Proton VPN now offers a native Windows on ARM app. Those who own an ARM-powered Windows laptop should install the new app for improved performance and power efficiency.
Most Windows laptops use an x86 Intel or AMD processor. But a handful of new machines, including thelatest Surface devices, are powered by cutting-edge Snapdragon X chipsets that utilize the ARM architecture tomaximize battery life. These laptops work best with native ARM64 apps—theycanrun traditional x86 applications through a built-in compatibility layer, but ARM64 provides better battery life and performance. (To identify a Windows on ARM laptop, look for a Snapdragon sticker on the underside of the chassis or below the keyboard.)
TheARM64 versionof Proton VPN is functionally identical to the x86 version. It offers advanced features like port forwarding and split tunneling, it supports the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Stealth protocols, and it provides integrated ad-blocking. In other words, no features are missing from this release. If you’re currently using the x86 Proton VPN app on an ARM-powered laptop, you should switch to the ARM64 installation.
Very few VPN apps natively support Windows on ARM.Surfshark,NordVPN, and Proton VPN are early adopters, while rivals likeExpressVPNandPrivate Internet Accessoffer ARM64 apps in beta. We expect the app compatibility situation to improve dramatically over the coming months.
Proton VPN has also published an end-of-yearproduct roadmapwith a list of upcoming features, such as an iOS home screen widget, expanded IPv6 support, port forwarding on macOS and Linux, and expanded support for streaming platforms.
To install the ARM64 version of Proton VPN, go to theProton VPN downloadspage, open the Windows dropdown, and select “(Latest) Windows 11 or Windows 10 (ARM64).” Note that you may need to uninstall the x86 Proton VPN app after installing the ARM64 release.
