Windows on ARM users, rejoice! Google Drive has officially graduated from beta and is now generally available for Windows 11 on ARM devices. This marks a significant milestone for the platform, which has been steadily gaining traction in the tech world. If you’ve been waiting for native support to sync and store your files seamlessly, the wait is over.
Google announced the news with enthusiasm, stating, “Last year, we introduced a new beta that supports running Google Drive on ARM-compatible Windows PCs, and today we’re excited to announce this is now generally available.” Compiled specifically for ARM64, this release ensures that users with Snapdragon-powered devices can enjoy a smooth and efficient experience.
For those unfamiliar, Windows on ARM has had its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to app compatibility. But with Google Drive now fully optimized for ARM64, users can finally sync and manage their files without relying on emulation. This is a big win for anyone using devices like the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 11, or other Snapdragon-powered laptops.
Google also highlighted the technical requirements, noting that the new Drive client requires Microsoft WebView2, which is bundled with Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge. If you’ve somehow managed to uninstall it, don’t worry—you can easily reinstall it from Microsoft’s website.
Why This Matters
The availability of Google Drive for Windows 11 on ARM is more than just a convenience; it’s a testament to the growing support for the platform. As Google put it, this release “enables users to easily sync and store files online from Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon processors.” It’s a clear signal that major players in the tech industry are recognizing the potential of ARM-based devices.
Windows on ARM users have been holding their breath for what feels like an eternity, waiting for the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite to natively support ARM-based devices. Despite promises from Adobe that this rollout would be completed by late last year, the finish line still seems frustratingly out of reach.
While some Adobe apps, like Photoshop and Lightroom, have been running natively on ARM64 since 2020, others—such as Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects—remain stuck in limbo. Adobe has assured users that these apps are “actively being worked on” and will eventually be optimized for ARM64, but the timeline remains vague.
The delay has left many creators feeling stranded, especially those who rely on the full suite for their work. Running apps through emulation on ARM devices is far from ideal, as it often results in reduced performance and efficiency. Adobe’s partnership with Microsoft and Qualcomm has shown promise, but users are eager for tangible results.
Adobe has stated that Illustrator and InDesign are expected to gain native ARM versions soon, with Premiere Pro and After Effects following later this year. While this news offers a glimmer of hope, it’s clear that the wait has tested the patience of many in the creative community.
For now, Windows on ARM users will have to make do with the apps that are already optimized—or continue to rely on emulation for the rest. Let’s hope Adobe delivers on its promises sooner rather than later because the creative world has already embraced the full power of ARM-native tools via the competition.
With Google Drive now in the mix, the future looks bright for Windows on ARM. This development follows a series of updates and improvements aimed at making the platform more robust and user-friendly. As more developers optimize their apps for ARM64, the ecosystem is poised to become even more versatile.
So, if you’re a Windows on ARM user, it’s time to celebrate. Head over to the Google Drive Help website to download the new client and start enjoying a seamless file management experience. The ARM revolution is here, and it’s only getting better.
