Home / Technology / Windows on Arm: App compatibility breakthrough?
Windows on Arm: App compatibility breakthrough?
27 Aug
Summary
- Windows on Arm now supports over 7,000 apps and games.
- Emulation through Prism allows x86/x64 apps on Arm.
- Gaming performance remains a concern for Arm laptops.

Windows on Arm is gaining momentum with over 7,000 apps and games now compatible, a crucial step towards realizing the architecture's energy efficiency benefits. This expansion tackles the long-standing app compatibility issue that has hindered adoption.
Microsoft aims to boost the fall launch of new Arm-based computers from manufacturers including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. While this milestone is significant, the 7,000+ compatible titles represent a fraction of the total Windows software library.
For non-native applications, Windows 11's Prism emulation layer offers a solution for x86/x64 apps. However, emulation consumes more power and reduces performance, potentially undermining Arm's battery life advantage.
Gamers may still find Arm laptops wanting. Despite advancements, gaming on newer Snapdragon chips like the X2 lacks smooth support. Future progress may depend on technologies like Nvidia's RTX Spark.