In 2024, Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon X chips, finally making Arm-based Windows laptops a serious contender. These laptops performed well and offered impressive battery life, especially in Microsoft’s Surface models. However, a major hiccup was app compatibility. Users still faced limitations, like having to use a simpler version of Adobe Lightroom instead of the full program. Gaming, which typically shines on Windows, remained challenging for these laptops.
In 2025, things started to change. Software updates improved performance significantly. Some essential apps, which were previously unavailable on Windows for Arm, like Adobe Premiere Pro, began to work natively. Adobe Lightroom Classic now runs smoothly through emulation, even on the less powerful Snapdragon X Plus chips.
Gaming also saw advancements. Better emulator support helped many games become runnable on Arm devices. Qualcomm created a dedicated Snapdragon Control Panel for easy graphics driver updates. Popular games, including those using Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat, became playable on Arm, and local game installations through the Xbox launcher became possible.
I now feel confident recommending Arm laptops, provided users don’t need specific software that remains incompatible—like Ableton Live, though an Arm version is expected in 2026. If gaming is a priority, traditional options from brands like Asus and Lenovo may be better suited.
Despite this, early Snapdragon X laptops offer battery life unheard of in past Windows devices. Yet, the recent releases of Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point chips have brought competitive performance and battery life back into play.
History shows us that competition drives innovation. Intel and AMD are not backing down, and the anticipation for 2026’s battle between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2, Intel’s Panther Lake, and AMD’s potential offerings hints at an exciting new chapter. Nvidia might even join the mix with a rumored new Arm chip, focusing on graphics, which could significantly enhance the gaming experience on Arm-based laptops.
As Arm devices improve, the gap between them and their x86 counterparts is narrowing. Yet, for now, if gaming is crucial, traditional laptops remain a better option. Looking ahead, 2026 could see not just enhanced performance from new chips but also growing interest in alternative systems, like Linux, as users seek powerful yet user-friendly experiences. So, the big question may shift from “Should I buy a Windows on Arm laptop?” to “Should I buy a Windows laptop at all?”
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