Microsoft and Telegram Join Forces on ARM Compatibility – What’s Next?

For years, Windows on ARM PCs have been on the lookout for compatible and optimized applications. Today, a significant milestone has been reached, one that may very well boost the Windows on ARM ecosystem’s appeal and utility. The official Telegram Desktop app is now available for Windows on ARM PCs, a development that has the tech community excited and developers rethinking the potential of ARM technology for Windows.

The Journey to Telegram for Windows on ARM

Telegram has been a popular choice among messaging apps since its launch, and its desktop application has been available for traditional Windows PCs since 2017, even appearing in the Microsoft Store. However, despite its widespread use, the desktop app wasn’t fully compatible with ARM-based Windows devices, leaving a gap in the experience for ARM users.

The request for a Windows on ARM version of the Telegram Desktop app began gaining traction on Telegram’s GitHub page. Though initially, technical constraints hindered the project, Microsoft stepped in with a series of improvements to the Windows on ARM platform, which ultimately enabled Telegram to proceed with its development. Now, with the release of v5.7.2, Telegram Desktop for Windows on ARM has been successfully compiled and made available.

The Technical Breakthrough: Microsoft’s Role in Compatibility Enhancements

Telegram’s journey to Windows on ARM compatibility wasn’t a solo endeavor. Microsoft has been working actively to overcome compatibility hurdles on the Windows on ARM platform, aiming to provide developers with the tools and support necessary to bring their applications to ARM-based Windows devices.

A notable part of Microsoft’s effort is its work on the Prism emulator, an advanced technology that enables ARM PCs to emulate 64-bit x86 (x64) applications. This emulator has been a lifeline for Windows on ARM, helping bridge the gap between the ARM architecture and applications originally designed for traditional x86 processors.

Recently, Microsoft shipped a major Prism update with Windows 11, version 24H2. This update allowed complex applications, such as Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on ARM devices, opening the door for more intensive applications. In its Canary Channel Insider Preview, Microsoft took another bold step by extending Prism’s capabilities, now allowing practically any x64 application to run under emulation on ARM PCs. For Windows on ARM users, this is a game-changing upgrade that makes the platform more appealing for both everyday tasks and professional work.

A Growing List of Native Apps: Windows on ARM’s Rising Popularity

In the past, Windows on ARM’s limitations—particularly the scarcity of compatible apps—discouraged many users and developers from adopting the platform. However, with compatibility steadily improving, a growing list of popular apps is now available on Windows on ARM.

Some of the most popular applications have already made the jump to native ARM versions, including Chrome, Spotify, Zoom, WhatsApp, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Blender, Affinity Suite, DaVinci Resolve, Arc browser, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN. Each of these applications running natively on ARM represents a significant win for Windows on ARM, demonstrating the platform’s growing maturity and appeal.

This trend suggests a promising future for Windows on ARM as more developers choose to optimize their software for ARM architecture. With new applications joining the ranks, such as Slack and Google Drive in the pipeline, the Windows on ARM platform is closer than ever to achieving software parity with its x86 counterpart.

What Telegram for Windows on ARM Means for the Ecosystem

The arrival of Telegram Desktop for Windows on ARM is a powerful endorsement of the platform’s progress and Microsoft’s efforts to create an ARM-friendly Windows environment. Telegram’s decision to release a native ARM version demonstrates the platform’s increasing viability and suggests a positive outlook for the ARM ecosystem.

For ARM PC users, the official Telegram app means access to a fully optimized messaging experience on a native app, without the performance trade-offs often associated with emulation. While emulators like Prism have improved, native ARM applications deliver a smoother, more efficient experience—something especially crucial for a real-time messaging platform like Telegram.

Moreover, Telegram’s ARM-native app may encourage other developers to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that brings more native apps to the platform. As users see more of their favorite applications available on ARM, the shift toward Windows on ARM may gain even more momentum.

A Promising Future for Windows on ARM

Microsoft’s dedication to improving Windows on ARM’s emulation and native app support marks a new chapter for the ARM platform in the Windows ecosystem. As it stands, the increased availability of apps and improved emulation capabilities are transforming the landscape, helping Windows on ARM PCs overcome their historical limitations and attract a wider audience.

The release of Telegram for Windows on ARM signifies that the platform has reached a stage where it can accommodate the needs of both general users and power users. With Microsoft’s ongoing improvements to ARM emulation and their commitment to expanding the ARM app ecosystem, the Windows on ARM platform is poised to reach new heights.

The Bigger Picture: ARM in the Tech Industry

While ARM architecture has traditionally been more common in mobile devices and embedded systems, recent developments in ARM-based computing have started to reshape the tech industry. Apple’s transition to ARM-based silicon with its M1 and M2 chips showcased the potential of ARM in high-performance computing. Microsoft’s focus on Windows on ARM now suggests that ARM-based devices are not just for mobile and low-power applications—they have the potential to compete in mainstream personal and professional computing.

With Apple’s success in the ARM space and Windows on ARM’s improving compatibility, ARM architecture is becoming a viable alternative to traditional x86 processors. This shift could lead to new opportunities and innovations in computing, with ARM becoming a mainstream option for desktops and laptops across industries.

An Evolving Platform Ready for More

The availability of Telegram Desktop for Windows on ARM is more than just a new app release—it’s a milestone that highlights the platform’s evolution. Microsoft’s continuous improvements to the ARM platform, combined with developer support for native ARM applications, are positioning Windows on ARM as a competitive and attractive option.

With improved performance, native applications, and expanding compatibility, Windows on ARM is rapidly gaining traction. The growing library of native apps means users can expect smoother experiences without relying on emulation. The release of Telegram for Windows on ARM is a promising development, signaling a bright future where ARM-powered devices and applications thrive in the Windows ecosystem.

As more companies, developers, and consumers embrace Windows on ARM, this could be the beginning of a new era in computing—one where ARM-based systems stand as equals alongside their x86 counterparts. The journey to a fully robust Windows on ARM ecosystem may still be ongoing, but with each app release, the vision is getting closer to reality. And with Telegram’s arrival, the ARM ecosystem feels more vibrant than ever.