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Microsoft makes more progress with 64-bit Windows on ARM

Snapdragon 8cx PCs may get improved code soon. (Source: Qualcomm)
Snapdragon 8cx PCs may get improved code soon. (Source: Qualcomm)
Windows 10 on ARM is slowly winning more uptake from OEMs and users alike as time goes on. However, it still has its limitations, not the least of which is the restriction to 32-bit code. However, a new reported breakthrough may bring an upgrade to x64 closer than ever.
ARM Laptop Leaks / Rumors Software Ultrabook Windows

Windows 10 on ARM started off as an interesting, light and potentially battery-friendly vehicle for Microsoft's software. However, it exhibited numerous compromises from launch, the least of which was the inability to run 64-bit apps of any kinds. This rendered them considerably less functional for various use-cases.

This deficiency has been addressed to some extent since: for example, it is now more possible to run all Microsoft apps regardless of size on ARM64 machines. However, it remains that the same computers would be much more useful of they could run something beyond 32-bit code.

According to a new leak posted by MSPowerUser, the Redmond giant has a new architecture intended to deliver just that. Known as ARM64EC, it apparently allows for x64 code emulation on this platform. It involves a new commit ("x86_64 on Arm64 machine type") may also obviate current strategies such as using the WoW emulator for Win32 code on ARM64.

Source(s)

MSPowerUser

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> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2020 05 > Microsoft makes more progress with 64-bit Windows on ARM
Deirdre O Donnell, 2020-05-18 (Update: 2020-05-18)