ARM-based PCs Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft App Assure helps Nord Security build for Windows on Arm

Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps

Utilizing a Windows PC powered by an Arm-based Snapdragon processor has become more similar to traditional Intel or AMD systems due to developers optimizing applications for native performance and Microsoft's advancements in Windows' Prism technology. However, compatibility issues remain, particularly with online multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, as Prism cannot translate drivers and foundational Windows software. The small user base for Arm PCs has also discouraged some developers from creating compatible versions of their software. Epic Games plans to enhance support for Arm PCs by introducing its Easy Anti-Cheat software and official support for Fortnite later this year, which will also be available to developers through an Epic Online Services SDK release.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Microsoft makes it easier to do a clean Windows install on Arm-based PCs

Microsoft has launched a dedicated download page for the official Arm version of Windows 11, allowing users of Arm-based PCs to perform clean installs and reinstall Windows after upgrading SSDs. This resource also enables the setup of Windows virtual machines on Arm-based PCs and Macs. Previously, install media for Arm builds was limited to beta versions, and unofficial methods for creating ISOs were complicated.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft releases Windows 11 ISO file for Arm, but older PCs may require extra effort

Microsoft has released a Windows 11 ISO file for Arm-based computers, allowing installation on devices like Copilot+ PCs, set for 2024. This is the first time an ISO is available for Arm systems, which previously only had Windows 11 preinstalled. The ISO can be used to create virtual machines, upgrade existing installations, or create bootable flash drives for clean installations. Newer Arm-based PCs with Snapdragon X chips can boot from the ISO without additional drivers, but full functionality requires downloading drivers via Windows Update. Older Arm-based PCs may need specific drivers from manufacturers for bootability, and those with previous Snapdragon generations must inject necessary drivers into the installation image to avoid boot failures. Microsoft provides support documentation for this process.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors are the fastest ARM-based chips for Windows laptops, making ARM-powered PCs viable alternatives to Intel and AMD. Microsoft has introduced an emulator named Prism to facilitate the execution of x86 applications on Windows PCs. The latest version of Prism enhances performance by supporting additional CPU features during emulation and simulates a virtual x86 CPU, allowing non-natively compatible software to run. It adds support for several x86 instruction set extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility for PC games. The updated Prism is accessible in Windows 11 24H2 and supports any 64-bit x86 application, enabling previously blocked games and creative applications to operate on ARM processors. The new version is currently available to Windows Insider program members, with no details on a broader release timeline.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Microsoft Says Maligned Recall Feature Is Returning to Copilot+ PCs, Eventually

Microsoft's AI-driven Recall feature will return to the Copilot+ ecosystem, initially rolling out to Windows Insider beta testers in October. The feature, which automatically captures and organizes screenshots of users' desktops, will be opt-in and is designed to help users revisit previously opened web pages, programs, and documents. Concerns about security have been addressed, with Microsoft stating that devices will remain secure and proposing Windows Hello biometric sign-in for accessing Recall snapshots. Users can enable or disable the feature during the Windows sign-in process, with the default setting now switched off.

Winsage

August 1, 2024

How To Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 Early Without Requirements – Full Guide

The Windows 11 24H2 update is scheduled for release between September and October 2024, with an early preview currently available for testing. Users can access this preview by enrolling in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program or by downloading the Windows 11 24H2 ISO for installation. The final version for most devices is expected in October 2024, with ARM-based PCs receiving it earlier on June 18, 2024. Key features of the update include AI-driven enhancements such as Windows Recall, Voice Clarity, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Auto Super Resolution, along with non-AI improvements like a new Energy Saver mode, Windows Protected Print Mode, Linux Sudo command support, and updates to Bluetooth and sound settings. To upgrade from Windows 10, devices must meet minimum specifications, including specific processor requirements and TPM 2.0. Installation via the Insider Preview Program involves several steps in the Settings app, while the ISO file can be downloaded from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page. Users can create a bootable USB drive using Rufus to bypass hardware requirements, although this method is unofficial and may lead to stability issues.

AppWizard

June 25, 2024

Snapdragon X Copilot+ PC: Gaming on the Go

Microsoft and Qualcomm have improved the Prism x64 app emulator and added Auto SR upscaling capabilities in Windows 11 for Arm. They are collaborating with game studios to optimize games for the Adreno GPU in their processors, resulting in over 100 games running at 1080p and 30 FPS. The Xbox app on Arm-based PCs only allows access to Xbox Cloud Gaming titles, not games from personal libraries or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Some PC games recommended by Qualcomm include GTA5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Control, which are rated differently for compatibility on the Windows on Arm Ready Software website. Despite some initial issues, games like Doom and Control eventually ran smoothly on battery power with no fan noise. The experience was described as mixed, with potential for improvement in the future.

Winsage

June 25, 2024

Snapdragon X Copilot+ PC: My Windows 11 on Arm App Compatibility Scorecard

The text discusses the author's experience installing various apps on Windows 11 on Arm. The author installed apps such as Google Chrome, Brave, iA Writer, Affinity Photo 2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio Code, Grammarly, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom Workspace, Discord, ImageGlass 9, and Greenshot. The author found that some apps were available in native Arm versions, while others needed to be run in emulation. The final tally was 8 apps running natively in Arm, 7 apps running well in emulation, and 1 app that did not work at all.