Unlock More Games on ARM-Based Windows PCs with Microsoft’s New Emulator

Key Points to Consider:

• Microsoft is currently trialing an updated version of Windows 11 that enhances x64 application compatibility on ARM processors using advanced Prism emulation.
• This update introduces support for AVX and AVX2 instructions, which may allow a wider range of games and creative software to function on ARM devices.
• There are now over 1,200 PC games that provide a satisfactory experience on Windows running on ARM, achieving 30 fps or more at a resolution of 1080p.

The latest release from Microsoft’s Windows Insider Preview Build, 27744, brings notable enhancements to its Prism emulator, signaling a major advancement for gaming on Windows ARM platforms. The updated emulator incorporates key AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, which are vital for a number of contemporary games and professional applications.

As per Microsoft’s internal evaluations, the upgraded Prism emulation has demonstrated remarkably positive outcomes. Titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 are reportedly running at 25 to 35 FPS, while Borderlands 3 has surpassed 35 FPS with the Auto Super Resolution feature activated. This performance improvement is part of the Windows 11 24H2 iteration, also referred to as the Windows 11 2024 Update.

The enhancements in gaming functionality have been bolstered by the addition of pivotal gaming features. Microsoft has effectively integrated anti-cheat support with major systems such as BattlEye, Denuvo Anti-Cheat, and Wellbia XIGNCODE3. Moreover, in collaboration with Linaro, Microsoft has confirmed compatibility with more than 1,400 PC games on ARM architecture.

Qualcomm, an important collaborator in this initiative, has voiced strong confidence in the gaming capabilities of the ARM platform. During the 2024 Game Developers Conference, they revealed that the majority of Windows games should “just work” on their forthcoming Snapdragon X Elite laptops via emulation, eliminating the need for developers to modify their existing code.

For insights on gaming compatibility with Windows on ARM, visit Linaro’s dedicated page at WorksOnWoA.com, which provides valuable information and updates regarding the performance of various games and applications on ARM-based Windows systems.

This update has the potential to drastically transform the gaming landscape for Windows on ARM devices.

Source & Images