Microsoft has confirmed that Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X (ARM) chips still face certain limitations, but these are becoming less significant.
With the release of Windows 11 24H2, performance on Windows on ARM is now comparable to other chipsets, though some constraints remain, including limited gaming capabilities. Testing by Windows Latest reveals that Copilot+ PCs deliver as promised with enhanced speed and extended battery life. While these Snapdragon PCs aren’t geared for gaming, they manage to achieve up to 30 frames per second in most tested games.
According to a support document highlighted by Windows Latest, Microsoft acknowledges five known limitations with Windows 11 on ARM (Copilot+ PCs). Compared to Windows 10 on ARM, which had over seven limitations, the situation has notably improved in 2024.
Despite these advancements, certain features like Windows Fan and Scan are still unsupported on Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs due to technical constraints related to outdated drivers and legacy software not optimized for ARM architecture.
Additionally, compatibility issues may arise with drivers for specific applications and games that aren’t developed for Windows on ARM. Microsoft warns that if a driver fails to function properly, any associated app or hardware relying on it may also experience limitations.
Moreover, gaming on these devices may be hindered by anti-cheat drivers that lack support for ARM architecture. Microsoft advises users to consult the game’s publisher for alternatives if their favorite game isn’t compatible.
For those interested in gaming on Windows on ARM,worksonwoaoffers a crowdsourced list of ARM-compatible games. However, apps that require extensive customization of Windows, including Input Method Editors, cloud storage apps, and certain assistive technologies, may not function optimally unless specifically optimized for ARM by their manufacturers.
Lastly, users may face restrictions with certain antivirus apps, as emulation isn’t feasible for these types of software on ARM devices. While Windows Defender provides adequate security, users requiring specific antivirus solutions may need native ARM-compatible versions.
These limitations underscore the ongoing evolution of Windows on ARM, highlighting both progress and remaining challenges in optimizing software and hardware integration for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.
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