Build and run a native Windows on Arm Qt application
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Build and run a native Windows on Arm Qt application

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  20 min
Last updated:  28 Jul 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  20 min
Last updated:
  28 Jul 2026
Author:Dawid Borycki
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: Migration to Arm Windows C CPP Qt
Author:
  • Dawid Borycki
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
Migration to Arm Windows C CPP Qt

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for software developers who want to use the native performance of the Qt framework for building desktop applications on Windows on Arm (WoA).

What will you learn?

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

  • Build and run a Qt-based desktop application
  • Investigate performance improvements gained by running on Arm64

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

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 build and run a Qt desktop application as a native Arm64 binary on Windows on Arm. You’ll configure the project target, compile and launch the app, then observe runtime behavior to investigate possible performance improvements from native execution and Qt libraries.

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 if I built a native Arm64 binary?
Confirm that your build configuration targets Arm64 for Windows on Arm, then run the resulting executable on the device. A successful launch without additional changes indicates a native build.
What should I check if my project fails to compile?
Verify that your Qt installation supports Windows on Arm; Qt 6.2 adds native Windows on Arm support. Also check that the required Qt modules for your project are installed.
What result should I expect when I run the application?
A Qt desktop window should launch and respond on Windows on Arm. Basic UI interactions should work as they do on other platforms supported by Qt.
How can I investigate performance improvements after building for Arm64?
Run the native Arm64 build and observe runtime behavior such as startup and UI responsiveness. Record your observations to compare how the app feels when executed natively.
Do I need to use Qt Creator to complete this Learning Path?
No. Qt Creator is available, but the you’ll focus on building and running a Qt application on Windows on Arm. You don’t need a specific IDE.
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