The Windows on ARM platform has seen its ups and downs, often embroiled in debates over compatibility, functionality, and outright performance. Fast forward to mid-2024, and Qualcomm rolled out its Snapdragon X SoCs coupled with the latest flavor of Windows 11—version 24H2. This collaboration breathed new life into the limping Windows on ARM ecosystem, thanks in part to a breakthrough emulator codenamed "Prism."
But that’s all shiny-new-hardware talk. What about older devices? Does this Windows 11 refresh help legacy ARM laptops punch above their weight? Let’s break down the findings, blending benchmarks, technical updates, and whether it’s worth giving your aging Windows on ARM device an upgrade.
Windows 11 24H2 is more than just another run-of-the-mill update packaged in sleek marketing lingo. For the Windows on ARM ecosystem, it’s a performance-oriented refresher with major architectural tweaks, particularly benefiting ARM-based apps. Significant standouts include:
Verdict? While marginal, the performance increases are measurable—particularly in CPU-intensive tasks thanks to the upgraded Prism optimization. However, there's no leapfrogging the hardware’s ceiling. The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Go remains a competent, silent workhorse but doesn’t transform into a gaming or productivity champ overnight.
Here's what’s in it for you:
The ecosystem remains compelling, if a little slow-moving. But hey, strong battery life, no-fan silence, and 5G connectivity still give these machines a niche appeal. If nothing else, this modest update is a love letter to earlier ARM adopters awaiting a payoff for their curiosity.
Source: Notebookcheck Tried and tested: Does Windows 11 24H2 provide a performance boost for older Windows on ARM laptops?
But that’s all shiny-new-hardware talk. What about older devices? Does this Windows 11 refresh help legacy ARM laptops punch above their weight? Let’s break down the findings, blending benchmarks, technical updates, and whether it’s worth giving your aging Windows on ARM device an upgrade.
What’s Windows 11 24H2 Bringing to the Party?
Windows 11 24H2 is more than just another run-of-the-mill update packaged in sleek marketing lingo. For the Windows on ARM ecosystem, it’s a performance-oriented refresher with major architectural tweaks, particularly benefiting ARM-based apps. Significant standouts include:- The Prism Emulator:
This update ushers in a reengineered x86 emulator dubbed "Prism." It’s designed for improved compatibility and faster execution of legacy Windows applications (you know, the ones that weren’t written with ARM processors in mind). The reported performance bump, ranging between 7–15% on older ARM devices during benchmark tests like Cinebench R23, puts Prism at the heart of the update’s highlight reel.- Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR):
Windows’ automatic video upscaling feature enhances textures and visual fidelity. But (and there's always a but) devices locked to entry-level Snapdragon SoCs cannot leverage this perk. This is largely due to a mismatch between the hardware requirements and the existing hardware capabilities on legacy machines.Benchmarking Older Devices: A Tale of Marginal Gains
For this deep dive, Notebookcheck stacked the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Go—a slim, fanless, Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3-powered device—against its Windows 11 23H2 past. The machine isn't exactly a powerhouse, tailored more for Netflix binges and light Word processing than computational heavy lifting. So, does 24H2 breathe some newfound energy into its aging silicon?Benchmarks at a Glance:
| Here’s how the numbers stack up for gaming, computing, and productivity post-update: | Benchmark | Win11 23H2 Score | Win11 24H2 Score | Performance Boost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 (Single) | 358 Points | 393 Points | +10% | |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi) | 1555 Points | 1698 Points | +9% | |
| Dota 2 Low Settings (FPS) | 33.7 fps | 36.2 fps | +7% | |
| PCMark 8 (Work) | 1609 Points | 1656 Points | +3% | |
| 3DMark FireStrike Physics | 4826 Points | 5073 Points | +5% |
Installation Woes: Getting to 24H2 Isn’t All Smooth Sailing
Getting Windows 11 24H2 up and running on the Galaxy Book2 Go wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. During installation via USB, the OS image initially failed, resulting in the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This forced the rollback process to begin automatically. A retry eventually succeeded, but not without post-installation hiccups:- WiFi Module and 5G Modem: Both failed to initialize until resolved manually through Windows Updates.
- GPU Errors: Thankfully, a quick driver update smoothed out graphical glitches.
Pro Tip:
If you plan to upgrade, ensure wired Ethernet access to iron out driver quirks—wireless connectivity may not work immediately post-installation.Does 24H2 Make Older Windows on ARM Devices Worth Keeping?
Let’s be real: “performance boost” for legacy devices in Windows 11 24H2 doesn’t mean turning your two-year-old ARM laptop into a competitor for newer silicon like Snapdragon X chips. However, if you own something like an ARM-based subnotebook (e.g., the Galaxy Book Go series, HP EliteBook Folio with Snapdragon 8cx, or Microsoft Surface Pro 9), the update does make your system snappier and more versatile for day-to-day tasks.Here's what’s in it for you:
The Good:
- Free Upgrade: If your device qualifies, it’s a no-brainer to install 24H2 for small but noticeable improvements.
- Longevity Enhancements: Extends device usability with the upgraded Prism emulator.
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: Increased performance for older hardware might save you from splashing out on a costly upgrade.
The Not-So-Good:
- Hardware-Locked Features: Cannot access key new features like Automatic Super Resolution if your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements.
- Frustrating Install Path: Compatibility hiccups during installation can bother less tech-savvy users.
- Only Modest Gains: Power users won’t find the updated experience transformative enough.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade, but Manage Expectations
For those using older Windows on ARM laptops, Windows 11 24H2 is a step in the right direction. Is it revolutionary? Hardly. Faster boot times and improved app compatibility thanks to the Prism emulator may be just enough to squeeze some added life out of your aging device. However, if you're hoping for major advancements like gaming-ready performance or cutting-edge graphics improvements, you’ll need to step into the realm of Snapdragon X-based devices.The ecosystem remains compelling, if a little slow-moving. But hey, strong battery life, no-fan silence, and 5G connectivity still give these machines a niche appeal. If nothing else, this modest update is a love letter to earlier ARM adopters awaiting a payoff for their curiosity.
Source: Notebookcheck Tried and tested: Does Windows 11 24H2 provide a performance boost for older Windows on ARM laptops?
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