Windows 10 для ARM — это действительно новый феномен среди операционных систем. Впервые в истории ПК полноценная десктопная система, заточенная изначально под x86-процессоры, работает на мобильных ARM-чипах, что сразу вызывает множество вопросов по поводу поддерживаемого ей софта. В этой статье мы попытаемся разобраться, что же всё-таки будет происходить с программами на Windows 10 для ARM.
Windows 10 для ARM — новая редакция Windows 10?
Один из наиболее распространённых вопросов. Мы можем условно поделить Windows 10 по трём критериям: архитектура процессора, разрядность и редакция:
- Все эти годы десктопная Windows поддерживала лишь одну архитектуру процессоров — x86.
- На данный момент есть два вида разрядностей — 32-бита и 64-бита.
- Редакций существует великое множество. Только в случае с Windows 10 их не менее шести (Home, Pro, S и так далее). Они отличаются лишь количеством функций и некоторыми искусственными ограничениями.
Windows 10 для ARM — это не новая редакция или разрядность системы, а новая архитектура. Как и привычная Windows 10 для x86, Windows 10 для ARM делится на редакции и разрядности. Многие почему-то связывают новый вид Windows и издание Windows 10 S, но это не совсем правильное утверждение, поскольку S — всего лишь одна из многих доступных как для x86-процессоров, так и для ARM-чипов редакций Windows 10.
Если говорить про разрядности, то Windows 10 ARM существует только в виде 64-битной версии и предназначена для 64-битных процессоров на архитектуре ARM.
Какие приложения будут работать на Windows 10 для ARM
Как и сама операционная система Windows, приложения делятся по критериям поддерживаемой архитектуры процессоров и разрядности. Разработчик любой программы может скомпилировать её (создать установочный файл) под конкретные варианты процессоров. При этом ПО, собранное для одной архитектуры чипов, не заработает на другой из-за архитектурных различий.
На сегодняшний день классический софт (распространяемый в виде exe, msi и других файлов) создан для x86-процессоров Intel и AMD и просто так не запустится на ARM-чипах (Qualcomm Snapdragon, к примеру). Microsoft понимает важность старых программ для пользователей, поэтому оснастила Windows 10 для ARM специальным эмулятором для запуска x86-приложений. Благодаря этому вы можете запускать классический x86-софт даже на ARM-процессоре.
Тем не менее, разработчики легко могут перекомпилировать свой софт под ARM-архитектуру. На это у них уйдёт совсем немного времени (достаточно поставить лишь лишнюю галочку в среде разработки), но программа станет работать на Windows 10 для ARM нативно, то есть без каких-либо эмуляторов и потерь быстродействия. При этом в самой программе ничего не изменится — она все так же будет поставляться в виде exe или msi-файла, будет выглядеть абсолютно так же, будет содержать те же функции. Все изменения будут находиться внутри и не будут видны пользователю.
Поддерживает ли Windows 10 для ARM Win32 API
Win32 API — системные механизмы, благодаря которым работает классический софт не из Microsoft Store. Они присутствуют лишь в десктопной Windows — Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 для Xbox, Windows 10 для HoloLens их не поддерживают.
Windows 10 для ARM — такая же десктопная система, как Windows 10 для x86, так что Win32 API присутствуют в ней в полном объёме. Они просто скомпилированы под ARM-процессоры и предназначены для классического софта, созданного под эту архитектуру. Впрочем, встроенный x86-эмулятор позволяет использовать их и x86-программам без каких-либо вопросов.
Какие разрядности программ поддерживаются на Windows 10 для ARM
Как мы уже писали выше, софт делится не только по критерию архитектуры процессора, но и по разрядности. В этом случае принято употреблять следующие сокращения:
- x86-процессоры: 32bit — x86, 64bit — x86_64 (или, сокращённо, x64).
- ARM-процессоры: 32-bit — ARM (встречается также ARM32), 64bit — ARM64.
Разберёмся, приложения какой разрядности поддерживаются на компьютерах с Windows 10 на базе ARM-процессоров.
ARM-приложения
Windows 10 для ARM нативно работает как с ARM32, так и с ARM64-программами, максимально используя ресурсы процессора. Конечно, предпочтительнее использовать ARM64-софт, так как он лучше работает с большим объёмом ресурсов (к примеру, может использовать больше 4 ГБ оперативной памяти). Аналогичный принцип применяется и для 64-битной Windows для x86 — на более мощных ПК рекомендуется использовать 64-разрядные программы.
На данный момент сама система для ARM-чипов и все встроенные в неё утилиты являются 64-битными (ARM64), а приложения в Microsoft Store, поддерживающие архитектуру ARM, 32-битными (ARM32). Microsoft только планирует добавить поддержку ARM64 в Microsoft Store ближе к концу 2018 года.
x86-приложения
x86-программы работают в Windows 10 для ARM через специальный эмулятор, что несколько ограничивает их. Вы сможете запустить лишь 32-битный x86-софт (поддержки x86_64 нет). При этом возможны потери производительности. По предварительным данным, которые могут оказаться неточными, они составят около 50% мощности процессора. Именно поэтому важно, чтобы разработчики перекомпилировали свой софт под ARM32 / ARM64 — в этом случае он будет запускаться нативно и работать быстрее.
Выводы
- Windows 10 для ARM — обычная десктопная Windows 10, но не для x86, а для ARM-процессоров. Как и привычная нам Windows 10 для x86, она делится на множество редакций.
- Windows 10 для ARM содержит в себе весь груз системных механизмов, что позволяет ей работать с любым классическим софтом для Windows (exe, msi-программы).
- Софт, скомпилированный под ARM-процессоры, работает нативно (= быстро), а x86-программы запускаются через эмулятор, что приводит к потерям производительности. Каждый разработчик может легко перекомпилировать любую свою программу под ARM, чтобы она работала нативно.
- Windows 10 для ARM — 64-битная система, поэтому 64-разрядный софт (ARM64) работает на ней немного быстрее, чем 32-разрядный (ARM32). Постепенно Microsoft выпустит ARM64-версии всех своих программ для обеспечения наибольшей производительности.
- Эмулятор x86 в Windows 10 для ARM позволяет запустить лишь 32-битные версии x86-программ.
Задавайте интересующие вас вопросы в комментариях.
Windows ARM apps
This is a project listing Windows ARM software that can run natively on ARM architecture.
https://armrepo.ver.lt
How to add a new application to the list
First clone this repository
git clone https://github.com/arminask/windows-arm-apps
To add a new app to the website, edit this file
If you need to add a new category for your application
- name: "Web Browsers" # Category name
icon: "fa-solid fa-file-zipper" # Category icon from https://fontawesome.com/icons
items:
To add a new item below the category
- name: "Firefox Browser" # App name
logo: "assets/tools/firefox.png" # App icon
subtitle: "ARM64/ARM64EC/ARM32, unofficial builds. Free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla"
url: "https://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/all/#product-desktop-release" # URL to download the app
target: "_blank" # Opens the URL in a new tab
In the subtitle key value, you should define which architecture/code the application was built with.
For example, it could be ARM64/ARM64EC/ARM32.
If the software doesn’t have an official build, you can add a value: unofficial builds
You can add more information about the application to the «subtitle» key if you think it’s necessary.
Include the application picture
After you have added a new item in
assets/config.ymlfile, you need to add a picture for the app.
Make sure you correctly defined the icon name and it’s path in the
logokey and value.
App icons must be in
PNGformat,transparentand 64×64 in width and height.
Serve the website locally
This must be done to verify that the changes you have made to the website are correct and do not have any errors.
There are different ways you can serve an html website.
You can use
apache2,nginx,Python Flaskor other servers for this, use the option that’s best for you.You can easily serve local content with Python and this script in the project root directory.
import http.server
import socketserver
import os
# Define the port on which you want to serve your site
PORT = 8000
# Define the directory you want to serve
WEB_DIR = "." # Will serve in the current directory
# Change the current working directory to the web directory
os.chdir(WEB_DIR)
# Handler for the server
Handler = http.server.SimpleHTTPRequestHandler
# Create the server
with socketserver.TCPServer(("", PORT), Handler) as httpd:
print(f"Serving at port {PORT}")
httpd.serve_forever()
You can run the script with this command
Now enter http://localhost:8000 URL in your web browser and verify that everything is working.
Push your changes to GitHub
Once you have made your changes and verified that they do not have any errors or grammatical errors, make a pull request.
Thank you!
Credits
- Thanks to all of the contributors for managing this project
- This project uses Homer static page as it’s base
+62 Free List Of Windows Arm Apps Recomended Post, From pcgamingwiki, the wiki about fixing pc games. (working in progress) table of contents. It’s essentially the same video player we’re used to that can play all sorts of video formats.
Updating To Support An Arm64 Version Of Your App.
This application is for universal windows platform. Web here’s a list from my program files (arm). It’s essentially the same video player we’re used to that can play all sorts of video formats.
List Of Windows Arm Games.
(working in progress) table of contents. Web arm versions of windows 10 include emulation technology that enables existing unmodified x86 apps to run on arm devices. Today, if you want to find a location on your.
You Can Download The Arm Version Of Vlc From The Official Website, Though You Have To Use The Dropdown Menu Next To The Download Button To Specifically Get The Arm64.
Web windows 10 on arm is precisely what the name states; Web what you need to know. Web windows dev kit 2023 runs arm64 vms and ci/cd infrastructure and services to build, test, and release apps at scale.
To Add A New App To A Website, Edit This File:
A website, listing windows arm apps that can run natively on arm architecture. Mostly ports for jailbroken surface rts from a few years ago. Arm64ec allows apps to run on arm hardware with a.
Vlc Has A Native App For Windows Pcs Running On Arm.
An app, process, or even. It is a windows 11 feature that requires the use of the. Web arm64ec is a new application binary interface (abi) for apps running on arm devices with windows 11.
Windows on ARM now supports 64bit apps Tech News Log.
Run better than x86 emulation. Web arm64ec is a new application binary interface (abi) for windows 11 on arm that runs with native speed and is interoperable with x64. Emulation for x86 apps makes the rich ecosystem of win32. Is there a master or ongoing list of all the apps that can run natively on the.
Windows on ARM now supports 64bit apps Tech News Log.
It looks like windows 10, acts like windows 10, and can run windows 10 apps. Web what you need to know. Web windows also supports native applications optimized for arm hardware. Web the windows on arm ecosystem is rather small at the moment.
Windows on ARM now supports 64bit apps Tech News Log.
It looks like windows 10, acts like windows 10, and can run windows 10 apps. Today, if you want to find a location on your. Web arm versions of windows 10 include emulation technology that enables existing unmodified x86 apps to run on arm devices. Arm64ec allows apps to run on arm hardware with a.
Windows on ARM now supports 64bit apps Tech News Log.
Overview on the microsoft learn website. After you create your app. Web what you need to know. Windows 11 extends that emulation.
Windows on ARM now supports 64bit apps Tech News Log.
Web here’s a list from my program files (arm). Web windows offers a variety of tools and frameworks to support app development for arm, on arm. Web windows also supports native applications optimized for arm hardware. Web arm versions of windows 10 include emulation technology that enables existing unmodified x86 apps to run on arm devices.
Windows on ARM is gaining momentum as Qualcomm, Microsoft, and PC manufacturers increasingly invest in this architecture. However, a critical piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: the developers. No matter how advanced the hardware and operating system become, the success of Windows on ARM hinges on the availability of natively compatible applications and games.
To address this, two important software repositories have emerged—one for applications and another for games compatible with Windows on ARM. These repositories help differentiate between two types of software:
- Compatible Software: Applications and games that can run on Windows on ARM, even if they aren’t specifically optimized.
- Native Software: Applications and games explicitly built for ARM64, taking full advantage of the architecture to deliver optimal performance.
These repositories are crucial for both users and developers, as they make it easier to find and distribute software that maximizes the potential of Windows on ARM. As more developers contribute to these repositories, the ecosystem around Windows on ARM will continue to grow, making the platform more viable and attractive to a broader audience.
What is the difference between supported software and native software for ARM?
When discussing software or applications compatible with Windows on ARM, we’re referring to all programs that can run on devices with ARM architecture processors. This includes both software that runs natively on ARM and software that runs through emulation.
While many apps and games are still not fully compatible with Windows on ARM, quite a few work, albeit through an emulation layer—currently known as Microsoft Prism. Emulation is a useful stopgap, allowing x86-based software to run on ARM devices. However, it’s not an ideal solution. Only software compiled natively for ARM can fully harness the processor’s capabilities, offering better performance and greater energy efficiency.
In essence, while emulation allows for broader software compatibility on Windows on ARM, the platform’s true potential is unlocked only with native ARM64 applications. This highlights the importance of developers focusing on creating native ARM-compatible software to ensure users get the best experience possible.
Native Windows Apps on ARM
The first repository, which can be accessed through, is a dedicated site where you can find a collection of significant software that is natively supported by Windows on ARM. The authors of this website aim to create a comprehensive resource that brings together all key applications designed to run natively on ARM architecture.
This is a non-profit and collaborative project, and the creators encourage community participation. If you know of an application that isn’t listed, you can contribute by adding it to the repository via a pull request on GitHub. This collaborative effort helps ensure that the repository remains up-to-date and as useful as possible for users of Windows on ARM.
In this repository, the software is organized into categories. Here are some examples:
- Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera…
- Multimedia: VLC, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Hulu, Spotify, Audacity, Kodi, OBS Studio…
- Social: Zoom, Teams, Reddit, WhatsApp, X, Slack, Instagram, TikTok…
- Photo and video editing: GIMP, Paint.NET, ScreenToGif, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Luminar Neo, Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, CapCut, Davinci Resolve, Microsoft Clipchamp, Figma Desktop app…
- Design: Unity, Blender, Shapr3D, Microsoft 3D Builder…
- Games: Great Conqueror, European War, Fallout Community Edition, Xbox (cloud gaming), Minecraft, Solitaire, World of Warcraft…
- Emulators: Ryujinx, Dolphin, PPSSPP, RetroArch, Visual Boy Advance…
- Benchmarks and diagnosis: Geekbench, Cinebench, 3DMark, CrystalDiskInfo, CrystalDiskMark, AIDA64, Speedtest by Ookla, CPU-Z, HWMonitor, HWiNFO…
These are just a few examples of what’s available. We encourage you to visit the repository and search for the specific applications you’re interested in. Remember, the repository only includes software compiled natively for ARM, not all compatible software.
For instance, applications like Adobe Premiere Pro might work on Windows on ARM, but they currently run under emulation. Keep this in mind as you explore your options.
Now, let’s dive into video games compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s important to note that when discussing “compatible” games, we’re not necessarily referring to those compiled natively for ARM. Instead, these games can run on Windows on ARM devices, often through emulation.
Qualcomm has put in a lot of effort to optimize its emulation layer, enabling several popular games, like Baldur’s Gate III, to run at least 30fps. However, the ideal scenario is to have these games compiled natively for ARM64 to leverage the architecture’s performance and energy efficiency fully.
For a comprehensive list of games tested for compatibility with Windows on ARM, you can visit [worksonwoa. com]. This website provides a categorized list, helping you quickly find games known to work on ARM-based Windows devices.
In this way, we have the following compatibility categories from highest to lowest gameplay quality:
- Perfect
- Playable
- It can be run
- Unplayable
In addition, we can filter the games by theme as follows:
- Action and adventure
- Platforms
- Roleplay
- A stranger
Finally, you can filter the list of games based on their compatibility with the “Automatic Super Resolution” feature. This AI-driven enhancement is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Series processors. It boosts frame rates without compromising graphical quality, offering an improved gaming experience. The filtering options available are:
- Yes, default
- Yes, optional
- No
- A stranger
Thanks to the WorksOnWoa website, I discovered that certain popular video games, such as League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, Destiny 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and NBA 2K24, are completely unplayable on Windows on ARM. On the other hand, titles like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Battlefield 4 run perfectly, while others like The Witcher III and Red Dead Redemption II are also fully playable.
How do I know if I’m running an x86 or Arm64 program
Some of you might wonder how to confirm if the app you installed is running natively on ARM or being emulated. There’s a simple way to check this.
Just open the Task Manager in Windows. Navigate to the Details tab, then look for the Architecture column. This column will indicate whether the running programs use x86 (emulated) or Arm64 (native) architecture.
- Chrome Now Native on Windows ARM for Improved Performance
- Windows on ARM: Differences, Limitations, and Potential
- Qualcomm Showcases Compatible Apps for Windows 11 on ARM
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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Patrick Yu is a Senior Project Manager at Level Interactive and has 8 years of experience writing business, legal, lifestyle, gaming, and technology articles. He is a significant contributor to Acer Corner and is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan.