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Most apps can run on a Windows 11 laptop with an Arm processor, but not every app or feature will work. Native Arm64 apps are the most direct fit; many x86 and x64 apps can run through emulation. The main exception is software that depends on a driver: emulation does not make an unsupported printer, kernel-mode, or other architecture-specific driver compatible.
Why an app may work—or fail—on a Windows Arm laptop
Windows on Arm uses a different processor architecture from traditional x86 and x64 Windows PCs. On Windows 11, native Arm64 apps run directly, while many x86 and x64 apps can run under emulation. Microsoft says Windows 11 version 24H2 includes Prism and describes its availability on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X series processors, with availability on other Windows 11 devices forthcoming. Check Microsoft’s current Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ and your laptop’s Windows version because availability can change.
Windows 10 Arm has a different compatibility limit: Microsoft says x64 apps do not run on it. Do not assume advice for Windows 11 applies to a Windows 10 Arm device.
Most importantly, app emulation is not driver emulation. Microsoft says kernel-mode, UMDF, and print drivers must be built for the operating system’s architecture. As Microsoft puts it, “If a driver doesn’t work, the app or hardware that relies on it doesn’t work either (at least not fully).” An app might open while a connected device or a particular feature remains unavailable. See Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance for x86 apps on Arm.
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Check these details before troubleshooting
- Windows version: Record whether the laptop runs Windows 10 Arm or Windows 11, along with its version.
- App version and build: Note the exact version and whether the publisher offers Arm64, x86, or x64 downloads.
- What fails: Distinguish an app that will not install or launch from one that opens but cannot use a device or feature.
- Vendor support: Check whether the app or hardware publisher explicitly supports that app, device, and Windows configuration.
Fix ordinary app installation or launch problems
- Check the publisher’s compatibility notes. Look for a native Arm64 build first. If none is offered, see whether the publisher confirms that a particular x86 or x64 version works on Windows 11 Arm. Apps do not have to come from Microsoft Store, but they still need to be compatible.
- Update the app. Install available updates, or download the current supported build from the publisher.
- Try the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter for an older app. Microsoft recommends this for older-app compatibility issues. It may help with application compatibility, but it cannot supply or make compatible a missing Arm64 driver. See Microsoft’s Program Compatibility Troubleshooter instructions; they cover Windows 10 and 11 and are not a guarantee that an app will work on Arm.
When an app opens but a feature or device does not
Check whether the failing feature relies on a driver or another system-level component. Ask the software or hardware maker for an Arm64 driver or confirmation that the specific feature is supported on your Windows version. A driver built for x86 or x64 cannot be made compatible just by running its app under emulation.
Be particularly careful with third-party antivirus, printing and PDF tools, assistive technology, virtualization software, and utilities that customize Windows. Microsoft identifies these as categories where driver dependencies or other system-level requirements can prevent full operation. Check the publisher’s support information rather than treating an app launch as proof that every function works.
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Printer will not install or has limited functions
If the manufacturer’s setup program fails, try adding the printer through Windows instead. Microsoft recommends following its Add or install a printer in Windows instructions for Arm PCs that have trouble with manufacturer-provided installers.
Microsoft says most printers, including Mopria-compatible models, are supported, but model-specific functions still depend on an in-box driver or an Arm64 driver from the printer maker. If basic printing works but scanning or another function does not, ask the manufacturer whether the required driver and feature support are available for your exact model and Windows version.
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Games fail to launch or report an anti-cheat error
Check the game publisher’s current support information, especially if the game uses anti-cheat software. Microsoft warns that some games may not work when they rely on anti-cheat drivers that were not designed for Windows 11 Arm. An emulator or compatibility setting cannot be assumed to fix an unsupported driver.
Microsoft also points to Works on Windows on Arm, a third-party, open-source compatibility list that receives Microsoft contributions. It is not a Microsoft-owned compatibility guarantee; confirm support with the game publisher.
Quick Recap
Choose a realistic workaround
- Use the native Arm64 build when the publisher provides one and it supports the features you need.
- Use a supported emulated build for an x86 or x64 app on Windows 11 Arm when the publisher confirms compatibility and the app does not require an unsupported driver.
- Use a supported alternative if the required app, device feature, or game component has no compatible build.
- Use a compatible x64 computer for that workload when its required app or driver is not supported on your Arm laptop.
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