Microsoft has released an app that allows you to emulate x64 apps for Windows 10 on ARM devices. The app is available to Windows 10 Insider Preview build 21277. Those on the Insider Preview scheme can download the latest version and begin using the emulator straight away.
What Is the 64-bit App Emulator for Windows 10 on ARM?
Prior to the update, Windows 10 on ARM devices could only use ARM32, ARM64, and x86 apps. Any apps compiled entirely for x64, meaning specifically for 64-bit Windows 10, would not run on Windows 10 on ARM.
The introduction of the new emulation layer changes that. You can now head to the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 on ARM and download and use a 64-bit Windows 10 app as you normally would.
Rolling out support for 64-bit apps for Windows 10 on ARM isn't a surprise. In September 2020, the Microsoft Windows Experience Blog explained that "We will also expand support for running x64 apps, with x64 emulation starting to rollout to the Windows Insider Program in November."
As operating systems by and large move toward running only 64-bit apps, pushing out support for those apps as early as possible is important.
In this preview, you can install x64 apps from the Microsoft Store or from any other location of your choosing. You can try key x64-only productivity apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, as well as games like Rocket League. Other apps, like Chrome, which run today on ARM64 as 32-bit apps, can run as 64-bit using the new x64 emulation capability. These apps may benefit from having more memory when run as 64-bit emulated apps.
However, that doesn't mean those developing for Windows 10 on ARM should stop developing natively on ARM64.
For the time being, the x64 emulation is still in the test phases. Furthermore, while the emulation quality is excellent, native development will offer better stability and efficiency for apps. In certain environments, such as with Internet of Things devices, a native ARM64 deployment will work best.
You can find installation details on the Insider Preview Build Blog, which notes that early adopters must download additional drivers before the x64 emulator will work.
Microsoft Is Pushing Windows 10 on ARM
The Windows 10 on ARM experience moves from strength to strength.
Earlier in December 2020, Microsoft announced that Project xCloud would be coming Windows 10 on ARM, with support for ARM64. Project xCloud is a game streaming service, similar to Google Stadia. Similarly, you can now use Microsoft Teams native to ARM64, or use the native version of the Microsoft Edge browser.
Microsoft is also expanding its App Assure program to Windows 10 on ARM, which ensures that apps remain consistent across all of its operating system versions, increasing compatibility and stability.
With more additions like this, the uptake for Windows 10 on ARM will drastically increase as the operating system removes the limitations that associate it with smaller, low powered devices, and into the big leagues.