Signal, the renowned privacy-focused messaging app, has officially rolled out native Arm64 support for Windows 11, marking a significant leap in performance and efficiency for users of ARM-based devices. This update ensures that Signal runs seamlessly on Qualcomm Snapdragon and other ARM processors without the need for emulation, delivering faster load times, smoother performance, and reduced battery consumption.

Why Native Arm64 Support Matters

Native Arm64 support is a game-changer for Windows 11 users, particularly those on ARM-powered devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro X or Lenovo ThinkPad X13s. Previously, Signal relied on x86 emulation to run on ARM chips, which introduced performance overhead and inefficiencies. With native Arm64 support, the app now executes instructions directly on the processor, unlocking:

  • Faster performance: Reduced latency and quicker message delivery.
  • Improved battery life: Less CPU overhead means lower power consumption.
  • Optimized resource usage: Better memory management and responsiveness.

The Growing Importance of ARM in Windows 11

Microsoft has been steadily pushing ARM-based Windows devices as an alternative to traditional x86 laptops, emphasizing always-on connectivity, superior battery life, and thin-and-light designs. With Apple's success in transitioning Macs to its custom ARM-based M-series chips, the pressure is on Microsoft and its hardware partners to deliver a competitive experience. Native Arm64 apps like Signal are critical to this vision, ensuring users don’t have to compromise on performance or app availability.

Signal’s Commitment to Privacy and Performance

Signal has long been a leader in secure messaging, offering end-to-end encryption by default for texts, calls, and video chats. The move to native Arm64 support aligns with its mission to provide a seamless and secure experience across all platforms. By optimizing for ARM, Signal ensures that privacy-conscious users on Windows 11 ARM devices get the same high-performance experience as their x86 counterparts.

How to Get the Update

Windows 11 users on ARM devices can download the latest version of Signal directly from the official website. The app will automatically detect the system architecture and install the appropriate version. Users transitioning from the emulated version should notice immediate improvements in speed and efficiency.

What’s Next for Signal on Windows?

With native Arm64 support now live, Signal’s developers are likely focusing on further optimizations, including:

  • Enhanced video call performance: Leveraging ARM’s hardware acceleration.
  • Deeper Windows 11 integration: Better support for features like Snap Layouts and Widgets.
  • Expanded feature parity: Bringing desktop-exclusive features to ARM users.

The Bigger Picture: ARM’s Future in Windows

Signal’s update is part of a broader trend of developers embracing Arm64 for Windows. Major apps like Microsoft Office, Zoom, and now Signal have all introduced native ARM versions, signaling a shift toward a more ARM-friendly ecosystem. As Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X Elite processors promise even greater performance, the case for ARM-based Windows PCs will only strengthen.

Final Thoughts

Signal’s native Arm64 support is a win for privacy-focused users on Windows 11 ARM devices. By eliminating emulation overhead, the app delivers faster, more efficient performance while maintaining its gold-standard encryption. As more developers follow suit, ARM-based Windows PCs could finally realize their potential as true alternatives to x86 machines.