Upgrading Your Business to Arm Devices: What IT Leaders Need to Know

Transitioning to Windows for Arm devices requires careful planning, especially for IT teams. It’s not just about adapting your print workflows, but also about ensuring seamless integration with other critical business processes. Let’s explore how you can ensure a smooth upgrade across all workflows.

When a new gaming console launches, it’s common for the initial selection of games to be limited. Over time, as developers catch up, the library grows, and the full potential of the platform is realized. The same is true for Windows on Arm. These devices promise exciting advancements in performance, AI capabilities, and energy efficiency. However, as with any new platform, early adopters will inevitably encounter some growing pains—such as limited app and software compatibility, including print workflows.

Why Windows on Arm Matters Now

Microsoft’s introduction of Windows 11 on Arm is a bold move toward the future. These devices support advanced AI capabilities like Microsoft Copilot, and they offer practical advantages such as extended battery life for mobile users. While this makes Arm architecture appealing for forward-thinking organizations, it also creates challenges. Like the early days of new gaming systems, software needs time to catch up with the hardware.

If you purchase one of these laptops today, you will currently find limited compatibility not just for printing, but for many enterprise applications. This is the growing pain of innovation, and printing is just one small piece of the puzzle.

Pharos’ Approach to Supporting Windows on Arm

Microsoft and Qualcomm: Pharos’ Commitment to Arm Compatibility

Our engineering team has been collaborating with Microsoft and Qualcomm to develop a fully compatible solution. Pharos Cloud has supported Secure Release printing and print tracking from Arm-based PCs since the 4.2 release in May 2025. With the new 4.3 release, we have developed a desktop app that supports managed direct IP printing. In addition, the release updates the print experience of the Microsoft IPP driver to match the look and feel of the Pharos IPP driver that customers are familiar with.

Pharos’ Guidance for Deployment of Arm Devices

For now, we recommend rolling out Windows 11 on Arm devices selectively. Focus initial deployments on users who can adapt to the current limitations. For executives or employees with specific needs and workflows, it’s best to roll out the transition once initial challenges have been addressed to ensure a seamless experience.

A Long-Term Perspective

When Apple transitioned to its own silicon processors, it disrupted workflows reliant on Intel-based hardware. But as apps and software caught up, the transition became seamless. The same will be true for running Windows on Arm-based hardware. As developers create solutions that support the new architecture, compatibility will no longer be a barrier.

At Pharos, we see this transition as an opportunity to modernize. While the current app ecosystem may feel limited, this shift is setting the stage for more efficient, flexible solutions.

Ready for the Journey

The move to Arm-based PCs is just beginning. As the app ecosystem matures, Pharos is committed to ensuring that your print workflows evolve alongside your IT infrastructure.

Microsoft’s introduction of Windows 11 on Arm is a bold move toward the future. These devices support