What is Windows 11 on ARM and How Does it Compare to Regular Windows?

Last updated on April 17th, 2024 at 11:54 pm

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Windows 11, based on ARM, has the capabilities to optimize performance and enhance battery life.
So, you might wonder what ARM is and how it differs from a regular Windows PC.
If so, then this article is for you. Here, you will get an explanation of everything that revolves around your mind regarding the ARM.

With Windows 11 ARM, you feel like you’re wearing a custom-made suit rather than one purchased off the rack. It also enhances your device’s battery life and performance.

However, you can consider the ARM on your device if you want efficiency and longevity. Moreover, Microsoft acknowledges the growing presence and potential of ARM-based systems while remaining committed to catering to a variety of hardware platforms.

So, if you want to know more about ARM, make sure to read the guide until the end.

Contents

What is Windows on Arm?

It is basically a version of Microsoft’s Windows OS. But specifically designed and worked for computers powered by ARM processors. This platform has been available since 2017.

However, although it is designed to run on ARM-based laptops and tablets, it has recently been updated to support Windows 10 and 11 by Microsoft.

Windows ARM laptops offer excellent battery life and are always connected to the internet via 4G or 5G. Moreover, the boot time is very low. In addition, they offer security features like Windows Hello that you may not get on a regular Windows laptop based on an Intel or AMD chipset.

Key Features of Windows 11 on ARM

Compatibility with ARM-based Processors: The ARM-based processors are compatible with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips because they are well-optimized for ARM devices. This also does better when it comes to performance and power efficiency as compared to traditional laptops.
Emulation for x86 Apps: Although it is quite challenging to make a transition from x86 to ARM, Windows 11 devices running on ARM can easily run the traditional x86 apps using ARM technology.
Enhanced Battery Life: As we have already mentioned, Windows 11 on ARM is known for its energy efficiency, which gives your device a longer battery life than traditional devices.
Always Connected: ARM on Windows 11 helps you to constantly connect to the internet which gives you a seamless browsing experience.
Instant On: With ARM technology, the boot time really gets low.

Windows 11 on Arm vs. Standard Windows x86

Now, let’s compare Windows 11 on ARM with the regular x86 version of Windows across various aspects:

Windows on ARM: It is optimized for ARM-based processors. Also, Windows on ARM devices are much more energy efficient than the other traditional devices.
Standard Windows x86: Generally, Intel and AMD processors are designed and optimized for x86 and x86-64 processors with normal Windows versions. Also, in today’s world, it is the most prominent choice for personal computers.

#1. Performance and Compatibility

Windows 11 on ARM and Windows x86 are both compared based on performance and software compatibility.

Performance: Talking about the performance, then ARM on Windows 11 is highly power efficient, helps to operate, and is ideal for mobile and laptops that are powered by batteries. But, when it comes to gaming or heavy tasking, then x86 processors are excellent as they require a lot of processing power.
Software Compatibility: I recommend you check the compatibility of existing software that you can use on your old device. However, Windows 11 on ARM is totally based on emulation and can easily run the x86 apps using emulation technology. But, at the same time, performance overhead and compatibility problems occur, especially when you are working with resource-intensive apps. While the x86-based PCs are compatible with a vast ecosystem.

#2. Battery Life and Efficiency

We have already discussed that ARM architecture has optimized features best energy efficiency. So, Windows on ARM had the advantage of that, which makes it better than the x86 devices.

Battery Life: Devices based on ARM that run Windows 11 on ARM usually have a much longer battery life than the x86 devices.
Efficiency: When it comes to efficiency, ARM-based devices are compact, thin, and lightweight devices such as mobile, laptops, tablets, etc. By leveraging this efficiency, Windows on ARM gives you a seamless and balanced performance.

#3. Connectivity and Portability

These two sections decide and make a big difference between the Windows on ARM device and the standard Windows x86 device.

Connectivity: ARM-based devices come with built-in cellular connectivity to enable users to access the internet without active WiFi, which you may not get on x86 devices.
Portability: If you want a portable device to prioritize mobility and convenience, then you must choose ARM-based laptops. The reason is imperative that these devices are lighter and more portable than traditional x86 PCs.

#4. Pricing And Availability

Choosing a device totally depends upon their pricing and availability between Windows 11 on ARM and standard Windows x86 devices.

Price: ARM-based laptops are generally less expensive than traditional x86-based devices. However, they are not perfect for graphics designers or gamers as they require high-performance levels as ARM on Windows is designed to make affordability.
Availability: When it comes to Windows 11 devices based on ARM, then unfortunately, there are only fewer options. The reason is ample as x86 devices are dominating the whole computer industry, and that’s the reason few manufacturers make ARM-based laptops.

How does Windows on Arm handle the emulation of older apps?

As we have already mentioned, Microsoft’s Windows 11 on ARM platform uses emulation technology to make x86 applications compatible. But how?

Well, this emulation technology converts x86 code into instructions that are understood by and executed by ARM-based devices.

So, if there is any software you are using on your x86-based device and want to run on an ARM device, then this emulation helps to run that easily.

But, there’s a demerit that when you run the program through emulation, this may cause slight stuttering, delays, or any random errors.

However, even though Windows 11 on ARM devices are not free from flaws, but it still doesn’t impact too much and runs the apps near to seamlessly for the most part.

How to Download Windows 11 ARM64 ISO

Here is the link to download the Windows 11 ARM ISO:

Visit the UUP Dump page.
Afterwards, search for Windows 11 in the search bar and hit Enter.
Once the search page appears, click the Windows 11 ARM64 build you’d like to download. For the most recent builds, press Ctrl + F in Finder and type Upgrade to Windows 11. If it’s x64, make sure it’s arm64.
Click the Language drop-down and select your preferred Language. Leave it as default if you want English.
Then click Next.
To download the software, you must select the edition. Click on Windows Home and then click Next.
Under the Download method, choose Download and convert to ISO.
Afterwards, select Include Updates under the Conversion options and leave the rest of the options unchanged.
Among other things, you can view the information about the ISO package on the right side.
Click on the Create download package to download the ISO file. Your hard drive will be filled with a zip file containing the ISO download package when you run UUP Dump.
It is necessary to extract the zip file in order to find the files inside.
The next step is to double-click the file uup_download_windows.cmd. If the Windows Defender SmartScreen appears, click More Info, then click Run anyway.
With UUP Dump, the script is run in Windows Terminal, and the necessary files are downloaded. Once the ISO building process has been downloaded, it will be visible in the Terminal window.
To exit, press 0 when prompted.

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So, that’s all we have for you about Windows 11 on ARM. It’s my hope that this guide has helped you. In case you need more info regarding the ARM, comment below and let us know.

What is Windows 11 on ARM and How Does it Compare to Regular Windows?