One of the major challenges hindering the widespread adoption of Windows on Arm PCs has been software compatibility. Users have long been concerned about whether essential applications would run smoothly on Arm-based systems.
In a significant step forward, Google has announced the official release of Google Drive for Arm PCs, removing one of the biggest obstacles for potential adopters. This development is particularly important given that Google Drive was previously noted as an application that struggled to function properly on Arm-powered devices.
Snapdragon X Elite PCs Gain Traction as Google Drive Becomes Fully Arm-Compatible
The introduction of PCs with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors was well received overall, but early tests identified performance issues with several applications. Google Drive was among those applications, and its slow performance or outright failure to run was widely reported in reviews.
Google initially responded by launching a beta version of Google Drive for Arm, and as of today, the stable version is now generally available. Users who were part of the beta program will automatically be upgraded to this new version, which requires Microsoft’s WebView2 runtime included in Windows 11.
Google Drive for Arm PCs Enhances Windows on Arm Software CompatibilityDespite initial skepticism, Windows on Arm laptops are becoming more viable for everyday users. Some early adopters, including reviewers who have used devices like the Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition, have reported positive experiences.
Many common productivity apps have been adapted to run on Arm-based devices, either natively or through Microsoft’s Prism emulator, which allows x86 apps to function on Arm architecture. With Google Drive now optimized for Arm, the ecosystem is gradually becoming more accommodating for users.
Software Compatibility Improves, but VPN and Gaming Challenges Still Hinder Windows on Arm
While progress is being made in software compatibility, a few challenges remain. VPN software has been another area of concern, though some applications like NordVPN now offer native Arm support. However, gaming continues to be a weak spot. Many games either do not run natively on Arm-based PCs or perform poorly when emulated. While Arm has recently introduced a GPU upscaler to improve gaming performance, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to make Windows on Arm a viable option for gamers.
Despite the improvements, Windows on Arm PCs still face hurdles before achieving mainstream acceptance. Recently, reports emerged about high return rates for the Surface Laptop on Amazon, raising concerns about customer satisfaction. Although the warning regarding high return rates has since been removed, it highlights the fact that Qualcomm, Arm, Microsoft, and developers must continue refining the platform.
The release of Google Drive for Arm is an important step, but further optimizations and expanded software support will be needed to ensure Windows on Arm PCs become a true alternative to traditional x86-based systems.
