Arm PCs

Winsage
September 4, 2026
Microsoft has identified an issue affecting Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook for Windows on Arm-based devices, such as the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, following the installation of Windows security updates released on or after August 11, 2026, specifically the KB5121003 update. The affected Windows 11 versions include 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, causing these applications to fail to launch or close unexpectedly, while classic applications like Outlook, Word, and Excel remain unaffected. The issue is more prevalent on new or freshly imaged PCs that have not received updates from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft is working on a solution to be included in a future Windows update. In the meantime, users can mitigate the issue by updating to the latest version of the Auto Super Resolution Package (version 1.0.19.0 or later) via the Microsoft Store.
Winsage
August 25, 2026
In June, Microsoft and Nvidia introduced the Windows on Arm-based RTX Spark chipsets, signaling a shift in personal computing. New PCs, including models from Microsoft’s Surface line, are expected soon, driven by increasing customer demand for efficient Windows on Arm devices. This interest follows Apple's announcement of its Arm-based chips, prompting Microsoft to adapt to the changing market. Klaus Diaconu from Microsoft indicated that Nvidia RTX Spark PCs from manufacturers like ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI are set to launch in fall 2026. The growth of the Windows app ecosystem is also noted, with over 7,000 verified apps and games available for Windows on Arm. Microsoft’s App Assure program collaborates with developers to enhance application representation in this ecosystem. Significant advancements in compatibility have been reported across various app categories since the last update. Diaconu emphasized that Windows on Arm is now characterized by a growing ecosystem of PCs and applications that meet consumer needs. Microsoft has not explicitly referenced "Windows 11" in its communications, focusing instead on the "Copilot+ PC" narrative.
Winsage
August 25, 2026
Microsoft has announced advancements in the Windows on Arm platform, highlighting the upcoming addition of NVIDIA's RTX Spark SoC later this year, which will enhance the existing Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform. By fall 2026, devices from manufacturers like Microsoft Surface, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI will feature RTX Spark technology. There are currently over 7,000 compatible applications for Windows on Arm, available on the "Works on WOA" website. Users can engage in discussions about these developments on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.
Winsage
June 9, 2026
Microsoft has launched a new Beta channel for Windows 11 version 26H1 devices, allowing differentiation between experimental and beta features, similar to the existing setup for version 25H2. This Beta channel is the first to fully support Snapdragon X2 and RTX Spark PCs. Previously, only version 25H2 had access to the Beta channel, while version 26H1 users were limited to the Experimental Channel, which features less stable and early-stage developments. Currently, Windows 11 versions 25H1 and 26H1 are coexisting, with efforts to achieve feature parity between them, particularly to enhance support for next-generation Arm System on Chips from Qualcomm and NVIDIA.
Winsage
June 3, 2026
Microsoft will showcase a session at Build 2026 focused on porting x86 applications to Windows on Arm using AI agents. This initiative is in collaboration with NVIDIA, introducing the RTX Spark chip designed for Windows on Arm, which enhances performance for native Arm applications. Microsoft reports that 90% of user activity on Windows on Arm PCs involves natively compiled applications. The session will explore the use of agentic AI to assist developers in automating coding tasks and improving efficiency. A resource called "Works on WoA" helps users check application compatibility, while the Prism emulation layer allows access to a wide range of apps on Arm systems, though some legacy and specialized applications may face issues. The session, led by Qualcomm's Gaurav Goel, will provide tools for developers and is scheduled for June 3 at 6:20 PM ET.
Winsage
June 2, 2026
NVIDIA has introduced the RTX Spark, an Arm-based processor codenamed N1X, designed to run all Windows applications seamlessly in collaboration with Microsoft. The processor features up to 128GB of unified memory, native support for AI agents, and is integrated with NVIDIA’s graphics stack. The Surface Laptop Ultra is among the first devices to utilize this processor. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO, claims the RTX Spark can run 100% of NVIDIA’s software stack and has been meticulously optimized for compatibility with Windows applications. While many popular applications and games now run natively on Windows on Arm, NVIDIA has not yet released performance benchmarks for the RTX Spark. The "Prism" emulator allows Windows apps designed for x86 processors to run on Arm hardware through real-time translation, enhancing performance. Recent updates to Windows 11 have improved support for various x86 extensions, increasing compatibility for applications.
Winsage
April 12, 2026
Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission from purchases made through links in their articles. Recent reviews of the ASUS Zenbook A16 have raised discussions about Windows 11 on Arm, particularly regarding the performance of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 processors. Devices with Snapdragon X chips run Windows 11 on Arm, and Microsoft has improved compatibility significantly, with users spending 90% of their time on apps that run natively on Arm. While some reviews exaggerate app compatibility issues, many users cannot specify which apps do not work. The "Works on Windows on Arm" initiative lists compatible applications, including Google Chrome and Adobe Creative Suite. The ASUS Zenbook A16, featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and 48GB of RAM, now starts at ,699.99 after a price adjustment due to a listing error.
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