Windows on Arm Continues to Thrive in Another Successful Year

Innovations in Arm-Based Windows Laptops: A Look Back at 2024 and Beyond

Back in 2024, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips revolutionized the world of Arm-based Windows laptops. These new chips finally made it possible for Arm laptops to run Windows smoothly, offering impressive performance and unparalleled battery life. Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop and Surface Pro were among the first devices to showcase the capabilities of these chips. However, despite these advancements, inconsistent app compatibility remained a significant challenge for running Windows on Arm devices. This limitation forced users to make compromises, such as using a watered-down version of Adobe Lightroom instead of the full Classic version.

Fast forward to 2025, and we witnessed a gradual improvement in software support for Windows on Arm devices. Creative apps that were previously missing from the ecosystem now have native versions or can run using emulation tools like Prism. Adobe Premiere Pro, a popular video editing software, now runs natively on Arm devices. Even Lightroom Classic, which previously required emulation, now works seamlessly on lower-end Snapdragon X Plus chips for light editing tasks. Gaming performance also saw improvements, thanks to emulator enhancements supporting x86 Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) and AVX2 instructions.

With these advancements, recommending a Windows on Arm laptop to friends and family is now a viable option for many. Unless specific software requirements like Ableton Live compatibility are essential, or if gaming performance is a top priority, Windows on Arm devices offer a compelling alternative to traditional x86 laptops. The affordability and performance of devices like the 13-inch Surface Laptop make them an attractive choice, especially during promotional sales events like Black Friday.

While the Snapdragon X chips offered exceptional battery life and efficiency, the competition from Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point chips showcased the continued strength of the x86 architecture. Looking ahead to 2026, the battle between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2, Intel’s Panther Lake, and AMD’s rumored “Gorgon Point” chips promises even fiercer competition. The potential entry of Nvidia into the Arm-based chip market adds another layer of excitement, especially for gamers.

2026 is expected to bring fresh challenges and innovations, not just in hardware but also in software. Linux, which also had a strong year, poses a significant challenge to Windows. As Microsoft evolves Windows into a more AI-centric operating system, users may start exploring alternative platforms. The future of Windows on Arm devices looks promising, with the gap between x86 and Arm laptops narrowing each year.

As the tech industry gears up for the next wave of advancements, including new chip releases and increased competition, the choice between Windows on Arm and traditional x86 laptops will continue to evolve. The year 2026 could mark a turning point in the laptop market, with users reevaluating their preferences and priorities.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more content like this in your personalized feed and receive email updates.

• Antonio G. Di Benedetto
• AMD
• Chips
• Gadgets
• Intel
• Laptops
• Microsoft
• Nvidia
• Tech
• Windows