Windows 10 on Arm will not get x64 app emulation

Microsoft began testing x64 emulation for Windows 10 on Arm almost a 12 months in the past, however the firm is now limiting the function to Windows 11. The deliberate function permits x64 apps that haven’t been compiled for Arm-powered machines to run, permitting units just like the Surface Pro X to entry much more apps.

“x64 emulation for Windows is now generally available in Windows 11,” reads an update to a Microsoft blog post immediately. “For those interested in experiencing this, a PC running Windows 11 on Arm is required.”

That means for those who have been testing the function on Windows 10, it’s not going to ship in any future working system updates. You’ll must improve a tool like a Surface Pro X to Windows 11, as a substitute.

Microsoft says it’s nonetheless dedicated to “supporting customers on Windows 10 on Arm through October 14, 2025,” however the lack of x64 app emulation will definitely pressure many on Qualcomm-powered {hardware} over to Windows 11.

Microsoft hasn’t detailed why it’s determined to drop x64 emulation on Windows 10 on Arm, however the firm can be asserting it’s accelerating the rollout of Windows 11 sooner than the corporate beforehand anticipated. That means much more units can be eligible for the free improve, and hopefully extra Arm-powered ones.