Windows 8 on ARM Will Require Deeper Integration

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Windows 8 on a tablet may take more work than Windows 8 on a PC.

While Windows 8 will still find itself home in x86 and x64 desktops and laptops, it will be a major foray into the ARM-based device space. ARM chips are what power nearly all of today's major smartphones and tablets, and that's an area that Microsoft wants Windows to invade.

Windows 8 will most certainly be there, but it'll require a bit more effort on the part system designers.

"Windows 8 running on ARM will ultimately be available with ARM-based hardware that  you can purchase," said Windows president Steven Sinofsky. "ARM requires a deeper level of integrated engineering between hardware and software, as each ARM device is unique, and Windows allows this uniqueness to shine through."

Regarding developer tools, Sinfosky added, "The new development tools enable you to start today to build Metro style applications that will seamlessly run on x86 (32 and 64 bit) or ARM architectures. Even if you use native C/C++ code, these tools will enable Metro style apps to target specific hardware if you choose.  As new PCs become available for testing, PC manufacturers will develop seed programs for developers."

Impressively, everything Microsoft is showcasing at Build will also run on ARM-based Windows 8 systems. Microsoft appears to be making a big effort in delivering a cohesive Windows 8 experience regardless of platform.

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
24 Comments Comment from the forums
  • JeanLuc
    It's good to see Microsoft is taking ARM seriously as a Brit its good to see the UK making waves in the computer industry the likes of which we haven't done since the days of the Sinclair Spectrum and BBC Acron (the company where ARM was originally created.

    Is there any news on how Microsoft is going to get around the compatibility issues concerning x86 software running on the ARM instruction set?
    Reply
  • WHat I want to know is when Micro$oft is finally going to ad ARM integration to Windows Me?
    Reply
  • dalethepcman
    I wonder how many people will actually make their iFad's useful and install windows 8 on them. iFad in its current form is to computers, what the Wii was to consoles. A gimmick that the masses bought, played with, then reverted to using their pc's and phones. Hopefully Windows 8 will actually show people what a tablet computer should do.

    *spoiler* (it's supposed to do more then make fart sounds, and play iTunes)
    Reply
  • bmouring
    This is just another talking point to bump the fact that MS is finally going to support ARM as a proper platform (not with some bastardized version of CE). The same exact thing could be said for the litany of x86 variations that exist, they simply aimed at the lowest common denominator of the platform simply to ensure that it would run on any of them (even if at atrociously slow speed)
    Reply
  • southernshark
    what's an x64 desktop or laptop???

    Reply
  • Saljen
    Does this mean it will be difficult to port to my newly acquired $99 HP Touchpad?!
    Reply
  • molo9000
    dalethepcmanI wonder how many people will actually make their iFad's useful and install windows 8 on them. iFad in its current form is to computers, what the Wii was to consoles. A gimmick that the masses bought, played with, then reverted to using their pc's and phones. Hopefully Windows 8 will actually show people what a tablet computer should do.*spoiler* (it's supposed to do more then make fart sounds, and play iTunes)
    Desktop software on a 10" touchscreen is completely useless.
    Tablets need purpose made software.
    Reply
  • blader15sk8
    southernsharkwhat's an x64 desktop or laptop???
    64-bit.

    x86 is 32-bit.
    Reply
  • jimsocks
    i just want something portable with 2 usb ports so i can offload pictures from my camera to an external hd. why can't manufacturers make something useful?!
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    It sure is going to be a lot of work. There's the whole issue of x86-64 codes running on ARM and vice versa.
    Reply