Windows 11 Update Expands ARM PC App Compatibility

New Windows 11 preview builds claim to be much more compatible with PCs that run on the Arm architecture. Enhancements to the Prism emulator, such as support for more CPU extensions (AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C), are part of Build 27744.

This innovation paves the way for Arm devices, such as those driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus System on a chip, to run x86 apps and games, including resource-intensive ones like Starfield and Helldivers 2, as well as Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 and other professional video editing programs.

Boosts ARM Compatibility and Adds Gamepad Keyboard

A new on-screen gamepad keyboard is also part of the update, making it easier to type and navigate on touchscreen devices and gaming handhelds. This improved compatibility solves a major problem for Windows on Arm, which is growing its ecosystem of apps and games.

The changelog also includes improvements to the Task Manager, fixes for a number of small bugs, the option to detach hard discs from the Settings app, and more.

Due to an ongoing compatibility issue, Windows on ARM devices has had a hard time gaining popularity. Since their first release, these devices have been held back by the fact that they can’t run the huge library of x86 applications made for traditional Windows PCs. These apps promise better battery life and always-on connectivity.

Recent developments, however, give promise for a more compatible future and could open the door to Windows on ARM’s complete development. Although there are still a few challenges, these improvements are a major start in the right direction, toward more software support and more Windows devices based on Arm. The prospects for Windows on ARM are brightening as Microsoft works to improve its emulation technology.