Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Build 27744, now available in the Canary Channel, brings substantial improvements aimed at enhancing the experience on Arm-based PCs.
Central to this update is the advancement of Microsoft’s Prism emulator, which now supports a wider range of x64 applications by adding critical CPU instruction set extensions like AVX and AVX2. The update is designed to bridge compatibility gaps and make more resource-demanding apps run efficiently on Arm architecture.
Prism Emulator’s Expanded Capabilities
The Prism emulator update is particularly noteworthy for users relying on Arm-based Windows devices. The addition of AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions), AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C instructions means that apps needing these functions can now run under emulation. Microsoft emphasized that these updates apply only to 64-bit apps, limiting the new support to modern applications while older 32-bit software remains unaffected. This expansion follows efforts laid out in the Windows 11 24H2 update, released in preview to Insiders in June 2024 (Microsoft Insider announcement, June 2024).
The foundation for this enhancement began with Windows 11’s 24H2 update, which debuted earlier in 2024. This preview targeted Arm-based Copilot+ PCs and introduced initial emulation capabilities through the Prism engine. One of the highlight demonstrations featured Baldur’s Gate 3 running on a Snapdragon X-powered system. While not free of performance limitations, this demonstration signaled potential for expanded Arm compatibility.Advances in Gaming: Anti-Cheat Support
The June update also made headway in gaming compatibility by integrating anti-cheat systems like Denuvo and BattlEye. This move was essential as it allowed popular titles, previously hindered by a lack of support, to function correctly on Arm devices. An example was Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, which was demonstrated with BattlEye working seamlessly. This addition bolstered gaming security and reliability for Arm-based systems, giving users a more consistent experience.
Technical Insights: AVX and CPU Features Explained
AVX and AVX2 are sets of instructions designed to accelerate computing tasks involving complex data processing, such as multimedia, simulations, and high-performance applications. By integrating these into the Prism emulator, Microsoft ensures that more demanding applications relying on these features can run under emulation on Arm devices. Additionally, the support for BMI (Bit Manipulation Instructions), FMA (Fused Multiply-Add), and F16C (16-bit Floating-Point Conversion) further broadens the software ecosystem compatible with Arm PCs.
Enhancements Beyond Emulation
While the core focus of Build 27744 is the updated Prism emulator, other improvements are part of this release. Windows 11’s on-screen keyboard now includes a new Gamepad layout designed for Xbox controllers, simplifying text input and navigation for gaming setups. Task Manager also received updates, with the Disconnect and Logoff dialogs now featuring dark mode and enhanced text scaling for better readability. The performance section now labels disks by type, adding clarity for users managing system resources.
Generative AI Features in Core Apps
This build also introduces generative AI functionalities in standard applications. Paint now offers “Generative Fill” and “Generative Erase” tools, which help users enhance images with minimal effort. Meanwhile, Notepad gains new options for rewriting text, allowing adjustments to tone and length, indicating Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI features across its ecosystem. These tools showcase the broader integration of AI to streamline everyday tasks for Windows 11 users.
Feedback and Ongoing Adjustments
Microsoft urges Windows Insiders to test these updates and provide feedback via the Feedback Hub, particularly on app compatibility and performance. This input helps refine the new features as they undergo testing in the Canary Channel. Microsoft reminds users that some features in these builds may be modified or withdrawn before general release, depending on user feedback and further evaluation.
