Microsoft is testing a comprehensive emulator update to improve performance and expand compatibility for the Windows on Arm platform. This innovative technology will allow more x64 software and games to run on Arm-based Windows systems on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. This update, offered to testers on the Canary Channel with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, may increase interest in the Arm platform.
The update enables x64 software and games that do not run natively on Arm processors to be used via the emulator. It is aimed to make popular games such as Starfield and Helldivers 2, which especially require the AVX2 command set, playable on Windows on Arm. These games, which are not optimized for Arm architecture, will be able to run more stable and with higher performance on Arm-based systems thanks to the new emulator. This stands out as an important development towards expanding the functionality of Arm-based devices by increasing software diversity.
With the update, Microsoft aims to increase compatibility by providing support for processor extensions such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA and F16C for 64-bit x86 software on Arm-based systems. These command sets are generally used in software and games that require high performance, and with this update, a wider range of software is brought to the Windows on Arm platform. However, Microsoft states that 32-bit x86 software will not be able to detect this new emulator update and therefore some old applications will not be supported. Therefore, users will be able to take advantage of expanded support, especially for newer software.
There are already many popular applications available on the Windows on Arm platform. Although ARM64 versions are available for software like Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, many software still require x64 or 32-bit emulation. In this case, the new emulator update is positioned as an important tool for Windows on Arm users to access a wide range of software. Microsoft also states that this update is available for limited use on certain retail devices. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro 25 can run on Arm devices thanks to emulation support. While Adobe’s efforts to develop an ARM64 version for Premiere Pro continue, this temporary emulation support allows users to use the application on Arm devices.
These updates to Microsoft’s Windows on Arm platform are considered an important step for Arm-based processors to offer advanced software and game support. Technology experts predict that with increasing x64 software compatibility, devices with Arm processors will appeal to a wider range of users. Arm-based computers, which stand out with their portability and low energy consumption features, will appeal to a wider range of uses in terms of performance and functionality thanks to these updates.
Microsoft may increase interest in Windows on Arm devices
In the future, Arm processors becoming compatible with more software and games may increase users’ interest in these devices. In addition, this development is seen as one of the steps that will accelerate the growth of the Arm ecosystem, with the cooperation of processor manufacturers such as Qualcomm and Microsoft. Accordingly, widespread testing and optimization of Microsoft’s emulator update could open the door to broader software compatibility in the future.