Arm PCs Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2026

It seems Microsoft just started work on Windows 11 27H2 — and this could be the update that saves the OS… or dooms it

Microsoft has bifurcated its Canary testing channel for Windows 11 into two paths to prepare for significant updates, particularly the 27H2 update. One path will unify Arm PCs with AMD and Intel devices, while Arm PCs will receive a platform update codenamed 'Bromine' with Windows 11 version 26H1, due to the introduction of Snapdragon X2 silicon. Non-Arm PCs will receive a separate 26H2 update, referred to as 'Germanium', without the need for modifications. Canary testers on the newer build series will focus on foundational changes for the 27H2 update, while earlier build series testers will explore new functionalities. Microsoft aims to enhance existing features, address bugs, and improve responsiveness while also strengthening its quality assurance processes to reduce public glitches.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

“Windows 11 26H1” is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

The recent developments in Windows versions present challenges for app developers and IT professionals, particularly with the introduction of a new Windows version designed exclusively for the latest Arm PCs. This shift highlights Microsoft's commitment to Arm processors, moving away from its historical focus on x86 versions. The 24H2 update for Windows 10 and 11 introduced significant enhancements for Arm PCs, including an optimized x86-to-Arm translation layer called Prism, improving compatibility and performance for applications not originally designed for Arm. This update coincided with the launch of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series processors, leading to more Arm-native Windows applications being released by third-party developers. Microsoft's hardware strategy has shifted, as the new Surface PCs launched in mid-2024 now exclusively use Qualcomm processors, moving away from Intel chips. Since the 24H2 update, development on Arm and x86 versions of Windows has progressed at different rates, with certain features available on Arm versions earlier than on x86 systems. Windows 11 24H2 was also available on Arm PCs in retail stores months before being released to the broader PC ecosystem. Microsoft has been contacted for details on the upcoming Windows 11 26H1 update and its potential enhancements.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing Windows 11 under the hood — but new stats suggest it could be too little, too late

Microsoft is introducing significant platform changes with Windows 11, specifically the 26300 series in the Dev channel. Recent statistics from Statcounter indicate a decline in Windows 11's market share from 55.18% in October 2025 to 50.73% in December, a decrease of approximately 4.5%. In contrast, Windows 10's user base has increased by 3%, while Windows 7 has seen a 1.3% uptick. Microsoft is launching the Bromine platform to support Arm-based laptops, separating its development from existing Windows 11 systems. The upcoming Windows 11 26H1 will specifically cater to Arm devices, while non-Arm PCs will receive updates based on the Germanium platform. The company aims to improve stability and rebuild consumer trust amid ongoing concerns about bugs and AI integration.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Xbox App officially launches on ARM-based Windows 11 PCs from Microsoft

Microsoft has launched an ARM-compatible version of its Xbox App, enhancing the gaming ecosystem for ARM-based Windows 11 devices. Over 85% of the current Game Pass library is functional on ARM systems, although full compatibility remains exclusive to x86-based systems. Gamers can access unsupported titles through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft’s Prism emulation layer allows native x86 and x64 applications to run on ARM PCs, with recent updates improving Game Pass compatibility. Popular titles like Gears of War: Reloaded and Fortnite now support ARM. This development encourages innovation from companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm, while the gap in game compatibility between ARM and x86 architectures is closing. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is highlighted as a top choice for building or upgrading gaming PCs.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

Arm-Based Windows 11 PCs Can Now Download and Play Games from the Xbox App

Microsoft's Xbox app on Windows 11 now supports game downloads on all ARM-based PCs, expanding functionality beyond cloud gaming for Qualcomm-powered devices. This update follows an initial rollout for Xbox Insiders in August, coinciding with Epic Games' compatibility of its Easy Anti-Cheat system with Windows on ARM. The Prism emulator was updated in December to support more x86 games on ARM devices, and the Xbox app now includes a Windows Performance Fit feature to assess game performance based on hardware. Over 85% of the Game Pass catalog is compatible with ARM PCs, with ongoing efforts to increase support. Emulation performance has improved on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series chips, with further enhancements expected from upcoming X2 series chips, although native ARM64 game versions are still anticipated.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

The Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows PCs

Microsoft has launched its Xbox app for Windows 11 PCs with Arm chips, specifically those using the Snapdragon X processor. Over 85% of games on Microsoft’s Game Pass are now compatible with Arm architecture. The app allows for native game execution on devices, moving beyond previous limitations of cloud streaming. Microsoft has improved its emulator, Prism, to support AVX and AVX2 instructions. Additionally, a new feature called Game Save Sync integrates save data across PC and handheld devices. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox app to select Hisense and V HomeOS-powered smart TVs in 2026. Xbox Game Pass offers various subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, with the Ultimate Tier providing access to both Xbox and PC Game Pass games, including day-one releases for first-party titles.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

NVIDIA-powered Windows on Arm laptops may launch in 2026 — new report suggests it’s actually happening

NVIDIA's N1X laptops are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, shifting from an initial 2025 timeline. The NVIDIA N1 chip is currently operational in the DGX Spark AI supercomputer, showcasing performance capabilities. The N1X is anticipated to target the high-end market, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips remain aimed at budget-conscious consumers. The introduction of N1X-powered devices could enhance the Windows on Arm ecosystem and increase competition in the market.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Your Windows on ARM laptop could someday play real PC games

The Lisuan 7G106 is the first discrete graphics card to operate on Windows on ARM, successfully executing the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. This marks a significant milestone for the ARM ecosystem, confirming real discrete GPU driver support. The demonstration indicates essential rendering, driver, and API support are operational, suggesting potential for ARM PCs to cater to gaming laptops and high-performance desktops. This development challenges major graphics companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel to consider entering the Windows on ARM market. While the Lisuan GPU is not yet market-ready, it serves as a crucial proof-of-concept for future advancements in ARM computing.

Winsage

November 9, 2025

Microsoft announces first test build for Windows 11 26H1, aimed at ‘specific silicon’ — Rumor mill suggests first “H1” release in Windows 11’s history might be reserved for upcoming Arm PCs

Windows 11 has introduced its latest major feature update, 25H2, and Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming "26H1" release with Preview Build 28000 in the Canary channel of the Insider Preview program. The 26H1 update is currently in testing and is expected to launch early next year, focusing on ARM architecture. Potential candidates for this update include the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Nvidia N1X systems, as Qualcomm prepares to release new chips in early 2026. Microsoft stated that 26H1 is not a feature update for version 25H2 but includes platform changes to support specific silicon, with no action required from customers. This marks the first time Microsoft has planned a major update for the beginning of the year, primarily to enhance support for specific ARM silicon. Preview Build 28000 serves as the base RTM build for Windows 11 26H1, allowing OEMs like Qualcomm and Nvidia to integrate it into their systems.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft Releases First Windows 11 26H1 Build for Canary Testers

Microsoft has released the first build of Windows 11 version 26H1 for Insiders on the Canary Channel, focusing on refining the platform's architecture to support specific silicon advancements rather than introducing new features. The release is not a feature update for version 25H2 and requires no action from customers. It is expected to be optimized for new Copilot+ PCs powered by next-generation ARM silicon from Qualcomm and potentially other manufacturers. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chips are anticipated to debut in the first half of 2026, while Nvidia's ARM-based N1X chip and MediaTek's ARM chip for Chromebook Plus devices have also emerged. The current build 28000 does not introduce new features, as version 25H2 remains the primary source for new updates, including enhancements like rearranging dashboards in the Widgets Board and a streamlined Quick Machine Recovery experience.