Here’s why we’ve only seen Windows on ARM PCs with Qualcomm chips
Qualcomm will likely see competition from MediaTek and other companies when it comes to Windows on ARM PCs.
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What you need to know
Windows 10 on ARM andWindows 11on ARM devices could soon be powered by chips from companies other than Qualcomm. According to a report byXDA, Microsoft and Qualcomm have an exclusivity agreement regarding Windows on ARM PCs. This agreement is reportedly set to expire soon, clearing the way for ARM PCs powered by CPUs from companies such as MediaTek.
Up to this point, every Windows on ARM device has run on a Qualcomm chip, including theSurface Pro X,Lenovo Flex 5G, andSamsung Galaxy Book Go. It appears likely that Qualcomm will soon have competition in the space.
MediaTek’s, vice president of corporate sales and business development, Eric Fisher, discussed Windows on ARM PCs at the company’s executive summit last week. “The Wintel partnership that’s gone on for so long has to be under some pressure, and when there’s pressure, there’s opportunity for companies like ours,” said Fisher (viaXDA).
MediaTek isn’t the only company that may want to make chips for Windows on ARM PCs. Reports from earlier this year indicate thatSamsung is working on a laptopwith its own chip. The CPU is said to have been jointly developed with AMD.
Windows on ARM has been around since 2016. Since its initial launch, Microsoft has invested heavily into getting Windows to run well on ARM. Innovations such asARM64ECandx64 emulationgreatly increase the capabilities of Windows PCs powered by ARM processors. If MediaTek and other manufacturers start competing in the hardware space, it could help push the platform.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
