Microsoft’s latest Windows Insider build, version 27744 in the Windows 11 Canary Channel, introduces a major update to its Prism emulator, specifically targeting one of the biggest pain points for Windows on Arm: application compatibility. This build brings long-awaited support for AVX and AVX2 instructions, which will expand the range of x64 applications that can run on Arm-based devices, including more demanding games and creative software that previously failed to run due to CPU requirements.
Windows on Arm systems have struggled with compatibility because most Windows apps are built on x86 architecture. To bridge this gap, Microsoft developed the Prism emulator, allowing x86 apps to run on Arm processors. This updated version of Prism further enhances emulation by introducing a suite of new extensions to the x86 instruction set, covering AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, F16C, and other commonly used instructions. As a result, the update could greatly improve compatibility for games and creative applications.
While Microsoft hasn’t specified a full list of apps benefiting from this improvement, Adobe Premiere Pro on Arm is included, setting the stage for broader compatibility across more demanding software. It’s important to note, however, that this expanded instruction support is limited to 64-bit applications; 32-bit apps, or those with 32-bit components, will not detect the added capabilities in Prism.
Microsoft’s ongoing improvements to Prism, alongside Qualcomm’s efforts to create Arm-specific versions of popular applications, reflect significant progress for Windows on Arm users. With these updates, users will see greater performance and versatility, bringing the Windows on Arm experience closer to that of traditional x86 systems.