Best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026: our picks and what still does not work · Doxlore

Buying guidesMicrosoft Surface Laptop 7 (Copilot+)Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Snapdragon)Dell XPS 13 (9345, Snapdragon)HP OmniBook X 14 (Snapdragon)Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition)Microsoft Qualcomm Asus Lenovo Dell HP

Best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026: our picks and what still does not work

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Snapdragon laptops are now fast, quiet and last all day. Here are the ones worth buying in 2026, how Arm laptop performance feels in real use, and which apps still cause trouble.

The quick picks

Best for most people: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Lightest: Asus Zenbook A14
Best screen: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x
Best premium design: Dell XPS 13 (9345)
Best value: HP OmniBook X 14
Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 11

All of these use first generation Snapdragon X chips. Newer laptops with Snapdragon X2 are also out in 2026. They are faster, especially in graphics, but they cost a lot more. The older models are heavily discounted, and for most people they are the better deal.

How Arm laptop performance feels

Apps built for Arm, like Chrome, Edge, Office, Teams, Zoom, Spotify, Slack and most Adobe apps, feel fast. The laptop wakes instantly, stays cool, and the fans barely spin.

Apps that are not built for Arm run through Microsoft’s Prism emulator. Most feel fine, but heavy ones run slower than on an Intel or AMD laptop. Since late 2025, Prism also supports AVX and AVX2, which fixed a lot of creative apps and games that used to refuse to start.

The biggest win is battery life. A full work day with power to spare is normal, and that is the main reason to buy one.

Graphics are the weak spot. Light and older games play fine, but these are not gaming laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

The Surface Laptop 7 is the easiest recommendation. It comes in 13.8-inch and 15-inch sizes, both with a sharp 120Hz touchscreen. The keyboard and trackpad are some of the best on Windows, and the battery life is excellent.

It launched at $999 in 2024 and is now often much cheaper. Get 16GB of RAM and the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite. The 15-inch model is great if you want a bigger screen without much extra weight.

Asus Zenbook A14

The Zenbook A14 weighs under 1 kg and still has a big battery. That makes it one of the longest lasting Windows laptops you can buy. It has an OLED screen option and a full set of ports, including USB-A and HDMI.

The trade-off is a plainer design and a slower chip in the cheapest models. Pick a Snapdragon X Elite version if your budget allows.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

The Yoga Slim 7x has a 14.5-inch 3K OLED screen that looks fantastic for films and photos. It is thin, well built and uses the Snapdragon X Elite. If you care most about how the screen looks, pick this one.

Dell XPS 13 (9345)

The XPS 13 is the most stylish laptop here, with an edge to edge keyboard, a glass trackpad with no visible edges and a touch function row. It is also the most divisive. The function row can be hard to use by feel, and there are only two USB-C ports with no headphone jack.

If you love the look and get it on sale, it is a lovely machine. Otherwise the Surface Laptop 7 is easier to live with.

HP OmniBook X 14

HP OmniBook X 14 laptop on a desk

Photo: Booredatwork.com via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

The OmniBook X 14 is a simple, well made 14-inch laptop that often sells for less than its rivals. It does not stand out in any one area, but it does everything well, and it is a smart pick if you want Snapdragon battery life for less money.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

If you want a tablet that turns into a laptop, the Surface Pro 11 is the one. Get the OLED model and a Flex Keyboard bundle. It is light, the screen is great and battery life is strong. The newer 2026 Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 is faster but starts at $1,499.

What still does not work on Arm

App support is much better than two years ago, but check this list before you buy:

Games with kernel anti-cheat. Games like Valorant and some other online shooters still will not run. Fortnite now works, because Easy Anti-Cheat added Arm support.
Some VPN and security software. Many work now, but some company VPNs and antivirus tools still do not. Ask your IT team first if it is a work laptop.
Old printer and scanner drivers. Newer printers usually work. Old ones may not have Arm drivers.
Some pro audio plugins and niche tools. Music producers should check every plugin they rely on.

If everything you use is on the web or has an Arm version, you will not notice any difference, apart from the better battery.

The verdict: For most people, a discounted Surface Laptop 7 is the best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026. Check your must-have apps first, then enjoy the battery life.

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Windows on ARM is finally good enough, here is what still breaks

For browser-and-Office life, Snapdragon laptops are excellent. For games, pro audio and some niche tools, check first. What works now Two years of Snapdragon X laptops have sanded down the rough edges. Chrome, Edge, Office, Slack, Zoom, Spotify, most creative apps, all run natively or emulate acceptably, and the battery life is genuinely a generation ahead of comparable Intel machines. What still trips people up Many games and their anti-cheat systems. Some VPN and endpoint-security clients. Older peripheral and printer drivers. Certain pro-audio plugins. A handful of enterprise line-of-business apps. If your work or hobby depends on one of those, either wait or buy an Intel/AMD machine. Otherwise the XPS 13, Surface Pro 11 and OmniBook X 14 are easy recommendations. The verdict: The default answer flipped: assume ARM is fine unless you have a specific reason it is not, then check that reason carefully.

Sep 6, 2026Read discussion

Buying guidesMacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405)Apple Asus HP+3

The best laptop for students in 2026

Four picks across three budgets, from "if it stretches" to "on a tight one". If the budget stretches, MacBook Air 15 (M3) Silent, all-day battery, the best trackpad and one of the best screens, and heavily discounted now. The safe pick that will last a full degree and beyond. Best-value Windows, Asus Zenbook 14 OLED A gorgeous 120Hz OLED, solid build and strong battery for well under flagship money. The Windows pick for most students. Best battery life, HP OmniBook X 14 (Snapdragon) If you want to leave the charger at home, a Snapdragon ultraportable goes the longest. Check your coursework software runs on ARM first. On a tight budget, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14 Well-built, comfortable keyboard, dependable, and cheap. Nothing flashy, nothing wrong with it. The verdict: Air if you can, Zenbook if you want Windows value, OmniBook X for battery, IdeaPad if money is tight.

Sep 6, 2026

ReviewsMicrosoft Surface Pro (11th Edition)Microsoft Qualcomm

Surface Pro 11 review in 2026: specs, release date and is it still worth it?

Photo: Kyu3a via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Surface Pro 11 was the first Surface Pro that really worked. In 2026 there is a faster model, but it costs a lot more, and that helps the older one. Our score: 8 / 10 At a glance Spec Detail Full name Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC, 11th Edition Announced May 20, 2024 Released June 18, 2024 Display 13-inch, 2880 x 1920, 120Hz, LCD or OLED Chip Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite Memory 16GB or 32GB RAM, 256GB to 1TB removable SSD Ports 2x USB4 (USB-C), Surface Connect Weight About 895 g without keyboard Launch price $999 (X Plus, LCD), $1,499 (X Elite, OLED) Why this Surface Pro mattered Surface Pros always had the same problem. They were lovely tablets that ran hot, had short battery life, and cost a lot once you added a keyboard. The Surface Pro 11 fixed the first two by moving to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips. It stays cool, it has no fan noise worth talking about, and it lasts a full work day on one charge. Microsoft rates it for up to 14 hours of video. That is the main reason people still search for it two years later. Specs that still hold up The 13-inch screen is sharp and runs at 120Hz. Get the OLED version if you can. It has true blacks and much better HDR, and it makes the device feel far more expensive than the LCD model. The Snapdragon X Plus is fine for office work, browsing and video calls. The X Elite has more cores and is worth it if you edit photos or keep a lot of apps open. Both come with 16GB of RAM, which is still the right amount in 2026. You also get Wi-Fi 7, a very good 1440p front camera, and an SSD you can swap out yourself. What you do not get is a headphone jack, and there are only two USB-C ports. Windows on Arm is in better shape now When the Pro 11 launched, some apps simply would not run. That list is much shorter in 2026. Microsoft’s Prism emulator now handles AVX and AVX2, which many creative apps and games need, and more anti-cheat systems support Arm, so games like Fortnite now run. Some things still break. Older printer and scanner drivers, some VPN and security tools, and games with kernel anti-cheat like Valorant can still fail. Check the apps you rely on before you buy. Surface Pro 11 vs the 2026 Surface Pro In June 2026, Microsoft released a new 13-inch Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 chips. It is faster, especially in graphics, and can be ordered with up to 64GB of RAM. It also starts at $1,499, which is $500 more than the Pro 11 did. There is also the smaller 12-inch Surface Pro from 2025. It is cheaper, but its screen is 90Hz and lower resolution, and it drops the Surface Connect port. For most people, a discounted Surface Pro 11 with the OLED screen is the sweet spot. You get 90 percent of the experience for far less. The keyboard is still sold separately This has not changed and it probably never will. The Flex Keyboard is excellent, and it works both attached and detached, but it launched at around $350, or $450 with the Slim Pen. Look for bundles. A Surface Pro without a keyboard is just an expensive tablet. The good and the bad What works Long battery life and quiet running OLED option is gorgeous Great front camera for calls App support on Arm has improved a lot since launch Much cheaper than the 2026 model What doesn’t Keyboard costs extra Only two USB-C ports and no headphone jack Some games, drivers and security tools still do not work Awkward to use on your lap Who it’s for Buy it if you want a light Windows tablet that becomes a real laptop, and you can get it on sale with a keyboard. Skip it if you only ever use it as a laptop. A Surface Laptop 7 costs less and includes a keyboard. Alternatives worth a look Surface Pro (2026, Snapdragon X2), faster, but much more expensive. Surface Laptop 7, same chips in a normal laptop body. iPad Air (M3) with Magic Keyboard, a better tablet, a more limited computer. The verdict: Still the best value Surface Pro in 2026. Buy the OLED model on discount and budget for the keyboard.

ExplainersMicrosoft Surface Laptop (1st gen)Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Copilot+)Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st gen) in 2026: specs, ports, release date and can you still use one?

Photo: WikIan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 The first Surface Laptop had a fabric keyboard, a lovely 3:2 screen and a strange Windows version. Here is everything about it, and how usable it is today. At a glance Spec Detail Announced May 2, 2017 Released June 15, 2017 Screen 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504, 3:2 Processor Intel Core i5-7200U or i7-7660U, later Core m3-7Y30 Memory 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB SSD Ports 1x USB-A 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack Size 308.1 x 223.27 x 14.48 mm Weight 1,252 g (i5), 1,283 g (i7) Battery Up to 14.5 hours of video (when new) Launch price $999 for the i5 model, $799 for the later m3 model When did the Surface Laptop 1 come out? Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop on May 2, 2017, at an event focused on schools. It went on sale on June 15, 2017, starting at $999 with a Core i5, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A cheaper Core m3 model at $799 came later in 2017. It was replaced by the Surface Laptop 2 in 2018. Microsoft started calling this model Surface Laptop (1st Gen) after that, which is the name you will see on support pages. Surface Laptop 1 ports The port selection is very small, and it was a complaint even in 2017. You get: One full size USB-A 3.0 port One Mini DisplayPort 1.2 for an external monitor One Surface Connect port for charging and the Surface Dock One 3.5mm headphone jack There is no USB-C and no Thunderbolt. You cannot charge it over USB-C. You need the original Surface charger or a compatible Surface Connect charger. To add ports, a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and a USB-A hub are the cheap fixes. The Surface Dock also works. Surface Laptop 1 specs in plain words The screen is the best part. It is a 13.5-inch touchscreen with a tall 3:2 shape and a sharp 2256 x 1504 resolution. Tall screens are great for reading and writing, since you see more lines at once. The Core i5-7200U has two cores and four threads. It handled Office and web browsing well in 2017. The i7 model has faster Iris Plus graphics. The m3 model has no fan but is noticeably slower. The keyboard deck is covered in Alcantara, a soft fabric. It feels great when new, but it stains and wears over time. Check photos closely when buying used. You also get a 720p webcam with Windows Hello face login, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0. What was Windows 10 S? It shipped with Windows 10 S, a locked version of Windows that only ran apps from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft let owners switch to Windows 10 Pro for free, and most people did. Today most units you find will run normal Windows 10. If one is still in S mode, you can switch out for free from the Microsoft Store. Can you still use it in 2026? For light use, yes. It still browses the web, runs Office, plays YouTube and handles video calls. It will feel slow with lots of browser tabs, especially on 4GB of RAM. Look for 8GB or more. The bigger issue is software support. It cannot officially run Windows 11, because Windows 11 needs 8th generation Intel chips or newer. Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Microsoft has since extended free consumer security updates, called ESU, to October 12, 2027. After that, it will stop getting security fixes. Many owners install a lightweight Linux system to keep it going. It runs well on this hardware, and the touchscreen and Wi-Fi generally work. Battery and repairs Most units are now 7 to 9 years old. Expect the battery to last a fraction of the original 14.5 hours. Four or five hours of light use on an old battery is a good result. Repairs are the weak point. The laptop is glued shut, and getting inside usually means cutting through the fabric. A battery swap is hard and risky. Treat a used one as a device you use until the battery gives out. Who it’s for Buy it if you find one very cheap with 8GB of RAM, and you just need a light machine for browsing, writing or Linux. Skip it if you need Windows 11, good battery life or USB-C. A used Surface Laptop 3 or newer is a far safer buy. Alternatives worth a look Surface Laptop 3, adds USB-C and a newer Intel chip, still supports Windows 11. Surface Laptop 7, the modern version with Snapdragon X and great battery life. The verdict: A beautiful laptop from 2017 that is still usable for light jobs. Just know that Windows 10 security updates end in October 2027.

ReviewsAsus Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405)Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)Asus Intel+1

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) review in 2026: still a smart laptop buy?

A light 14-inch laptop with a 120Hz OLED screen and a big battery. In 2026 it often sells for well under its launch price, and that makes it easy to recommend. Our score: 8 / 10 At a glance Spec Detail Model UX3405MA Released Early 2024 Screen 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800 at 120Hz or 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz CPU Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, Ultra 7 155H or Ultra 9 185H Memory 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered) Battery 75 Wh Ports 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack Weight About 1.2 to 1.28 kg Wireless Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 What makes it good The Zenbook 14 OLED gets the basics right. It is light, well built, has a great screen, and lasts a long time on a charge. It also has a full set of ports, which many thin laptops no longer do. The main thing that changed in 2026 is the price. It launched at around $1,000 to $1,100, and it has regularly sold for $700 to $800 since. At that price, very few laptops offer an OLED screen this good. The OLED screen The 3K OLED version is the one to get. It is sharp, runs at 120Hz so scrolling feels smooth, and has deep blacks and rich colours. Films and photos look far better than on the IPS screens most laptops in this price range use. The screen is glossy, so it reflects bright lights. Some people who are sensitive to flicker also find OLED screens tiring at low brightness. If that is you, try one in a store first. Performance The Core Ultra 7 155H is fast for office work, web browsing, coding and photo editing. The built-in Intel Arc graphics can run older and lighter games at low settings, but this is not a gaming laptop. The fans stay quiet during light work and get louder under heavy load. It does not get uncomfortably hot on your lap. Battery life The 75 Wh battery is large for a laptop this light. With normal work, like browsing, documents and video calls, it lasts a full day. Heavy tasks at full brightness drain it much faster. It is not as long lasting as a MacBook Air or a Snapdragon laptop, but it is one of the better Intel laptops of its generation. What it is missing in 2026 It is not a Copilot+ PC. Its NPU is too slow for Microsoft’s local AI features like Recall and some Studio Effects. Most people will not miss them, but know that before you buy. The RAM is soldered to the board, so you cannot add more later. Get 16GB at a minimum, and 32GB if you keep it for many years. Asus has since released the UX3405CA with newer Intel chips, and the Snapdragon based Zenbook A14. The newer models cost more, and the older UX3405MA is the better value if you do not need Copilot+ features. The good and the bad What works Beautiful 120Hz OLED screen Light and well built Good battery for an Intel laptop Thunderbolt 4, USB-A and HDMI all built in Frequently on sale well below launch price What doesn’t Not a Copilot+ PC Soldered RAM Glossy screen reflects light Battery trails Snapdragon and Apple laptops Who it’s for Buy it if you want a light Windows laptop with a great screen and full app compatibility for under $800. Skip it if you want the longest battery life or Copilot+ AI features. Look at the Zenbook A14 or a MacBook Air. Alternatives worth a look Asus Zenbook A14, lighter with longer battery life, runs Windows on Arm. MacBook Air M3, better battery and build, if you are open to macOS. The verdict: One of the best value Windows laptops you can still buy in 2026. Get the OLED model with 16GB on sale.

Buying guidesValve Steam Deck OLED Asus ROG Ally X Asus Lenovo MSI+3

The best gaming handheld for you in 2026

Five handhelds, five clear use cases. For Nintendo games, Switch 2 The only way to play Mario, Zelda and Pokémon, now with a great screen and 4K docked output. For the best PC handheld experience, Steam Deck OLED SteamOS just works, the screen is lovely, the trackpads are unique. The one to buy if you want to play, not manage. For raw power and every storefront, ROG Ally X or MSI Claw 8 AI+ Full Windows, Game Pass, Epic, emulators. More setup, but nothing is off-limits. The Claw 8 leads on battery; the Ally X is lighter. For the biggest screen, Lenovo Legion Go 8.8 inches, detachable controllers, a mouse mode. Heavy, but nothing else offers this. The verdict: Switch 2 for Nintendo, Steam Deck OLED for polish, Ally X or Claw 8 for power, Legion Go for screen size.

Sep 6, 2026Read discussion

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Best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026: our picks and what still does not work

The quick picks

How Arm laptop performance feels

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

Asus Zenbook A14

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Dell XPS 13 (9345)

HP OmniBook X 14

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

What still does not work on Arm

0 comments

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