CPU extensions Archives

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Can your old PC even handle the Windows 11 upgrade? Here’s how to tell

As of October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive monthly security updates, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives. The ability to upgrade depends on the age and specifications of the PC, particularly the CPU. PCs designed from 2019 onward generally meet the requirements for Windows 11, including the necessary Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. PCs from 2016 to 2019 may still be capable of upgrading but may require a registry edit if their CPUs are not officially supported. PCs designed between 2010 and 2015 may have some potential for upgrade, depending on the presence of a TPM and the CPU manufacturer. Older PCs from 2009 and earlier typically lack the necessary TPMs and CPU support for Windows 11, making upgrades unlikely. Users with these older machines might consider alternative operating systems like Linux.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft keeps betting on AI for Windows 11, and Arm PCs get even better

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build for Windows Insiders in the Canary channel, enhancing the Prism emulator on Arm devices to support additional CPU extensions like AVX and AVX2, allowing x86 applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro to run seamlessly on Arm devices. Vegas Pro, ProtonVPN, and Telegram Desktop have also announced support for Arm. Notepad now features an AI-based Rewrite option that requires AI credits, and Paint has received AI enhancements, though generative fill is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. Paint 3D has been officially delisted from the Microsoft Store due to lack of user interest and complexity.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview brings updated Prism emulator for Arm PCs

Microsoft has introduced an updated Prism emulator in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, improving compatibility with x86-based applications and games. The new emulator supports additional CPU extensions, enabling applications like Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 and games such as Starfield and Helldivers 2 to run on Arm PCs. Devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs can now run more legacy applications and games without native ARM64 versions. The update also includes a new on-screen gamepad keyboard for better navigation and typing on gaming handhelds and touchscreen devices. The changelog for Build 27744 includes various enhancements and fixes, such as resolving display issues for older NVIDIA GPUs, fixing problems with the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History, improving Windows Sandbox performance, correcting dynamic refresh rate issues, and addressing multiple bugs related to remote desktop connections and app functionalities.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Arm PCs are getting even better at emulation with the latest beta build

Windows 11 build 27744 in the Canary channel enhances the Prism emulator, allowing broader support for x86-based applications on Arm devices. This update includes support for additional CPU extensions such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility with various applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 2025. The new features are limited to 64-bit x86 applications, with future updates expected to address the limitations for 32-bit apps. Additionally, the build introduces a new gamepad keyboard, reinstates the option to detach a virtual hard disk from the Settings app, and includes minor improvements to Task Manager. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Clipboard History, Windows Sandbox performance, dynamic refresh rates, and remote desktop connections. Users in the Canary channel can access the update by checking for updates on their PCs.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

What apps do you need on Windows on Arm?

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary channel, enhancing support for additional CPU extensions for emulated 64-bit x86 applications, which improves the functionality of Windows Arm PCs. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the first applications to benefit from this update. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with application compatibility on Arm PCs, highlighting any applications that have caused issues or underperformed during emulation. The author noted that the messaging app Beeper performed poorly on a Windows on Arm PC.