, and then cautioned that some tools might not function properly, citing an example that actually does work. This illustrates the core issue: app compatibility concerns are frequently overstated, and those spreading misinformation often influence purchasing decisions.
Next time you encounter someone claiming a lack of apps on Windows on Arm, kindly ask them to specify which apps they rely on that do not function. Our team has engaged with users on platforms like X and Reddit, and we’ve found that many cannot name a single app they depend on that fails to work.
While it’s true that some applications, particularly games reliant on anti-cheat mechanisms, may face challenges, the gap is closing with increasing support for solutions like Easy Anti-Cheat. Additionally, legacy applications and devices requiring unoptimized drivers may encounter issues, but this is not indicative of the overall performance of Windows on Arm PCs.
I do not claim that devices powered by Snapdragon X chips are universally compatible with all software and hardware. However, the critiques often overlook the significant advancements made in this space. The “Works on Windows on Arm” initiative maintains a comprehensive list of compatible applications, showcasing well-known software such as Google Chrome, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Spotify. While Snapdragon X PCs may not be gaming powerhouses, a growing library of games is becoming accessible.
For many users, a Windows 11 on Arm PC is not just a viable option; it may very well be the optimal choice.
Shopping with Sean
This week, our 5-star review of the ASUS Zenbook A16 has garnered attention, and it comes highly recommended. However, it’s worth noting an interesting development: the laptop’s price increased by 0 following its launch. ASUS attributed this to an error that led to Best Buy listing the laptop at a starting price of ,599.99, albeit briefly.
Now, the Zenbook A16, featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and an impressive 48GB of RAM, starts at ,699.99. Despite the price adjustment, the Zenbook A16 remains an exceptional laptop, combining elegance and lightweight design with the best Windows on Arm experience currently available. It’s unfortunate that it’s not as budget-friendly as initially anticipated.
“A combination of Qualcomm’s phenomenal generational performance gains and refinements to ASUS’ already stellar Zenbook design has crafted a practically perfect Windows laptop.” ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Windows on Arm isn’t the problem. Bad reviewers are.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Recent reviews of the ASUS Zenbook A16 have sparked discussions about the performance of Windows 11 on Arm, with some claims echoing outdated concerns. The arrival of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors has ushered in a new era for Windows on Arm devices, yet misconceptions persist across various online platforms, including Reddit and X.
Devices powered by Snapdragon X chips run Windows 11 on Arm, often referred to as “Windows on Snapdragon.” The crux of the matter is that these PCs are fully operational with Windows, and Microsoft has made significant strides in enhancing compatibility. Developers are increasingly embracing Windows 11 on Arm, leading to a situation where users spend 90% of their time on apps that run natively on Arm. For those applications that are not natively supported, the Prism emulation has seen substantial improvements since its inception.
However, one might be misled by certain reviews and online comments that do not reflect the current state of the technology. In this week’s Windows Wrap, I aim to clarify the narrative surrounding Windows on Arm PCs, which are suitable for a wide range of users.
Biggest News Stories
Windows on Arm app gap?
It’s not my intention to engage in conflict, but the misconceptions surrounding Windows 11 on Arm are numerous and often exaggerated. A recent review highlighted several major apps that run natively, mentioned Prism emulation, and then cautioned that some tools might not function properly, citing an example that actually does work. This illustrates the core issue: app compatibility concerns are frequently overstated, and those spreading misinformation often influence purchasing decisions.
Next time you encounter someone claiming a lack of apps on Windows on Arm, kindly ask them to specify which apps they rely on that do not function. Our team has engaged with users on platforms like X and Reddit, and we’ve found that many cannot name a single app they depend on that fails to work.
While it’s true that some applications, particularly games reliant on anti-cheat mechanisms, may face challenges, the gap is closing with increasing support for solutions like Easy Anti-Cheat. Additionally, legacy applications and devices requiring unoptimized drivers may encounter issues, but this is not indicative of the overall performance of Windows on Arm PCs.
I do not claim that devices powered by Snapdragon X chips are universally compatible with all software and hardware. However, the critiques often overlook the significant advancements made in this space. The “Works on Windows on Arm” initiative maintains a comprehensive list of compatible applications, showcasing well-known software such as Google Chrome, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Spotify. While Snapdragon X PCs may not be gaming powerhouses, a growing library of games is becoming accessible.
For many users, a Windows 11 on Arm PC is not just a viable option; it may very well be the optimal choice.
Shopping with Sean
This week, our 5-star review of the ASUS Zenbook A16 has garnered attention, and it comes highly recommended. However, it’s worth noting an interesting development: the laptop’s price increased by 0 following its launch. ASUS attributed this to an error that led to Best Buy listing the laptop at a starting price of ,599.99, albeit briefly.
Now, the Zenbook A16, featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and an impressive 48GB of RAM, starts at ,699.99. Despite the price adjustment, the Zenbook A16 remains an exceptional laptop, combining elegance and lightweight design with the best Windows on Arm experience currently available. It’s unfortunate that it’s not as budget-friendly as initially anticipated.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.