Arm devices Archives

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 10 holdouts to buy ARM-based Copilot+ Windows 11 AI PCs

Microsoft is urging users to transition from Windows 10 to its new Snapdragon ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, highlighting the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The company has introduced a feature for users to trade in or recycle their Windows 10 devices through Windows Update. Microsoft emphasizes the advantages of ARM technology, stating that native ARM versions of applications now account for 90% of total user minutes. Users can expect significant benefits from upgrading to ARM Copilot+ PCs, including on-device AI capabilities, extended battery life, and performance enhancements, with devices reportedly being up to 85% faster than the MacBook Air M2 and 47% faster in AI tasks compared to the M3 chip. Microsoft is targeting Windows 10 users and IT departments to encourage adoption of ARM Copilot+ PCs during their next upgrade cycle.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Windows 11 still can’t do it — but PowerToys will be able to next month

Microsoft's PowerToys has been updated to version 0.94, introducing several new features, including a search feature in PowerToys Settings, a hotkey conflict detection system, an accessibility feature in Mouse Utilities, an upgraded installer for improved security, bug fixes for the Command Palette, a new option in the Hosts Editor, and support for Maltese in Quick Accent. A notable upcoming feature is the ability to automatically switch between light mode and dark mode based on a schedule, set to debut next month. Users can currently use the Auto Dark Mode app to switch modes based on specific times or sunrise and sunset, which has been updated to run natively on Windows on Arm devices. The Auto Dark Mode app also allows toggling modes based on whether the PC is plugged in, benefiting battery life on laptops with OLED displays.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Arm Stock Slips Despite Microsoft Windows 11 Support Update

Arm Holdings (ARM) stock declined by 0.88% on Friday, despite a Microsoft update that enhances support for Windows 11 devices with Arm processors, improving the Xbox PC app experience and allowing game downloads on Arm-powered devices. The update is currently available only to Windows Insiders in the Xbox Insider program. Arm stock has seen a year-to-date increase of 12.94% and a 7.87% rise over the past twelve months. Analysts have a consensus rating of Strong Buy for Arm, with an average price target of 1.05, indicating a potential upside of 22.76%.

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.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Microsoft brings native Xbox app gaming to Windows on Arm PCs – hints at bigger hardware shift ahead

Microsoft has updated its Xbox app for Arm-based Windows 11 devices, allowing users to download and play games natively instead of relying solely on Xbox Cloud Gaming. This update enables select compatible games to be installed and played locally on Arm devices, such as those powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, including the Surface Laptop 7. Users must join the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider programs to access the updated Xbox PC app (version 2508.1001.27.0 or higher) via the Xbox Insider Hub. Historically, most PC games have been designed for x86 architecture, leading to performance issues on Arm devices. Nvidia is collaborating with MediaTek to develop an Arm-based SoC for Windows PCs, initially expected to launch in 2025 but delayed to late 2026. An engineering sample of this SoC has shown strong specifications, comparable to the desktop RTX 5070.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft commits to improve gaming on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs — “We’re developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm”

Microsoft has released a preview update for the Xbox app on Windows 11, allowing users of Arm-based devices, such as those with the Snapdragon X SoC, to download Xbox PC games directly. Previously, the app only supported game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming and did not allow downloads from the Xbox platform, although users could download from third-party platforms. The update includes an enhanced emulation layer to improve x86 application performance on Arm devices, but many games still face compatibility issues, particularly due to anti-cheat services that are not natively supported on Arm. NVIDIA is rumored to be developing an Arm-based chip that could enhance gaming performance on these devices. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11, including a dedicated interface for handheld gaming PCs.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: 10 years of Windows 10

Windows 10 celebrated its 10th anniversary, while Windows 11 SE is being discontinued and will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with support ending in October 2026. Microsoft plans to open-source WinUI, the user interface framework for Windows 11. The Flyoobe tool has been updated to assist users switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Recent data shows a gradual increase in Windows 11's market share, while Microsoft Edge struggles in the desktop browser market. Microsoft provided guidance on upgrade paths for businesses transitioning to Windows 11. Updates for Windows Insiders include general fixes and new features across various channels. Microsoft reported a record-high profit of .2 billion and revenue of .4 billion for the last financial quarter. A new Surface Laptop Smurface Edition was announced, and Adobe has made creative applications available natively on Windows on ARM devices. Microsoft Edge introduced an AI-driven feature called Copilot Mode, while Opera filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil regarding unfair practices. Microsoft banned the developer account of LibreOffice for violating the Service Agreement. In gaming, Microsoft released the July 2025 update for the Xbox app, allowing game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming, and is preparing for the Gamescom show. EA decided to maintain game prices and announced a remaster of Plants vs Zombies: Replanted. A public beta for Battlefield 6 is forthcoming. Valve revealed updates for the Steam client, including a revamped store interface. Special discounts are available for the Back to School season.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe brings native Windows on Arm support to Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more — but not all features made it

Adobe has launched native ARM64 versions of its creative applications—Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder—for Windows on Arm devices, currently in public preview. However, these applications have certain limitations: - Premiere Pro will not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, Import and export of the GoPro CineForm codec, and Export to the P2 Movie format. - Audition lacks support for the GoPro CineForm codec and Loudness Radar effect. - Media Encoder will also not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, GoPro CineForm, and P2 Movie format. Future updates are expected to integrate support for third-party extensions, ProRes, and additional formats in these applications. After Effects currently has no listed unavailable features for its Arm-native version.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft Documents How Windows Backup Will Help You Migrate to a New PC

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called “Transfer information to a new PC” within the Windows Backup utility for Windows 10 and 11. This feature allows users to automatically transfer files, settings, and preferences from an old PC to a new one. It is currently available for users who sign in with a Microsoft account and requires both PCs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Users will launch Windows Backup on the old PC, select the transfer option, choose the destination PC, enter a one-time code, and select the data to be transferred. The transfer supports all files, including documents, photos, videos, and personalization settings. However, it does not include system and OS files, files stored in OneDrive, installed applications, saved passwords, or data on BitLocker-encrypted drives, which must be decrypted beforehand.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft Revives Windows 7-Style PC Migration Tool for Windows 11

Microsoft has launched a new PC-to-PC migration tool for Windows 10 and 11, integrated into the Windows Backup app, allowing users to transfer files and personal settings between two computers over a local network. This tool revives the functionality of "Windows Easy Transfer" from earlier Windows versions. The migration process requires both PCs to be on the same network and connected to power, with a secure pairing process using a six-digit code. The tool transfers user files, documents, photos, videos, and personalization settings but does not transfer installed applications, saved passwords, system files, or files already in OneDrive. It also requires the old PC to run Windows 10 or 11 and the new PC to run Windows 11 version 2024 or later, with both computers signed into a Microsoft Account. The tool currently does not support ARM-based devices.