Run x86 Apps on ARM-based Windows 11 & 12 Without Lag 2026 Guide
Hey ARM enthusiasts! Welcome back to Technical Kachhua. If you have recently upgraded to a new Windows 12 laptop with a powerful ARM processor (like the Snapdragon X Elite or a custom Intel ARM chip), you are probably loving the insane battery life and instant-on features. But then you try to open that one old favorite app, and it either crashes, or it runs so slow it feels like dial-up internet again. This is the classic “x86 app on ARM“ problem.
For a long time, this was the biggest headache for Windows on ARM users. But guess what? In 2026, things have changed dramatically! Microsoft has made huge improvements to its emulation layer (now called “Prism+”), and with the help of NPUs, running x86 apps is no longer a laggy nightmare.
Today, I am going to show you how to get your classic x86 and x64 apps running smoothly on your ARM-based Windows 12 PC. Let’s make that old software fly!
Understanding the Problem: ARM vs. x86
Imagine your ARM laptop speaks a different language than your old x86 apps. To make them understand each other, Windows uses an “emulator” (like a real-time translator).
x86/x64: These are instructions for Intel/AMD processors (the “old” language).
ARM64: This is the native language for ARM processors (the “new” language).
The emulator translates x86 instructions into ARM64 instructions on the fly. Earlier, this translation was very slow. But now, with Prism+ and NPU assistance, it’s much faster.
1. Ensure Windows 12 is Updated (Prism+ is Key!)
Microsoft constantly updates its emulation layer. Make sure you are on the latest Windows 12 build.
Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Install all available updates, including optional ones.
Why this matters: Microsoft released “Prism+ Optimization Pack v2” in late 2025 which uses the NPU to speed up emulation for certain types of x86 instructions. Without this update, you are using an older, slower emulator.
2. Check for Native ARM64 Versions (Always Prefer Native!)
Before trying to emulate, always check if a native ARM64 version of your app exists. Many popular apps are now native:
Google Chrome
Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom
Microsoft Teams & Office 365
VLC Media Player
Spotify
How to check: Go to the app’s official website and look for an “ARM64” or “Windows on ARM” download option.
3. Optimizing Prism+ for Performance
Even with Prism+, there are a few tricks to get the best performance.
a. Disable “Power Efficiency Mode” for the App
Windows 12 might put emulated apps into a “power-saving” mode.
Open Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc).Go to the Details tab.
Find your x86 app (
.exefile). Right-click it.Select “Set priority” to “High”.
Also, check “Power Mode” if available and set it to “Performance”.
b. Update Graphics Drivers (Important for x86 Games/Apps)
Even for emulated apps, good graphics drivers are crucial.
Go to your laptop manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft).
Download the latest graphics drivers for your specific ARM laptop model.
These drivers often include optimizations for Prism+.
c. Use “Game Mode” for x86 Games
If you are trying to run an old x86 game, enable Windows 12’s Game Mode.
Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
Turn Game Mode to On.
This prioritizes your game and gives it more resources, helping Prism+ work better.
4. Understanding NPU's Role in Emulation (The Secret Sauce)
Microsoft’s Prism+ is getting smarter. For certain common x86 instructions (especially those related to graphics or common computing tasks), the NPU on your Snapdragon X Elite can actually “accelerate” the emulation.
This means the NPU acts like a super-fast helper, taking some load off the CPU during emulation.
You don’t need to do anything specific for this. Just make sure your NPU drivers are updated (check our previous blog if you need help!).
5. If Nothing Works: Consider Virtualization (Advanced)
For very specific, stubborn x86 apps (like old industrial software that needs exact x86 hardware access), you might need a virtual machine.
VMware Workstation Pro for ARM or Parallels Desktop for ARM (if on a Mac running Windows 12 via Parallels).
These tools create a fully virtualized x86 environment. This is more resource-intensive, but it’s the last resort for maximum compatibility.
Conclusion
Running x86 apps on ARM Windows 12 used to be a pain point, but in 2026, thanks to Prism+, NPU acceleration, and continuous updates, it’s becoming a much smoother experience. While native ARM64 apps will always offer the best performance and battery life, you no longer have to fear those legacy x86 applications.
I hope this guide helped you conquer your x86 compatibility issues! What old x86 app are you finally running smoothly on your ARM laptop? Tell me in the comments below!
Thanks for reading Technical Kachhua. Stay compatible, stay productive!
