Windows 11 for ARM Devices: Compatibility Guide (2025)
Thinking of running Windows 11 on an ARM device? This guide gives you a complete breakdown of compatibility, supported hardware, performance expectations, and key limitations whether you’re using a Snapdragon laptop, Surface Pro X, or Mac with Apple Silicon via virtualization.
What Are ARM Devices?
ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) chips use a different architecture from traditional x86 processors by Intel and AMD. ARM CPUs are designed to be:
- More power-efficient
- Fanless and portable
- Ideal for mobile devices and ultraportable laptops
Common ARM Windows devices:
- Microsoft Surface Pro X
- Lenovo ThinkPad X13s
- HP Elite Folio
- Samsung Galaxy Book Go
Can You Run Windows 11 on ARM?
Yes, but with conditions. Microsoft offers Windows 11 for ARM64, designed to run natively on ARM-based hardware.
Official Requirements for Windows 11 on ARM:
- ARM64-based processor (Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2, SQ1/SQ2, etc.)
- 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
- TPM 2.0 + Secure Boot support
- UEFI Firmware
⚠️ Limitations:
- Not all apps are ARM-native
- 64-bit x86 app emulation requires recent builds
- Some drivers may not be available (especially for legacy peripherals)
Compatibility List: Windows 11 ARM-Supported Devices
| Device | ARM Chip | Windows 11 Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro X (SQ1/SQ2) | Microsoft SQ1/SQ2 | Full Support | Best native support experience |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X13s | Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 | Full Support | Excellent battery life |
| Mac (M1/M2/M3) via Parallels | Apple Silicon | Virtualized Only | Works well with Parallels 18+ |
| HP Elite Folio | Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 | Partial Support | Needs updated drivers |
| Samsung Galaxy Book Go | Snapdragon 7c | Basic Support | Lower performance tier |
Performance & App Compatibility
Native ARM Apps (Best Performance):
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Office (ARM version)
- Zoom, Spotify, VLC, Adobe Reader
Emulated x86/x64 Apps:
- Most 32-bit x86 apps run well
- 64-bit x64 emulation is improving (requires latest updates)
❌ Not Compatible:
- Legacy x86 drivers
- Apps with kernel-level access (VPNs, antivirus tools)
Virtualization on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
If you’re using a MacBook or Mac mini with Apple Silicon, Windows 11 for ARM works via Parallels Desktop.
Recommended Setup:
- Parallels Desktop 18 or later
- Windows 11 ARM ISO from Microsoft
- 8 GB RAM (16 GB preferred)
Performance is solid for Office, dev tools, and light gaming, but some Windows apps may fail under emulation.
Developer Mode & WSL Support
Windows 11 ARM supports WSL 2, allowing developers to run Linux distros like Ubuntu. You can also:
- Install Android apps via the Amazon Appstore (limited region availability)
- Use Visual Studio 2022 for ARM64
FAQs
Is Windows 11 ARM better than x86?
For battery life and mobility, yes. For raw power and compatibility, x86 still leads.
Can I install Windows 11 ARM on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, but expect limited performance. Use community-supported builds only.
Is Windows 11 ARM good for gaming?
Light games work fine, but serious gamers should stick to x86 PCs.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 for ARM has come a long way. It’s now a viable option for developers, students, and mobile professionals who prioritize battery life, portability, and efficiency. While app compatibility isn’t perfect, it’s improving rapidly.
Also Realated
Pro Tip: Always check for driver availability and latest Windows updates for optimal performance.
Author: Gbenga, Editor @ TechevangelistSEO
Published: April 2025
Reviewed by: ARM Systems Engineer