Optimize Windows applications using Arm Performance Libraries
Introduction
Before you begin
Create and Run a Windows on Arm application
Git setup
Build and Profile an Application with Spin the Cube and Visual Studio
Use Arm Performance Libraries to Optimize Performance
Next Steps

  Log an issue

  Fork and edit

  Discuss on Discord

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  11 Aug 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  11 Aug 2026
Author:Odin Shen, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: Migration to Arm Windows Visual Studio csharp dotnet Arm Performance Libraries
Author:
  • Odin Shen, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
Migration to Arm Windows Visual Studio csharp dotnet Arm Performance Libraries

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for software developers who want to improve the performance of Windows on Arm applications using Arm Performance Libraries.

What will you learn?

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

  • Develop a Windows on Arm application using Microsoft Visual Studio.
  • Utilize Arm Performance Libraries to optimize the performance of an application.

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.

Close
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You’ll set up Visual Studio 2022 on Windows on Arm, create a starter console app, and profile the SpinTheCubeInGDI example. First, you’ll capture a baseline while it runs a rotating 3D shape, then install Arm Performance Libraries and profile again. You’ll compare the results to assess how library integration and programming options affect execution.

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
?
Which Visual Studio 2022 edition should I use for this path?
Use any edition of Visual Studio 2022 that meets your needs. The Community edition is free and suitable for students, open source contributors, and individual developers.
Where should I clone the example, and how do I confirm it cloned correctly?
Clone the repository into an empty directory you can write to. After cloning, you should see SpinTheCubeInGDI.sln and the source file SpinTheCubeInGDI.cpp in the repository folder.
How do I open and run the Spin the Cube example, and what result should I expect?
Open SpinTheCubeInGDI.sln in Visual Studio, then build and run it. A window that draws a spinning 3D cube indicates the application is running correctly.
What should I check when profiling the application in Visual Studio?
Capture a baseline profile while the spinning cube runs, then repeat after changing the example’s programming options such as multithreading. Compare the results between runs to understand the differences.
How do I install and apply Arm Performance Libraries in this workflow?
Install Arm Performance Libraries for Windows on Arm by following the install guide . Integrate the libraries as directed by the guide, rebuild the project, and profile again to compare with your baseline.
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