ARM compatibility Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future

Valve has been supporting Fex, an open-source initiative for enabling Windows games to run on ARM architecture, for nearly ten years. The Fex compatibility layer was developed to ensure reliability for gamers. Valve aims to expand PC gaming options by allowing Windows games to operate on ARM devices, which could include low-power laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is developing an ARM version of SteamOS that will maintain the same core components as its x86 version, with a tailored version of Proton that includes the Fex emulator. While there are challenges with compatibility, particularly with modern multiplayer titles and anti-cheat mechanisms, Valve is working to address these issues. The demand for alternatives to Windows in the gaming market is increasing, particularly with the success of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.

Tech Optimizer

September 19, 2025

Surfshark boosts its antivirus offering with a revamped interface and full ARM support

Surfshark has updated its antivirus software with a new interface that improves user experience and compatibility with ARM hardware. The update aims to enhance accessibility and transparency in its cybersecurity suite, Surfshark One, which combines VPN, antivirus, private search engine, and data breach monitoring services. Key features of the revamped antivirus include a detailed protection history, easy access to additional features, and an improved repair function. Core functionalities like webcam protection and customizable security settings remain unchanged, and the antivirus uses the Avira SDK as its engine. The update addresses previous limitations for Windows ARM users, responding to increased demand for ARM support.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Epic Games adds Easy Anti-Cheat for ARM devices — Feature unlocks support for Windows, Linux, and Switch 2

Epic Games has introduced ARM compatibility for its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) system, as noted in the patch notes for EOS 1.17.1.3-CL44532354, benefiting both Windows and Linux-based ARM operating systems. Game developers are encouraged to update EAC to the latest version to utilize this compatibility. EAC's support for Linux ARM devices is significant, especially with Valve's integration of ARM support for Proton. Easy Anti-Cheat is now among the few anti-cheat solutions available for ARM versions of Windows 11, alongside Battleye, Denuvo, and Wellbia Uncheater. Additionally, the update includes official compatibility for the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing developers to adapt their existing EOS SDK for the new hardware with minimal changes. Microsoft is also enhancing the gaming experience on ARM PCs with improved anti-cheat support and the Prism x86 to ARM emulation tool, as well as introducing Auto SR for better performance.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Telegram is the latest of my daily Windows apps to enjoy native ARM support on Snapdragon X and even my ancient Surface

Telegram is a leading messaging application available on Windows, Android, and Apple devices. The latest version 5.7.2 includes integrated native ARM64 support. Users can download Telegram for Windows on ARM from GitHub, where it is offered as a full installation or a portable application. Previously, Telegram operated under Microsoft's Prism emulation layer on ARM devices, but now it runs natively on ARM64, providing a faster and more efficient experience. Users can download the app via an executable installer or as a portable option from the 'telegramdesktop' GitHub page.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Windows 11 LTSC on Arm: Everything You Need to Know

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 24H2 has been released, featuring a modern user interface, enhanced security, productivity tools, comprehensive device management, long-term support with up to 10 years of security updates, and a restricted user experience mode. System requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores, a minimum of 4 GB RAM (2 GB minimum), 64 GB or larger storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, a preferred TPM version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a minimum display size of 9 inches with 700p HD resolution. Enhancements over Windows 10 LTSC include improved performance, better compatibility, advanced security features, and a streamlined update process. The x86 platform offers extensive compatibility and high performance, while the Arm platform emphasizes power efficiency, making it suitable for portable and IoT devices. Microsoft follows a three-year release cycle for LTSC products, with Windows 11 addressing regulatory industry needs for enhanced security. Key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC include a modernized interface, advanced security features, optimized performance, and improved compatibility. Windows 11 LTSC 24H2 has a 10-year lifecycle with five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. New features include an integrated IoT-specific EULA, wireless display capabilities, optional removable packages, multi-app kiosk mode, automatic MPEG2 installation, HEVC codec support, access to the Microsoft Store, optional TPM enabling, and exclusion of CoPilot. The operating system is applicable across various industries, including medical, governmental, hospitality, and retail, and is compatible with both x64 and Arm processors.

Winsage

September 4, 2024

ExpressVPN finds “innovative” solution for ARM support

ExpressVPN has launched a VPN application compatible with next-generation Windows devices through a collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This development addresses performance limitations faced by VPN applications on ARM-based processors by utilizing Microsoft's Prism emulator introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade. ExpressVPN adapted its Lightway protocol to work with this enhanced emulation, allowing for improved performance without needing a native ARM application. Currently, few VPN services are available for ARM Windows devices, with others like Private Internet Access, Windscribe, and Surfshark also developing ARM-compatible solutions. ExpressVPN's approach positions it as a leader in the VPN market and may encourage other providers to transition to ARM compatibility.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

Snapdragon X Elite laptops have a professional-grade video editor at long last, and it’s completely free

Blackmagic has released DaVinci Resolve 19, which is now fully compatible with Windows on ARM and is the first version to offer native support for Snapdragon X series chips. The software is available in free and paid versions and serves as a robust alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro, which lacks ARM64 support. While DaVinci Resolve 19 is compatible with Intel and AMD systems, its focus on ARM compatibility is significant. Users with older Windows on ARM devices may face limitations, but it works well on the latest Copilot+ PCs. DaVinci Resolve has been used in the editing of major films like Deadpool 2 and Avengers: Infinity War.

Winsage

July 31, 2024

Adobe actually delivers on its promise with Illustrator beta for Windows on Arm

Adobe has released a beta version of Adobe Illustrator for Windows on Arm, marking a significant development for graphic designers. Previously, Adobe's support for Windows on Arm was limited, with only Photoshop and Lightroom available, and Photoshop faced stability issues. The introduction of Illustrator enhances the tools available for designers on Arm-based systems. Despite plans for a beta version of Premiere Pro, it has not yet been released, leading video editors to consider alternatives like DaVinci Resolve 19, which supports native Arm. The trend of applications transitioning to native support for Windows on Arm includes updates from DaVinci Resolve and Slack, as well as major web browsers like Google Chrome. However, challenges remain in the gaming sector for these devices.

Winsage

July 3, 2024

Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 review: An Apple Silicon moment for Windows

Microsoft's new flagship Surface hardware, powered exclusively by Arm-based chips for the first time, takes a similar approach to Apple's Apple Silicon Macs by keeping the exterior design similar to their Intel-powered predecessors. The Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 look almost identical to their previous versions, with features like touch screens, face-scanning webcams, and Surface Connect ports. The Surface Laptop 7 is similar in design and feel to the MacBook Air, with a great keyboard and trackpad, while the Surface Pro 11 remains a well-built tablet with a detachable keyboard cover. Windows on Arm has improved in terms of app compatibility, but emulated apps still show some lag compared to native apps. Games and drivers are still a challenge on Arm-based Windows PCs.

Winsage

May 12, 2024

I’m putting Windows on ARM compatibility to the test with my accessories and peripherals — has anything improved?

The text discusses the author's experience with Windows on ARM, highlighting compatibility concerns with hardware drivers for peripherals. Despite potential difficulties, most devices such as wireless keyboards, mice, monitors, and gaming joypads connect effortlessly to the Surface Pro X. The only real caveat mentioned is the limitations with printer and scanner functionality on ARM devices, but alternative methods like OCR features can offer a workaround. Overall, the author's experience with Windows on ARM has shown that the vast majority of devices connect without issues, making the transition smoother than expected.