Microsoft has unveiled a compelling insight into the usage patterns of its Windows-on-Arm (WoA) devices. According to Mike Adams, the company’s corporate vice president, the Arm app ecosystem is flourishing. He notes that “The Arm app ecosystem continues to expand, with native Arm versions available for apps representing 90% of total user minutes, thus providing efficient, high-performance experiences across the scenarios that matter most to our customers.”
Evolution of the Arm Ecosystem
The maturation of the Arm-based software ecosystem marks a significant shift in user experience, with an increasing number of applications now operating on native builds rather than relying on the traditional x86-to-Arm translation layer. This shift underscores Microsoft’s confidence in the compatibility and performance of Arm-based systems.
As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, Microsoft is encouraging users with older PCs to consider transitioning to Arm-based Copilot+ AI PCs. The company has highlighted various applications that are optimized for Windows 11 on Arm, showcasing a diverse range of use cases:
- Endpoint protection applications
- VPN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) applications
- Endpoint management tools
- Productivity and creative applications
- Social, web, and entertainment applications
To assist users in navigating this evolving landscape, Microsoft has compiled a list of compatible applications, which can be accessed for further exploration.
While the current selection of WoA laptops remains somewhat limited for consumers, there is optimism on the horizon. Anticipated announcements from industry leaders such as Qualcomm and NVIDIA are expected to catalyze a wave of new design wins and shipments of Arm-based processors, broadening the availability of Windows PCs powered by Arm technology.
