Windows 11 Build 27744 Enhances ARM Support and Boosts Task Manager Dark Mode
The latest Windows 11 Build 27744 is now available to testers in the Canary Channel, bringing an array of exciting features, especially for ARM PC users. This week’s preview update enhances ARM support, enabling the execution of a greater number of x86 (64-bit) applications and games on Copilot+ systems. Additionally, it provides improvements to the dark mode in Task Manager.
Windows 11 for ARM (Snapdragon) was originally not optimized for running traditional x86 or x64 applications commonly used on Intel and AMD devices. Developers have to recompile their applications specifically for ARM architecture. To address compatibility issues, Windows 11 includes an emulator called “Prism”that facilitates the running of x86 applications on ARM devices.
Prism, introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 update, significantly accelerates application performance when compared to earlier Windows versions. With the release of Build 27744, Prism has been enhanced to utilize more CPU features specific to Snapdragon processors, enabling a broader selection of apps that were previously unavailable to run in emulation.
The retail edition of Windows 11 24H2 already incorporates aspects of this new functionality, allowing users to run applications like Adobe Premiere Pro 25 on ARM. However, not all x64 applications and games are compatible with Windows 11 ARM, even when using the emulator.
Microsoft is taking steps to allow an increasing number of applications to operate on ARM using emulation by unlocking various CPU features for all users.
The image above displays the command-line output from a utility called Coreinfo64.exe, revealing the CPU features that the emulated environment supports. CPU instructions like AVX, AVX2, FMA, and XSAVE are now compatible with emulation.
In simpler terms, x64 applications can leverage these advanced CPU features. However, it is important to note that only 64-bit applications can take advantage of these enhancements; 32-bit applications or those with hybrid components might not be able to detect the latest features.
This is a significant development that enhances the usability and performance of Windows 11 on ARM, aligning it closer to the standards set by Intel and AMD PCs.
Dark Mode Enhancement for Task Manager
Though it may seem minor, the update in Windows 11 Build 27744 introduces a new dialog box designed for dark mode when accessing the user tab in Task Manager, allowing users to right-click on any listed user and select Disconnect or Logoff.
Upon choosing either Disconnect or Logoff, a dialog box will appear that now reflects an updated design compatible with dark mode.
Furthermore, the Disk type is now clearly displayed in the Task Manager following the recent update.
Start Menu Update: All Apps Renamed to “All”
Some users may not even notice this update, but the “All apps”option in the Start menu has now been simplified to just “All.”
New Gamepad Keyboard Layout
The screenshot above illustrates a new “Gamepad”layout found within the keyboard settings in Windows 11 Build 27744.
During our testing, we found that the Gamepad layout enhances keyboard usability when navigating Windows using an Xbox Game Controller.
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