One of the best VPNs now works with Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X chips

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What you need to know

  • Private Internet Access now has an Arm-native version of its VPN, allowing Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips to use the app.
  • Very few VPNs work on Windows on Arm PCs due to driver compatibility.
  • The Arm-native version of Private Internet Access is still classified as a beta product, and it will keep that label “until Microsoft’s ARM ecosystem is fully rolled out,” according to the company.

As a tech-savvy individual who has been navigating the digital landscape for quite some time now, I am thrilled to see Private Internet Access (PIA) making its way onto the Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips! Having used PIA on various platforms in the past and appreciating their commitment to user privacy and online safety, this development is a breath of fresh air.

Recently, devices like the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, and Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, all powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, have been released under the Copilot+ brand. While these PCs have garnered positive feedback, there are certain limitations due to them operating on Windows 11 for Arm. For instance, compatibility with VPN services is currently limited, but users seeking a VPN solution for their Copilot+ PC can rejoice as Private Internet Access (PIA) now offers an app version tailored for Arm architecture.

“Himmat Bains, Head of Product at Private Internet Access, expressed his enthusiasm about integrating PIA’s features with Microsoft’s upcoming ARM-based systems. After putting in a lot of effort, we are delighted to ensure that all PIA functions work seamlessly on this new hardware. Our users can once more experience the complete capabilities of the PIA platform.”

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“Though constructing a system optimized for ARM architecture has presented unique hurdles, we’re thrilled to showcase our dedication to user privacy and internet security by being among the pioneers offering a VPN service now accessible on Copilot+.”

Due to the necessity of overhauling their frameworks and dependencies, Private Internet Access (PIA) has had to ensure their VPN service works on Windows devices with ARM architecture. Given the extent of work involved, it’s probably the reason why other VPN services have yet to support Windows on Arm systems.

The Arm version of PIA is labelled as a beta product, despite being “rigorously tested.” PIA explains that its Arm-native VPN will remain a beta product “until Microsoft’s ARM ecosystem is fully rolled out.”

VPNs on Windows on Arm

On Arm-based Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, the system can emulate apps, bridging most application usage gaps. However, VPNs represent a distinct category as they frequently depend on drivers that are not compatible with Arm-based Windows 11 systems. Exciting news came when NordVPN announced an upcoming VPN version for such systems, but the app is yet to be released. As a result, there’s a limited selection of VPNs that currently function on devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, Snapdragon X Plus, or other Arm processors.

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Fortunately, Private Internet Access (PIA) has made it to TechRadar’s list of top VPN services. On this list, PIA is recognized as one of the “best VPNs for Linux,” but it also offers versions compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web platforms. TechRadar provides a comprehensive review of Private Internet Access, which includes an evaluation of the Windows app and other platforms as well.

Similar to numerous Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Private Internet Access (PIA) safeguards your device by channeling its internet data through a private server. This secure connection also conceals your IP address. You can utilize PIA to create the illusion of being in another location for security purposes or to circumvent region-based limitations on content.

PIAs unique offerings set it apart from many other VPN services. One of these features is an automatic shut-off mechanism for your traffic if the connection to PIAs servers gets disrupted. Additionally, since PIAs servers are RAM-only, they can’t store data about your VPN usage. The service also includes unlimited bandwidth, a feature that blocks ads and malware, and support for P2P file sharing (which is beneficial for torrents), making for a strong set of features in PIAs specifications.

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2024-08-06 18:42