Windows 11 on ARM PCs are set to receive a performance boost with the optimization of the Brave browser for ARM64. This development comes at an opportune time, as 2024 is shaping up to be a promising year for Windows 11 on ARM, largely due to Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X Elite processor. While Google recently released a native ARM64 version of Chrome, it is currently only available in Canary testing. With Brave’s optimization for ARM64, Windows 11 on ARM users now have another option for browsing.
According to Brave DevOps director Mihai Plesa, the ARM64 version of Brave on Windows is stable and offers native performance. Users can enjoy the same features available on x64/x86, such as Widevine, IPFS, and Tor. The browser can be downloaded through GitHub, the Microsoft Store, or Brave’s website.
Google made headlines last month with the release of its native ARM64 version of Chrome. However, Brave has beaten Chrome to the punch by making its native ARM64 version available today, while Chrome’s ARM-optimized version is still in Canary testing.
The question arises: Is 2024 the year of Windows 11 on ARM? Microsoft has been working on an ARM version of Windows for years, and while the platform has improved over time, hardware limitations have held it back. Although there are commendable Windows 11 on ARM PCs like the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, Apple currently holds a significant lead in ARM processors for computers. However, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite could potentially change the game.
Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X Elite can outperform Apple’s M2 Max and Intel’s Core i9-13980HX. Leaked benchmarks support these claims, giving hope to those who desire a powerful Windows 11 laptop with the advantages of ARM computing. The Snapdragon X Elite features a neural processing unit (NPU) optimized for local AI processing, adding to its appeal.
While real-world performance remains to be seen, if everything falls into place as expected, Windows 11 on ARM PCs could finally compete with Apple’s new MacBooks and powerful Windows 11 PCs with Intel or AMD processors. A hypothetical PC equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite would offer robust computing power, local AI processing capabilities, excellent battery life, seamless cellular integration, and a slim and lightweight design. This could be the “holy grail in Windows computing,” as described by Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino.
The Snapdragon X Elite is not the only factor that could revolutionize Windows 11 on ARM in 2024. Major companies are finally starting to support the platform, with Google Chrome already having a native ARM version in testing. Although some promised apps, such as the Adobe creative suite, are still awaited, the availability of Chrome alone could attract other developers.
The combination of a flagship processor like the Snapdragon X Elite and support from companies like Google has the potential to make Windows 11 on ARM mainstream. Microsoft needs the backing of chipmakers and software developers to drive ARM computing forward, and this year may finally see significant progress in that direction.
The Snapdragon X Elite is scheduled to launch in mid-2024, giving software makers ample time to optimize their software for Windows 11 on ARM and the new hardware that will run the operating system. With these advancements on the horizon, Windows 11 on ARM PCs may soon become a force to be reckoned with in the computing world.
