What you need to know
- Google has announced Drive for Desktop ARM64 support.
- The updated app is currently in open beta, but lacks “Outlook Meet plugin.”
- Google Drive is a “make or break” app for many people who want new Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors.
As a seasoned tech enthusiast who’s seen the rise and fall of numerous operating systems and hardware platforms, I can confidently say that this latest development by Google is a breath of fresh air for those using Windows on Arm devices, especially the ones powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors.
Even more good news has arrived for those running new or older Qualcomm-based Windows laptops (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite): Google has finally shipped a working beta of its popular Drive for Desktop app just in time for the best Windows on Arm laptops this holiday season.
The refreshed app was announced on the Google Drive help page (via Thurrott). It is functionally the same as the x86-64 version, except it currently lacks the Outlook Meet plugin (which few people tend to use).
From the Google Drive announcement:
Delighted to share that we’ve initiated the trial phase of Drive for Desktop compatibility on Windows 11 devices powered by ARM64 architecture! This edition includes native ARM64 files and maintains the same functionalities found on other systems, with one exception: the Outlook Meet plugin is currently unavailable.
Google also stated the requirements for its Drive for Desktop app, most of which is pretty obvious:
- Windows 11 Required: The beta version of Google Drive for desktop is compatible exclusively with devices running Windows 11.
- Microsoft WebView2 Required: This component is typically included with Windows 11; however, if it is missing or was previously removed, our installer will prompt you to download and install it.
Users can download the setup package right from Google here.
Google Drive is a big deal for ARM64 and Windows 11
After Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon X platform, which powers efficient yet powerful chips in new laptops, there were still many questions about whether popular apps would be compatible. However, since then, several major apps have been added, such as Telegram, Vivaldi browser, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Illustrator, and Slack. For a comprehensive list of the top Windows on Arm applications, check out our selection.
Nevertheless, Google Drive wasn’t among the compatible apps and was one of the rare ones that didn’t function in compatibility/emulation mode. Many Windows 11 users emphasized that the support for Google Drive Desktop was crucial to their daily routine and one of those applications that significantly impacted their overall experience, either positively or negatively.
With the arrival of Google Drive for Desktop (even in its beta stage), Microsoft and Qualcomm can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they face fewer challenges when users voice concerns about transitioning to ARM64 architecture.
Indeed, another sore spot, Windows 11 ISO packages, was missing until a few days ago when Microsoft made an ISO package for Windows 11 for Arm64-based PCs available to download. Google also recently announced that its Quick Share file-sharing app is headed to Windows on Arm.
Qualcomm is likely to participate in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which takes place at the start of January in Las Vegas. It will be intriguing to observe if they unveil any additional software developments, progressions, or give hints about the second generation of the Snapdragon X processor platform.
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2024-11-20 00:09