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Prism emulator

I've been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything
Winsage
December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.
Microsoft lists all Windows 11 gaming features you miss if you don't update from Windows 10
Winsage
December 20, 2024

Microsoft lists all Windows 11 gaming features you miss if you don’t update from Windows 10

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting the gaming features they would miss by staying on Windows 10. Benefits of Windows 11 include DirectStorage for faster load times, Auto HDR for enhanced visuals, and improved gaming performance. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support next year, which will result in a lack of security and quality updates. Many older systems are incompatible with Windows 11 due to stringent eligibility requirements, and Microsoft recommends that users with ineligible PCs invest in new hardware. Despite the advantages, the rollout of the latest feature update, version 24H2, has been temporarily halted due to issues with Ubisoft titles and Auto HDR functionality. Microsoft has also produced advertisements and articles to encourage users to upgrade and address misconceptions about the process.
Microsoft keeps betting on AI for Windows 11, and Arm PCs get even better
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.
Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications
Winsage
November 9, 2024

Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors are the fastest ARM-based chips for Windows laptops, making ARM-powered PCs viable alternatives to Intel and AMD. Microsoft has introduced an emulator named Prism to facilitate the execution of x86 applications on Windows PCs. The latest version of Prism enhances performance by supporting additional CPU features during emulation and simulates a virtual x86 CPU, allowing non-natively compatible software to run. It adds support for several x86 instruction set extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility for PC games. The updated Prism is accessible in Windows 11 24H2 and supports any 64-bit x86 application, enabling previously blocked games and creative applications to operate on ARM processors. The new version is currently available to Windows Insider program members, with no details on a broader release timeline.
Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview brings updated Prism emulator for Arm PCs
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.
Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs
Winsage
November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.
silver Android smartphone
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.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)
Winsage
November 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 has been released to the Canary Channel. This build introduces enhanced support for 64-bit x86 applications in the Prism emulator, allowing previously incompatible applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on Arm devices. The virtual CPU for x64 emulated applications now supports various x86 instruction set architecture extensions, such as AVX and FMA. Changes include the simplification of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, redesigned Task Manager dialogs, and the return of the detach virtual hard disk button. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various bugs affecting graphics and application stability. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for new Copilot+ PC users joining the Canary Channel and desktop background display problems across multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may not be released and can change during development.
Proton VPN now supports Windows on Arm natively
Winsage
November 5, 2024

Proton VPN now supports Windows on Arm natively

Proton VPN has announced native support for Windows on Arm devices, aligning with other applications like Vegas Pro and ExpressVPN. The service will mirror the features of its x64 version, including a kill switch, Secure Core, port forwarding, and modern NAT. The recent improvements in the Prism emulator with Windows 11 version 24H2 have enhanced emulation speed, prompting Proton VPN to adapt to this architecture. The company anticipates an increase in Windows on Arm devices and believes that the availability of popular applications will broaden its user base. Proton VPN is a VPN solution focused on user privacy and security, offering various plan options.
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