Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for software developers who want to use Arm64EC with Windows on Arm devices.

What will you learn?

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

  • Build native Arm applications and migrate x86 or x64 applications to Arm using Arm64EC
  • Compare the performance of a simple application using different build configurations

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A Windows on Arm computer such as the Lenovo Thinkpad X13s running Windows 11.

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.

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You’ll use Arm64EC with Visual Studio on Windows 11 on Arm to build and compare a simple application. You’ll create native Arm64EC binaries, run them on the device, compare build configurations, and examine how the ABI supports migration from x86 or x64 code and dependencies.

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.

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How do I know my device is ready to build with Arm64EC?
Use a Windows 11 on Arm computer. The Lenovo Thinkpad X13s is one example of suitable hardware.
Which Visual Studio version should I install for this path?
Install Visual Studio 2022 or later.
Which option should I choose for a new project versus migrating an existing x86/x64 project?
For new code, build a native application targeting Arm using Arm64EC. For existing x86 or x64 code, migrate the project using Arm64EC on Windows 11 on Arm.
What result should I expect after building and running the sample with Arm64EC?
The build produces a Windows application that runs on the Arm device and produces the expected output for the simple example. Successful execution confirms the build and configuration are correct.
What should I record to compare performance across build configurations?
Use the same simple application, run each build on the device, and note observed runtime behavior and timing. Keep the test conditions consistent so differences reflect the build configuration.
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