Microsoft has rolled out the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build 27744 to the Canary channeldelivering two exciting upgrades that promise to enhance the experience for Windows on Arm devices. The update brings a significant leap forward for users by upgrading the Prism emulatoradding support for crucial CPU extensions that will allow more apps and games to run seamlessly on Arm-based PCs. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a new on-screen gamepad keyboard layoutcatering to the growing community of mobile and desktop gamers.
Enhanced App Compatibility with Updated Prism Emulator
The updated Prism emulator is a game-changer for Windows on Arm. As Microsoft pushes to expand app compatibility, this new version allows Arm-based devices such as those running on Snapdragon X series chipsets to support a wider range of 64-bit x86 (x64) applications. This includes some heavyweight software like Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 as well as popular legacy gaming titles, which were previously inaccessible on Arm-powered devices.
The added CPU extensions—AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C—are crucial for running many modern applications. While these extensions are not mandatory for Windows itself, they are widely used in modern software, meaning that many applications and games rely on them to function. This update marks a significant milestone for users looking to run powerful creative tools and gaming applications on Arm devices, which have traditionally struggled with compatibility.
New On-Screen Gamepad Keyboard for Enhanced Gaming Experience
In a nod to the gaming community, Microsoft has also introduced a new on-screen gamepad keyboard layout in the latest Insider Preview. This layout allows users to navigate and type using an Xbox controlleradding convenience and flexibility for gamers on Windows 11. The keyboard also features button accelerators and a vertical alignmentenhancing the overall usability for controller-based navigation. This addition is set to enrich the gaming experience, particularly on touchscreen devices and handheld gaming setups.
Additional Fixes and Improvements
Microsoft’s latest build also tackles some longstanding bugs and interface issues. Task Manager now supports dark mode and text scaling for the Disconnect and Logoff dialog, enhancing accessibility. Additionally, an issue that caused a black screen on PCs with older Nvidia GPUs has been resolved, ensuring smoother performance for users with legacy hardware.
As Microsoft continues to push innovation on Windows 11 for Arm devicesthis latest preview build highlights its commitment to providing a versatile, high-performance experience across platforms. With improved app compatibility, new gaming features, and a host of fixes, Windows 11 is evolving to meet the needs of both productivity-focused users and gamers alike.
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