Build a Windows on Arm native application with clang
Introduction
Build a native windows application using LLVM for Windows on Arm
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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  28 Jul 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  28 Jul 2026
Author:Pareena Verma, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: Migration to Arm Windows LLVM Visual Studio Code
Author:
  • Pareena Verma, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
Migration to Arm Windows LLVM Visual Studio Code

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for software developers doing native development on Windows on Arm computers.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Configure the native LLVM toolchain with Visual Studio to compile for Windows on Arm
  • Build open-source PuTTY application for Windows on Arm using the native LLVM toolchain

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A Windows on Arm computer, such as the Lenovo Thinkpad X13s running Windows 11, or a Windows on Arm virtual machine .

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
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You’ll configure LLVM in Visual Studio on Windows on Arm and compile PuTTY with Clang. You’ll enable LLVM support, set up the CMake-based build, and install 32-bit x86 Strawberry Perl. You’ll then choose the correct compiler and target, and produce a native Windows on Arm PuTTY executable.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
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Which Visual Studio setup do I need before building?
Install Visual Studio 2022 or higher and add LLVM support in Visual Studio. The steps assume that configuration is in place.
Do I need an Arm build of Strawberry Perl?
No. There’s currently no Arm version of Strawberry Perl, so install the 32-bit x86 version.
What build system do I use for PuTTY in this path?
Build PuTTY as a CMake application with Clang from the LLVM toolchain for Windows on Arm.
Can I follow this on a Windows on Arm virtual machine?
Yes. You can use any Windows on Arm computer or a Windows on Arm virtual machine.
What result should I expect when the build succeeds?
Visual Studio produces a native Windows on Arm PuTTY build with the LLVM toolchain.
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