Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon can now run ExpressVPN

What you need to know

ExpressVPN is now available on Windows on Arm PCs running on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Only a small handful of VPNs are available on these types of PCs at the moment, since making a VPN work on Windows on Arm requires extra time and effort from app developers.
You can download the beta version of ExpressVPN that works on Windows on Arm PCs through the company’s website.

As someone who has spent countless hours navigating the digital landscape, I must say, the news of ExpressVPN becoming available on Windows on Arm PCs is quite exciting! Having used this VPN service myself for years, I appreciate their commitment to expanding their reach and adapting to new platforms.

On Arm-based Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon processors like the Snapdragon X Elite, Snapdragon X Plus, and the freshly introduced Snapdragon X Plus (8-core), users can now connect to the internet using one of the top VPN services, ExpressVPN. This week, ExpressVPN announced that their app is now compatible with these Windows on Arm devices. While not fully native, it’s considered “semi-native” on this platform, but its inclusion is a significant enhancement for the Windows on Arm ecosystem.

If your computer utilizes a Snapdragon processor, you can now obtain a compatible version of ExpressVPN directly from their website. On their site, they specify that the version for Copilot+ PCs is currently in its testing phase (beta).

Pricing for ExpressVPN depends on how long you pay for at a time. The service costs $8.32 per month for 12 months, $9.99 per month for six months, and $12.95 per month for a one-month plan. You can get three free months of ExpressVPN if you purchase a 12-month plan.

Exploring a bit deeper, it appears that ExpressVPN’s implementation might lead to some misunderstandings. At present, all Copilot+ PCs utilize Snapdragon X processors. However, Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD chips will be available later this year. It seems that the reason ExpressVPN wasn’t compatible with Copilot+ PCs until recently, and why some VPN services still aren’t, is due to Windows on Arm architecture.

Upon launching their Arm-optimized application, NordVPN emphasized that it was designed for VPN usage on Windows PCs powered by Arm architecture, rather than promoting the Copilot+ branding. It’s worth noting that integrating VPN services with Arm-based Windows PCs can be more intricate compared to other types of applications due to their specific requirements. In unveiling its Arm-native NordVPN version, the company underscored the effort they put into collaborating with Microsoft to ensure smooth driver operation.

Instead of building a completely new application for Arm-based Windows systems, ExpressVPN developed a semi-native app that leverages rebuilt drivers and relies on Microsoft’s Prism emulation technology to function effectively.

According to ExpressVPN, their engineers have redesigned the driver for their Lightway protocol to be compatible with ARM machines. They’ve used Prism software to mimic other services such as the UI and backend that aren’t yet available on these machines. This mixed approach, which combines native and emulated elements, provides ExpressVPN users with the best of both worlds: they enjoy top-notch VPN security and a significantly reduced development time.

It’s expected that there may be a fair amount of misunderstanding about the Copilot+ PC label. However, it’s important to note that this potential confusion stems from Microsoft, not ExpressVPN or other application developers. Ultimately, one of the top VPN options is now accessible on a wider range of personal computers.

2024-09-06 19:09

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