Which CG applications natively support Windows on ARM?

Last updated: 21 October 2025

An increasing number of the tools that CG artists rely on now support Windows on ARM.

Native support for WoA provides better performance on many current laptops and tablets, such as Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.

But which CG applications support Windows on ARM natively, rather than through emulation? Below, we’ve put together our own list.

What is Windows on ARM?
Windows on ARM (WoA) is variant of the Windows operating system built for ARM processors rather than conventional x86/x64 CPUs.

It runs on systems-on-a-chip like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series, including the X, X Plus, X Elite and upcoming X2 Elite.

Snapdragon X Elite processors use an all-in-one design, combining a multi-core Oryon CPU, an Adreno GPU, and a Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to accelerate AI processing tasks.

They power a growing range of Copilot+ PCs – primarily laptops and 2-in-1 tablets – including systems from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, and Microsoft’s Surface Pro range.

They promise a better performance-to-power-consumption ratio than conventional systems, making it feasible to do more hardware-intensive CG work on thin, light mobile devices.

Although many apps can run on ARM processors via Windows 11’s Prism emulator, according to Microsoft, native support provides better performance, responsiveness and battery life.

Which CG applications support Windows on ARM natively?
Below, you can find our list of CG software with native support for Windows on ARM.

It covers a range of common tasks, including image editing and retouching, digital painting, compositing, digital sculpting, and all-purpose 3D modeling and animation software.

We’ve focused on the tools we cover regularly on CG Channel: primarily professional software for VFX, animation, game development, motion graphics, visualization and concept art work.

We aim to update the list regularly, so if you spot an app we haven’t included, let us know.

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