ARM Compatible Apps on Windows OS and How They Work

Patrick_Yu

Significant advancements in ARM architecture have propelled the recent rise of ARM computers, driven by their focus on energy efficiency and performance. At Computex 2024 in Taipei, several ARM Windows computers were showcased, highlighting the progress and potential of this technology. 

With major investments from companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and Microsoft, ARM processors now rival traditional x86 processors in capability. Apple's M1 and M2 chips, along with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series, power devices like the Acer Swift 14 AI, underscoring this shift. These technological improvements have enhanced both hardware and software compatibility, making ARM-based Windows computers more versatile. This article delves into ARM-compatible apps on Windows OS, examining the impact of these advancements on software performance and user experience. 

ARM vs x86/x64

ARM architecture on PCs and traditional x86/x64 architectures have fundamental differences. ARM uses a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) approach, leading to high power efficiency, making it ideal for mobile and energy-conscious devices. In contrast, x86/x64 follows a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) model, offering robust performance but at higher power consumption, suited for desktops and high-performance tasks. While ARM apps may need specific optimization or emulation, x86/x64 apps run natively on their respective hardware. This distinction influences development tools, application compatibility, and overall use cases in the computing ecosystem. 

How do apps and software run on ARM architecture?

Currently, there are not many ARM-native or compatible software/apps available due to the relatively recent adoption of ARM architecture in the PC market and the extensive existing ecosystem built around x86/x64 architectures. Many developers have not yet transitioned their software to ARM, leading to a limited selection of native applications. However, ARM computers can still run various apps through different methods:

• Native ARM Apps: These applications are specifically developed and compiled for ARM architecture. They fully utilize ARM's power efficiency and performance capabilities, offering the best user experience. 
• Emulation of x86/x64 Apps: ARM devices can emulate x86 and x64 environments, translating instructions to run traditional Windows applications. This enables broader software compatibility but can result in reduced performance and higher battery consumption compared to native apps. 
• Recompiled Applications: Developers can recompile existing x86/x64 applications to run natively on ARM. Using tools like Microsoft's development kits, recompiled apps generally provide better performance and efficiency than those running under emulation. 
• Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Apps: UWP apps are designed to run across all Windows 10 and 11 devices, including ARM architecture. These apps are optimized for performance and battery life on ARM devices and allow a single codebase to be used across different device types. 
• Web Applications: Many applications are available as web apps, running in browsers and being platform-independent. They do not require recompilation or emulation and can leverage the browser's optimization for ARM. 
• Virtual Machines: ARM devices can use virtual machines (VMs) to run software in an isolated environment. VMs can emulate different hardware configurations, allowing for a wider range of software to be used on ARM, though performance can vary based on the virtualization software and hardware resources. 

Available native apps and software on ARM Windows computers

If you decide to buy an ARM Windows computer, don't worry. Most of the apps you need for work, design, social media, entertainment, and coding are available. Here’s a list covering some of the more popular ARM native apps and software: 

• In-Box Windows Applications: Camera, Media Player, Microsoft Store, Notepad, OneDrive, Phone Link, Xbox, and more. 
• Microsoft Office: Fully supported with ARM-native versions. 
• UWP Applications: Nearly all Universal Windows Platform apps. 
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Lightroom, and other apps. 
• Creative Apps: GIMP, Luminar Neo, and Paint.net. 
• Development Tools: Electron, Visual Studio, and Code. 
• Entertainment Apps: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, and VLC Media Player. 
• Browsers: Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. 
• Social Apps: Instagram, Reddit, Teams, TikTok, Twitter, Zoom, and others. 

For those seeking a full list of ARM native applications and software from Windows computers check out this link. 

Can emulators run non-native apps on ARM Windows devices? 

Yes, emulation on ARM architecture allows Windows to run x86 and x64 apps seamlessly, ensuring broad software compatibility. Windows 11's Prism emulator, introduced in the 24H2 update, optimizes performance and reduces CPU usage, particularly on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Emulation uses binary code translation with a resident memory cache, similar to Apple's Rosetta, and handles Windows API calls, including DirectX, natively within the OS.  

The emulation process involves just-in-time compiling x86 instructions into ARM64 instructions, caching these translations for reuse to minimize overhead. While x86 apps use the WOW64 layer, x64 apps utilize Arm64X PE files to access the OS without special code. However, emulation supports only user mode code, not drivers.

Running traditional apps on Windows ARM devices might seem challenging due to the limited mainstream popularity of ARM64 processors. However, devices like the Swift 14 AI with Qualcomm Snapdragon® X Series Processors can run most common apps effectively. Native ARM64 apps offer better performance and efficiency, leading to longer battery life, while emulated apps still perform well thanks to Prism, Microsoft’s new emulation technology. 

Even with powerful specs and performance in ARM computers, driver support remains a challenge for devices without class drivers built into Windows. As ARM-based Windows devices gain popularity, device makers will likely be more motivated to port their drivers. 

Overall, Windows on ARM offers robust support for essential applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. Developers are encouraged to rebuild their apps for native ARM support to fully utilize ARM's performance and features. 

What about gaming on ARM computers? 

PC gaming on ARM still faces significant challenges. For example, although games like Baldur's Gate 3 can run, they don't match the quality seen on x86/x64 computers. The Prism emulator improves compatibility with x86 software, but only about 55% of tested games run smoothly, and anti-cheat software blocks many popular multiplayer games. Additionally, Qualcomm’s immature graphics drivers limit performance and compatibility. 

Despite Microsoft's and Qualcomm's efforts, ARM devices account for a small market share, providing little incentive for game developers to prioritize ARM compatibility. The ARM ecosystem's nascent state, coupled with limited support from distribution platforms like Steam, exacerbates the issue. However, as ARM technology and support improve over time, it's possible that ARM-based devices could eventually match or surpass x86/x64 computers in gaming performance, leading to broader adoption and better support in the future. 

Conclusion 

The integration of ARM architecture into the Windows OS ecosystem marks a significant shift in computing, bringing forth enhanced power efficiency and competitive performance. The shift from traditional x86/x64 architectures to ARM is fueled by the growing demand for energy-efficient yet high-performing devices, a trend epitomized by the latest ARM-based Windows computers showcased at Computex 2024. 

The flexibility of ARM architecture is evident in its ability to run applications through native development, emulation, and recompilation. As the ecosystem expands, more developers are likely to transition their software to ARM, increasing the availability of native applications and further optimizing performance and battery life. This shift promises a more versatile and efficient user experience, catering to a broad spectrum of needs from productivity and creativity to entertainment and development. 

For users seeking a cutting-edge ARM-based Windows laptop, the Acer Swift 14 AI is an excellent choice. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series processors, the Acer Swift 14 AI delivers superior performance and energy efficiency, embodying the best of what ARM has to offer. It seamlessly handles both native and emulated applications, making it a practical and forward-looking option for anyone looking to experience the benefits of ARM technology in a sleek and portable package

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