If you’re a Microsoft Surface user with an ARM-powered device, you’ve probably felt the frustration of missing out on certain apps. One of the biggest gaps has finally been filled—Google Drive now runs natively on Windows on ARM! This is a huge deal, and it means a much smoother experience for those using devices like the Surface Pro 9 (5G) and other ARM-based Windows laptops.
Why This Matters for Surface Users
For years, Google Drive has been a bit of a headache for Windows on ARM users. While you could still access it through a web browser, the lack of a native app meant no seamless file syncing, no easy offline access, and generally a second-rate experience compared to x86-based PCs. Now, with Google Drive officially supporting Windows on ARM, users can enjoy the full benefits of automatic syncing, offline file access, and better overall performance.
Marques Brownlee Saw This Coming
Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has talked about the struggles of Windows on ARM in the past. In one of his reviews, he specifically pointed out the lack of Google Drive support as a major downside, saying that a native version would make a big difference for ARM-based Surface users. Well, it looks like Google listened, and now that the app is here, it’s a step in the right direction for making Windows on ARM a more viable platform.
A Sign of More to Come?
This move could signal that more developers are finally starting to take Windows on ARM seriously. While Microsoft has been pushing hard for ARM support with devices like the Surface Pro X and Pro 9 (5G), app compatibility has been a major roadblock. With Google making this move, it might encourage other developers to bring their apps to the platform as well.
Apps like Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and even some games have already made the transition, but there are still plenty of apps that rely on emulation rather than native support. The more apps that go native, the better Windows on ARM devices will perform.
What’s Next for Windows on ARM?
With Google Drive now in the mix, it’s time for other big names to follow. Could we finally see better support from Adobe, Zoom, or even more Google apps? Chrome already runs natively on ARM, so it’s not impossible to think that Google might bring more of its suite over in the near future.
For now, if you’re a Surface user with an ARM device, enjoy this long-overdue upgrade! Windows on ARM is finally starting to feel like a real competitor in the laptop space, and this is just the beginning.