Microsoft is dropping x64 emulation from Windows 10 on ARM, making it exclusive to Windows 11

Back in December last year, Microsoft launched a preview of x64 emulation for Windows on ARM. The emulator makes it possible to run x64 apps on ARM devices, and at the time it was available to Windows 10 on ARM users.

But Microsoft has had a change of heart which means Windows 11 on ARM is needed for 64-bit Intel app emulation.

See also:

• Microsoft is accelerating the rollout of Windows 11
• Microsoft is only going to release feature updates for Windows 10 once a year
• Intel audio drivers are causing blue screens and errors in Windows 11

A few days ago, Microsoft updated the original blog post from last December to indicate the change of heart: "x64 emulation for Windows is now generally available in Windows 11. For those interested in experiencing this, a PC running Windows 11 on Arm is required".

Nothing by way of explanation is provided, but a Microsoft spokesperson did offer a statement to Paul Thurrott:

We have received questions about the status of x64 emulation in Windows 10. Microsoft wants to share an update that x64 emulation for Windows is only generally available in Windows 11. For those interested in experiencing x64 emulation, a PC running Windows 11 on Arm is required. Microsoft is committed to supporting customers on Windows 10 on Arm through October 14, 2025.

Windows on ARM remains fairly niche, but the news will still come as something of a blow to anyone who has no desire to make the more to Windows 11 on ARM.

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