Is the Arm Version of Windows Ready for Its Close-Up?

The Arm version of Windows has had a tumultuous history, but recent developments suggest that it might finally be ready for its moment in the spotlight. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the evolution of Windows on Arm and what the future holds.

A Brief History of Arm Windows

The first public version of Windows to run on Arm processors was Windows RT, an Arm-compatible offshoot of Windows 8 that launched on a handful of devices back in late 2012. However, Windows RT came with significant limitations, most notably its inability to run traditional x86 Windows desktop apps. All applications had to come from the Microsoft Store, which was considerably more barren than it is today.

At the time, Arm processors were predominantly 32-bit, with slow processors, GPUs, limited storage, and just 2GB of memory. Even if x86 app translation were possible, the translated apps would have felt subpar due to the hardware limitations. Windows RT eventually faded away, but its technical underpinnings remained relevant.

The Next Steps: Windows 11 on Arm

Fast forward to 2020, when Microsoft announced a preview of 64-bit Intel app translation for Arm PCs. However, the final version ended up being exclusive to Windows 11 when it launched in late 2021. This left behind the first wave of Windows 10 Arm PCs with Snapdragon 835 processors, frustrating early adopters.

But now, signs point to a potential breakthrough. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors are expected to show up in real-world, human-purchasable computers in the next couple of months. These chips promise better battery life and performance than equivalent Intel chips, a departure from previous Snapdragon chips for PCs. Early benchmarks for the Snapdragon X look promising, and the design team behind it includes some of the same people who made Apple Silicon successful.

Microsoft’s Surface Tablet and the Shift to Arm

Rumors indicate that Microsoft’s flagship Surface tablet this year will exclusively use Qualcomm’s Arm chips, abandoning the Intel versions. This shift could be a game-changer for Windows on Arm, as Microsoft has tried to make it happen several times before. But this time feels different, with the right hardware and software alignment.

In summary, Windows on Arm has come a long way since the days of Windows RT. With the Snapdragon X Elite processors on the horizon and renewed interest from Microsoft, it might finally be ready for its close-up. Stay tuned for further developments!

For more details, you can read the full article on Ars Technica: Is the Arm version of Windows ready for its close-up?.

Remember, technology is always evolving, and what seems promising today may become even more exciting tomorrow! 🚀🔍