When Microsoft introduced its vision for the future of computing with Copilot+ PCs, many questions emerged—particularly about application compatibility. The success of these ARM64-based devices and their operating system hinges largely on support for widely-used applications.
Initially, some popular programs, including Google Drive, were absent, raising concerns among potential users. However, this has now changed, as Google Drive has officially become available in beta for Windows 11 ARM64. This development marks a significant step in ensuring broader application support, making it easier for users to adopt Microsoft’s new platform.
Google Drive will officially arrive on computers with Windows 11 ARM64
Over time, many essential applications have been updated to support Windows 11 ARM64 natively, including famous programs like Telegram, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Illustrator, Slack, and Vivaldi. However, until recently, Google Drive had been a notable exception, a drawback for users who relied on this cloud storage solution and hesitated to adopt the ARM64 platform without it.
Fortunately, the team at Thurrott revealed that Google Drive now supports Windows 11 ARM64 in beta format. This version offers nearly all the features available on other platforms, except full Outlook Meet integration, which may be addressed in future updates.
This is excellent news for users of ARM64 laptops equipped with Qualcomm processors, such as the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon models, who can now access a native version of this indispensable tool.
According to the official Google Drive support page, the beta application has straightforward requirements:
- Windows 11 ARM64
- The Microsoft WebView2 component
While the beta version brings the platform closer to a complete experience, users should be aware of potential bugs affecting performance or data. However, these issues are typical during trial phases and are expected to improve as the app progresses toward a stable release.
This development signals a broader push for ARM64 adoption. Qualcomm is set to participate in CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where it’s likely to announce additional applications and programs gaining official support for Windows 11 ARM64 processors. With continued advancements like this, the ARM64 ecosystem is steadily positioning itself as a viable alternative in the computing market.
