Several popular applications have recently been optimized for Windows on Arm, marking a significant advancement in the ecosystem. Notable additions include NordVPN, Arc Browser, Foxit PDF Editor, and Notion, all of which now run natively on devices powered by Windows 11 on Arm. This development is particularly crucial as native applications tend to deliver superior performance and efficiency compared to their emulated counterparts.
In the ongoing dialogue about computing architectures, Intel’s CEO has suggested that claims regarding the demise of x86 may be “severely exaggerated.” However, the rise of Arm computing continues to exert pressure on traditional rivals. The latest wave of AI PCs prominently features laptops equipped with Arm chips, and the recent optimization of applications for Windows on Arm devices offers a substantial boost to users. With the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors now supporting a broader array of applications, the landscape is evolving rapidly.
Many of the leading AI PCs and Copilot+ devices are utilizing Arm chips, making the availability of native Arm applications essential for maximizing user experience. While Windows 11 on Arm PCs can run numerous applications through emulation, the benefits of native Arm apps are clear: enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. After years of advocacy from Microsoft and Qualcomm, developers are now showing a renewed enthusiasm for optimizing their applications for this architecture. Recent releases of Arm-native versions of popular applications like NordVPN, Arc Browser, Notion, and Foxit underscore this trend.
As noted by NordVPN, “This autumn, we are releasing a NordVPN app version that supports ARM architecture on Windows.” Similarly, Foxit has expressed excitement about its native Arm application, with Executive Vice President of Sales Andrew Travis stating, “Foxit’s commitment to native support on the Snapdragon platform enables us to deliver significant improvements, including faster rendering and processing of content, leading to greatly enhanced productivity and an unrivaled user experience.”
The expansion of the Windows on Arm app library is a testament to a remarkable year for Arm computing. It appears that the combined efforts of Microsoft and Qualcomm have finally created an Arm platform that developers are willing to invest their time and resources into.
Windows 11 on Arm app compatibility
For some time now, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and various app developers have collaborated to enhance the performance of programs on Arm devices. Although it has taken years to onboard major app creators, we are now witnessing a growing number of popular applications running natively on Arm. The roster of top native Windows on Arm apps includes well-known browsers like Chrome, popular streaming services, productivity tools such as Office, and various applications tailored for creators. However, certain prominent apps still rely on emulation.
Emulation serves as a vital link between x86 and Arm architectures. In many instances, applications that have not yet been optimized for Windows on Arm can still function through emulation. While native Arm applications offer improved performance and efficiency, the emulation capabilities on Windows 11 have also seen significant enhancements, thanks to Microsoft’s Prism technology.
It is worth noting that some applications cannot run via emulation at all, which has historically limited the availability of VPNs on Windows on Arm PCs until recently. Other applications may perform adequately through emulation but will provide a markedly better experience when executed natively. As the landscape evolves, many popular applications in 2024 are transitioning to Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which may lessen the urgency for native Arm code—assuming users are utilizing an Arm-compatible browser. Nevertheless, a multitude of applications still benefits greatly from being developed as native Arm apps.
The addition of NordVPN, Arc Browser, Foxit PDF Editor, and Notion to the expanding library of native Arm applications is a welcome development, particularly for users of the latest Windows on Arm laptops.
