What is Windows on ARM and what is it used for?

We're going to explain what Windows on ARM is and what this version of Microsoft's operating system is for. In recent years, ARM technology has gradually gained ground, moving from mobile devices to laptops and desktops. Faced with this reality, Microsoft and its partners have developed a ARM-compatible software that stands out for its enormous potential. Let's see what this is about.

What is Windows on ARM and what is it used for?

What is Windows on ARM (WoA)? Basically, it's a version of Microsoft's operating system designed to run on processors with ARM architectureThis adaptation allows devices with ARM CPUs, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon, to run Windows much more efficiently.

Microsoft's commitment to Windows on ARM is not new.Back in 2012, they launched the Surface RT hybrid tablet running Windows RT, a special version of Windows 8 optimized for ARM processors. Over time, Microsoft improved the compatibility of this version and in 2017 announced Windows 10 on ARM, followed by a port of Windows 11 for this architecture.

The excellent reception that equipment with ARM processors has had, such as the Surface Pro 11 and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, has given a boost to the use of Windows on ARM. It's almost certain that, in the coming years, more manufacturers adopt this technologyTo better understand how it works and its advantages, it's important to first understand what ARM architecture is and what its appeal is.

What is ARM architecture?

Why is Microsoft so interested in adapting Windows to ARM processors? Because these are trendy, and more and more manufacturers are including them in their equipment in order to take advantage of all their benefits (which we will discuss later).

Processors with ARM architecture (Advanced RISC Machine) are manufactured based on a reduced instruction set or RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing). Because of this, They are less simple and powerful, but they consume very little energy and heat very little.. For this reason, they are often used on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

In contrast, computers (laptops and desktops) have been using it for decades. more powerful processors, based on the x86 and x64 architectureThey're capable of running more complex and demanding tasks, but they run hotter and consume much more power. Conventional operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, are designed to run on these types of CPUs. But what if this were to change?

How Windows Works on ARM

The ARM architecture It is based on efficiency and simplicity. Therefore, the traditional version of Windows (x86) has been adapted to run on ARM processors. How does Windows work on ARM? To achieve this, Microsoft uses two key mechanisms:

1. Since most Windows applications are designed for x86/64 processors, Microsoft implemented a emulador which allows them to run on ARM processors.
2. Some programs, such as Microsoft Edge and Office, are already natively optimized for ARM, allowing them to operate at maximum efficiency.

However, both mechanisms have their weaknesses. On the one hand, emulation ends affecting performance in some intensive applications. On the other hand, many programs for running complex tasks present serious obstacles when it comes to optimizing them for ARM. Obviously, there's a lot of room for improvement, but the potential is undoubtedly enormous.

Main advantages of Windows on ARM

By now, you're probably clear on some of the advantages of Windows on ARM. Imagine having a Ultra-light equipment, with great autonomy, that heats up little and with which you can perform complex and demanding tasksWell, it remains to be seen, but that's where things are headed with Windows running on ARM processors.

Computers currently running Windows 11 on ARM CPUs include some ultralight laptops, hybrid tablets, and some Copilot+ PCs. Among the and advantages that these devices offer include:

• a higher battery timeLaptops like the Surface Pro X or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s offer up to 20 hours of battery life.
• Integrated mobile connectivity: They can be connected to mobile networks (such as LTE or 5G) similarly to smartphones, so they don't rely solely on Wi-Fi.
• Instant start and always connected: Like mobile phones, these devices power up quickly and maintain a connection in low-power mode, ideal for working on the go.
• Slim and lightweight design: Because they don't need large heat sinks, Windows on ARM laptops are light and quiet.

Some limitations

Despite the clear advantages that Windows on ARM offers, it still has some important limitations to consider. For example, Not all applications work well using an emulator, especially professional software like Photoshop, AutoCAD or some games.

Furthermore, the performance of emulated applications still leaves much room for improvement in speed and efficiencyThe same can be said for some drivers for peripherals, such as printers or external graphics cards. In some cases, they're not available, and in others, they haven't even been developed yet.

All of this limits the use of these devices to basic functions, such as text editing, browsing, multimedia playback, among others, at least for now. And, of course, we must remember that Windows devices on ARM are more expensive compared to traditional equipment.

The future of Windows on ARM

It's clear that Windows on ARM is an interesting alternative for those looking for more portable computers with greater battery life and better connectivity. With the arrival of more powerful ARM-based processors and the growing adoption of this architecture, your future looks promisingIt's almost certain that, in the coming years, Windows on ARM will become a more viable option for the personal computer market.

For now, if you're looking for a powerful and fully compatible computer, there's no other way than traditional computers. And if you want a taste of what it will be like, the future of home computing, then get a device that has Windows on ARM.