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How to Check Whether Your Windows Apps and Accessories Work on Arm PCs

Check an Arm PC’s Windows version, then confirm apps and accessories with their publishers or manufacturers. Learn when emulation helps—and why drivers still matter.
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To check whether your Windows apps and accessories will work on an Arm PC, first confirm the PC’s Windows version and processor type, then verify each app or device with its publisher or manufacturer. Native Arm64 apps and accessories with built-in Windows drivers or Arm64 drivers have the clearest support path. Some apps made for other processor types can run through emulation, but emulation does not make an incompatible driver work.

First, confirm that the PC runs Windows on Arm

On the PC, open Settings > System > About and look under Device specifications > System type. An Arm PC lists an Arm-based processor. Record the Windows version and the exact PC model as well: compatibility guidance can vary by Windows release and hardware. See Microsoft’s instructions for identifying an Arm PC.

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How to check whether a Windows app will run

  1. Look up the exact app and version. Check the publisher’s current support or download page for Windows on Arm or Arm64 support. Include any plug-ins and features you depend on, not just the app’s name.
  2. Check how it runs. A native Arm64 version is the most direct compatibility route. Some apps built for other processor architectures can run under emulation; Microsoft describes x86 support and Windows 11 x64 emulation in its Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ.
  3. Ask about driver or low-level dependencies. If the app installs a driver or relies on low-level system access, ask its publisher whether that component supports your Windows-on-Arm release. App emulation does not provide a substitute for an unsupported driver.
  4. Confirm the features you need. If you rely on a particular plug-in, device integration, or specialist function, get confirmation for that feature from the publisher rather than assuming that basic app launch means full support.

Give individual attention to games that use anti-cheat drivers, Windows-customization tools, assistive technology, some third-party antivirus tools, and virtualization software. Microsoft identifies these as areas where limitations may apply; check the maker’s current guidance for the specific product.

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How to check whether accessories will work

Check the exact model with its manufacturer and ask whether the device’s full feature set works on your Windows version and Arm PC. Find out whether the required driver is already included in Windows or whether the manufacturer provides an Arm64 driver. Microsoft’s guidance is that peripherals work when their required drivers are built into Windows or the hardware developer has released Arm64 drivers for the device (Microsoft Support).

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Do not treat a device that connects or performs one basic function as proof that every feature works. Confirm the functions you need, such as a scanner’s extra controls or a device’s companion software, with the manufacturer.

If a printer’s installer does not work

A manufacturer’s setup program may fail even when Windows offers a printer setup route. If the manufacturer does not provide different instructions, follow Microsoft’s printer installation guidance for Arm PCs and use Windows’ normal add-printer workflow.

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Check Windows version and emulation availability

Microsoft’s current Arm FAQ covers Windows 11 Arm PCs, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Prism emulation. The FAQ says Prism is available on Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X series processors and is coming to other Windows 11 devices; availability can change, so check Microsoft’s current page for your PC and release.

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Do not apply older Windows 10 Arm guidance to Windows 11. Microsoft’s separate legacy Windows 10 guidance states that x64 apps do not run there, which differs from its Windows 11 emulation guidance. Verify support for the Windows release actually installed on the PC.

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Use compatibility lists carefully

Microsoft points users to Works on WoA, a third-party, open-source compatibility list with community-supplied information. Treat it as a useful lead, not a guarantee for your app version, PC, Windows release, or accessory model. For an important purchase or work-critical tool, confirm directly with the app publisher or device manufacturer.

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A practical decision checklist

  • Identify the exact PC, Windows version, and processor architecture.
  • For each essential app, confirm support for the exact version, plug-ins, and required features with its publisher.
  • Prefer a native Arm64 app where available; if relying on emulation, verify the Windows release and any driver-dependent functions.
  • For each accessory, verify exact-model support, required features, and availability of a built-in Windows driver or Arm64 driver.
  • Check anti-cheat games, antivirus, assistive technology, virtualization, and other driver-dependent software individually.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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