Tranquil IT Forum

Hello!

Having recently received Surface Laptops with ARM64 processors, we're wondering if it's possible to envision a future version of WinPE that's compatible with this type of processor, given that iPXE can be compiled for this platform quite easily.
I imagine ARM processors are still relatively rare outside of Apple products in the desktop/laptop world, so I completely understand if it's not planned for the moment!

Thank you very much!
- Gabriel

Hi Gabriel,

actually, the topic of Windows 11 arm64 is very relevant right now . I even have one being tested on the next desk!

We're getting ready. Because even though the number of Windows 11 arm64 laptops is still minimal, I think it should accelerate in the coming year because the x64 emulation layer on arm64, "Prism," which comes with Windows 11 24h2, is quite impressive in terms of both performance and compatibility (of course, I'm not talking about gaming PCs, 3D workstations, or video editing software, but standard office PCs). So I think that, as things stand, an HP or Dell with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor can replace quite a few office PCs in a business setting.

We bought one for the office to run tests, installed the WAPT agent (you've probably already tried it ), and we can run it like a standard PC. We still have some work to do to better manage the concept of packages, with a native application (the package to prioritize if available) and a package with a Prism emulated application (to use as a fallback if no native package is available). But otherwise, it works well.

To prepare for better Win11 arm64 support, we even acquired a new Supermicro virtualization server with a 64-core Altra Ampere processor to boost LUTI builds...

Regarding the WinPE Win11 arm64 environment, I don't believe there's a Prism emulation layer in WinPE, and for now, there's a bug in the Free Pascal compiler (Wapt is written in Object Pascal and Python) that prevents us from having a pure arm64 agent. So, unfortunately, no WinPE and therefore no WADS for the time being.

Please feel free to share your experience with your Windows 11 ARM64 PC.

We'll keep you updated when the bug is fixed and we can have a WinPE WADS ARM64 version available.

Sincerely,

Denis

Hi Denis,

Thanks for the very thorough reply. It's really interesting to see your perspective and your ideas for improving support.
No worries about WinPE, I'll be patient for now! The fact that the client works without any problems will already be more than enough.

Unfortunately, the only ARM PC that will remain in our service will go to our IT manager... but I'll try to give you some feedback anyway.

(PS: Your new server is amazing! I have a small VM with a first-generation Ampere and I'm already blown away by its power... )

Thanks again for all the information, and have a great day! Best
regards,
Gabriel