4 ms·
> Windows RT can't run Win32 and ARM can't run x86, at least not without significant caveats; people can't use Windows computers like that to Get Stuff Done(tm)
by bpye 3y ago
> Windows RT can't run Win32 and ARM can't run x86, at least not without significant caveats; people can't use Windows computers like that to Get Stuff Done(tm).
Whilst what you say is true for Windows RT, Windows 11 on ARM64 absolutely can run x86 and x64 software [0]. Kernel mode software needs to be built for ARM64 but most user mode software should just work.
For what it’s worth x86 emulation predates Apple’s Rosetta 2, and x64 emulation was made available at about the same time [1].
[0] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/arm/overview#support-for-existing-windows-apps-on-arm https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/arm/overview#suppo...
[1] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2020/12/10/introducing-x64-emulation-in-preview-for-windows-10-on-arm-pcs-to-the-windows-insider-program/ https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2020/12/10/introdu...
- tuetuopay 3y agoIsn't the windows' x86 emulator excruciatingly slow? If memory serves, people considered it barely usable. I remember videos from the time where even dragging a window was something to behold. This is where apple made it transparent: rosetta 2 is completely invisible thanks to the introduction of the x86 memory model on M* chips that all other Arm socs lack, and that rosetta 2 leverages.
- solarkraft 3y agoYou may say that and it may be true now, but on launch there were issues and those are enough to hurt confidence that things will work (hence no buy). Microsoft loves messing up launches, Apple absolutely nailed theirs.