The Xbox app for Windows on ARM will allow downloading compatible games for the first time

Microsoft is preparing an update so that Windows on ARM users can install native titles without relying solely on the cloud.

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Microsoft has taken a significant step to enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11-based ARM devices. Until now, devices like the Surface Pro 12 with a Qualcomm processor only allowed access to titles through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which limited performance and experience.

The company has started testing a new version of the Xbox app in the Windows Insider channel, which will allow downloading and installing ARM64-compatible games locally. This improvement means that, for the first time, some PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles will be available to run natively on these types of devices.

Xbox on ARM: Compatibility and Future

According to information published by The Verge, the Windows and Xbox teams are working together to ensure that the Game Pass catalog offers the greatest possible compatibility on this type of processor. Additionally, Microsoft has already announced that new features are being developed to expand the number of playable games on Windows 11 with ARM in the coming months.

• ARM is a type of processor architecture widely used in mobile devices, tablets, and ultralight laptops, as it consumes little energy and generates less heat. Brands like Qualcomm (Snapdragon) manufacture this type of chip.

• Windows on ARM is the adaptation of the operating system to work on these processors. This allows for laptops with long battery life, instant-on capability, and integrated 4G/5G connectivity.

• The problem is that, since most applications and games are designed for x86 processors, they are not always compatible or perform equally. That’s why it’s essential for Microsoft to adapt apps like Xbox and for developers to create native ARM64 versions so that everything runs smoothly.

The first ARM64 version of the Xbox app was released in 2022, but the scarcity of natively compiled games limited its use. Currently, users can check the official Windows on Arm portal to see which titles work correctly, which will be even more relevant with this upcoming update.