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How to Check App and Device Compatibility on a Windows on Arm Laptop

A practical checklist for verifying apps, peripherals and printers on a Windows on Arm laptop—without assuming that broad compatibility means every feature will work.
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Check every essential app and device against your exact Windows on Arm laptop, Windows version, and required features. Most Windows apps and printers can work, but that is not a guarantee for a particular app, driver, utility, or workflow. Prefer apps built for Arm64, and confirm that each peripheral has a compatible built-in Windows driver or an Arm64 driver from its maker.

1. Confirm your laptop’s processor and Windows version

Open Settings > System > About and check the device specifications and System type. Microsoft’s printer guidance identifies this as a way to see whether a Windows device has an ARM-based processor. Record your Windows version as well: Microsoft specifically identifies Prism emulation in Windows 11 version 24H2, so compatibility guidance can depend on which release you have. Microsoft’s Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ and printer setup guidance explain the platform-specific context.

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2. Inventory the apps and features you actually depend on

List critical software, not just the programs you open most often. Include work or school apps, VPN and security tools, assistive technology, input method editors, cloud-storage clients, accessory-control utilities, and anything that installs a driver or system service. Note the exact version and the functions you need, including plugins or integrations. This helps expose dependencies that a basic “does it launch?” check can miss.

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Give extra attention to apps that customize Windows or work close to the operating system. Microsoft warns that some such apps can have problems on Arm-based devices, and some third-party antivirus products may not install unless they have been made or updated for Arm. Check the publisher’s support information for the app version and your Windows release. Microsoft’s software and peripheral guidance describes these potential trouble spots.

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3. Verify each app with its publisher

Look on the developer’s current support or download page for a Windows on Arm or Arm64 version, and confirm which Windows versions it supports. An app rebuilt for Arm64 is generally the preferred performance option: Microsoft says apps rebuilt for Windows Arm-based PCs have the best performance. If only an x86 or x64 version is offered, ask the publisher whether the required version and features are supported under emulation.

Microsoft says most Windows apps run on Windows 11 Arm PCs and identifies Prism as the emulation technology included in Windows 11 version 24H2. That broad support does not establish that every app, plugin, driver, protected workflow, or system integration will work. Test the actual tasks you rely on rather than treating successful installation or launch as proof of full compatibility. See the Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ.

4. Check each device by exact model

For each peripheral, search the manufacturer’s support page using its exact model number. Look for a Windows 11 Arm or Arm64 driver and verify support for the functions you need. Microsoft’s guidance is that peripherals work when the drivers they rely on are built into Windows 11 or the hardware maker has released Arm64 drivers. A device may connect or perform a basic function while a companion utility, firmware updater, advanced control, or other feature remains unavailable. Microsoft’s Surface Arm peripheral guidance explains the driver requirement; because it is Surface-specific, check the laptop maker’s instructions for non-Surface PCs.

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5. Give printers an additional compatibility check

Microsoft says Windows 11 Arm PCs support most printers, including printers that support Mopria. Check the printer maker’s guidance for the exact model, and distinguish basic printing from scanning, status monitoring, and features that require vendor software. Mopria support can help with printing, but it does not by itself establish that every manufacturer utility or scanning function is supported.

If the manufacturer’s installer fails, try adding the printer through Windows’ built-in printer setup flow. Microsoft notes that some vendor installers may not support ARM. Its ARM printer installation guidance covers the Windows setup route, while its modern print platform overview discusses Mopria and architecture-independent modern printing.

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6. Use compatibility lists as a starting point, then test

Microsoft points users to Works on WoA, an evolving, third-party open-source list of apps and games that includes compatibility data contributed by Microsoft. Use it to discover candidates, not as a guarantee: verify important software with its publisher, since support can change and the developer determines whether its product is supported.

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Before relying on a laptop for work, test the real workflow: sign in, connect to required services, use the relevant peripherals, and exercise essential features and plugins. If a publisher or manufacturer cannot confirm support, treat that as unresolved rather than assuming that general Windows app or device support covers your setup.

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7. Keep Windows current and recheck after changes

Microsoft recommends Windows Update in its Surface Arm guidance. Install available updates, then retest important apps and devices after a Windows, app, or driver update. Compatibility may change as software publishers and hardware makers update their products; consult current instructions for your specific laptop and product before depending on them.

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