ARM-based Windows Archives

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Arm says Windows game compatibility is up to developers

Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Surface PCs with Arm-based AMD chip could arrive in 2026

Microsoft is set to introduce a new line of Surface PCs in 2026 featuring AMD's Arm-based chip, codenamed Sound Wave. The Sound Wave chip is expected to be an APU with six CPU cores (two for performance and four for efficiency) and an integrated GPU with four compute units based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, designed for a thermal envelope of 5-10W. This suggests a strategy for low-powered Surface PCs, potentially refreshing the Surface Go or Surface Hub models. This will be the first time since the Surface Laptop 4 that Microsoft incorporates an AMD processor into its Surface lineup. Recently, Microsoft launched new models, including a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface Laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, which may outperform the upcoming AMD Sound Wave chip.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Qualcomm’s next-gen ARM chip for Windows to add 50% more cores

Qualcomm is developing the Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs, featuring up to 18 Oryon V3 cores and designated as SC8480XP. It will utilize a system-in-package (SiP) design, integrating RAM and flash storage to enhance data transfer speeds and energy efficiency. Potential configurations may include up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The Snapdragon X2 is expected to be a high-TDP variant, with thermal management innovations including an all-in-one liquid cooling solution. It is branded as “Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium” and aims to compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple's M-series chips. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 will incorporate the Oryon v3 CPU, following the Oryon v2, which offers a 30% performance boost and 57% increase in power efficiency. The Snapdragon X2 could impact the Windows on ARM ecosystem, although challenges with software compatibility and market adoption remain.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Windows 11 and MIDI 2.0: The Biggest OS Update Since 1983 is Coming Soon!

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11, which includes a significant update to the MIDI system, introducing native support for MIDI 2.0. This is the first major update to the MIDI standard since 1983. The new Windows MIDI Services enhance MIDI 1.0 functionality on ARM-based devices and improve communication between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI 2.0 offers increased speed, better transmission quality, more precise control, and advanced two-way communication capabilities. Microsoft collaborated with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan (AMEI) to develop a robust MIDI class driver and introduced a new networking protocol for MIDI 2.0. Extensive SDK support will facilitate integration of third-party software and hardware. The MIDI architecture is currently being tested and will be included in upcoming Windows updates. Additionally, the latest Canary build of Windows 11 features improvements such as new OneDrive functionality, optimized File Explorer, and options to disable backup reminders.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Google Drive for desktop adds beta support for Windows 11 ARM64

Google has released a beta version of its Drive for Desktop application for ARM64 devices running on Windows 11, featuring native ARM64 binaries for improved compatibility and performance. The Outlook Meet plugin is not supported in this version. Users are advised to use the beta cautiously, preferably with non-production data and to ensure backups are available. Installation requires a Windows 11 device and Microsoft WebView2, which may need to be downloaded if not already present. Google is seeking user feedback to enhance the application and troubleshoot any issues. This move may lead to better support for ARM-based Windows PCs.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

This one Google app is finally here for Qualcomm Snapdragon Arm-based Windows 11 PCs

Google has announced Drive for Desktop ARM64 support, currently in open beta without the Outlook Meet plugin. The app is designed for Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors and mirrors the functionality of its x86-64 version. Users can download the setup package directly from Google. This release addresses compatibility issues for users of Qualcomm-based Windows laptops, as Google Drive was previously unable to function in compatibility or emulation mode. Microsoft has also released an ISO package for Windows 11 tailored for ARM64-based PCs, and Google plans to extend its Quick Share file-sharing app to Windows on ARM.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Arm-based Windows 11 PCs now have an official ISO for clean installs

Microsoft has made a disk image (ISO file) available for download for the specialized version of Windows 11 designed for Snapdragon laptops, allowing users to reinstall the operating system or create a bootable flash drive. This release follows the introduction of Arm64-based hardware, which is distinct from traditional x86 and x64 architectures. Users may face challenges in sourcing necessary components through Windows Update and may need an Ethernet connection or alternative methods to transfer drivers.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Qualcomm’s x86 challenges with Windows on Arm

Qualcomm is working to establish Arm-based Windows laptops as a viable alternative in computing, utilizing Snapdragon processors that offer extended battery life, fanless designs, and integrated 5G connectivity. The company aims to address the software compatibility challenges faced by users of traditional x86 machines by relying on Microsoft's x86-64 emulation, which allows Arm devices to run x86 applications. However, this emulation often leads to performance issues and increased battery drain, particularly with demanding applications like Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD. Qualcomm's strategy suggests a need for investment in native Windows on Arm software and a push for Microsoft to optimize Windows for Arm architecture. The company should also consider positioning Arm laptops as secondary devices for light tasks rather than direct competitors to x86 machines.