ExpressVPN Finds Creative Solution for ARM Compatibility

One of the top VPN solutions on the market, ExpressVPN, has taken a significant step forward in making its app compatible with the latest Windows devices. This move is especially relevant for those seeking VPN solutions for small businesses, as well as robust endpoint security VPN options.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has collaborated closely with Qualcomm, the creators of the Snapdragon X Elite processor, and Microsoft to accelerate the release of a fully ARM-compatible VPN app for Windows. Instead of starting from scratch with a new ARM application, the team discovered an innovative solution to address the compatibility issue.

As of September 4, ExpressVPN’s ARM-compatible app is available in beta, with a full production launch scheduled for mid-October. This development is a key advancement for businesses looking for reliable VPN solutions and enhanced endpoint security VPNs.

A Hybrid Approach

The new Microsoft Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon processors offer improved battery life and faster performance, but they have struggled with VPN compatibility. Many VPN solutions still aren’t ready to support Qualcomm’s high-performance ARM-based processors, a gap that the ExpressVPN team aimed to close.

“Snapdragon is one of the most exciting innovations for the Windows platform in recent times. We saw this as an opportunity to provide a high-performance VPN solution tailored for ARM’s capabilities,” said Peter Membrey, Chief Engineering Officer at ExpressVPN.

The primary challenge with VPN compatibility on ARM-based Windows machines has been that emulation can severely limit performance, affecting the effectiveness of VPN solutions. However, ExpressVPN has found a way to overcome this problem without having to build a native ARM application from scratch.

According to a blog post from ExpressVPN, the release of Microsoft’s new Prism emulator with the Windows 11 24H2 update has made it possible for emulated apps to perform as well as native ones. Seizing this opportunity, the team optimized their custom-built VPN protocol, Lightway, inspired by WireGuard, to fully leverage the enhanced emulation capabilities.

“By utilizing Microsoft’s improved emulation and Lightway’s adaptable architecture, we were able to address the initial limitations and deliver this app version effectively,” Membrey explained.

This development is particularly significant for businesses seeking comprehensive VPN solutions and enhanced endpoint security VPN options, as it addresses both performance and compatibility challenges in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.