Microsoft demonstrates native 32-bit applications running on Windows 10 ARM

Microsoft really wants us to know that the upcoming ARM-based Windows 10 OS will not have any issues running existing 32-bit x86 applications. During the Microsoft Build conference, the Redmond company demonstrated an early build of Windows 10 ARM with all the basic features we've come to expect from the OS including the task manager and full support for USB.

The video below shows a Windows 10 ARM system installing the popular unpacking program 7Zip without any changes or adjustments to the source code from its developers. Microsoft is even promising that the OS will run these programs and those from the Windows App Store at "almost" native speeds to the point where users will not notice any performance gaps in practice. 

The ability to run and install standard x86 Windows applications under an ARM environment is likely a top priority for Microsoft. The Surface RT, for example, died a quick death due largely to its lack of software support. A new emulation solution will ensure that all or most existing Windows applications can run on future ARM-based Windows 10 portables even if there is a performance deficit.

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