Windows on ARM PCs are about to get some of the best customization software around, and you can test the apps now
You can now test out Stardock’s software through the Object Desktop Insider program.
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What you need to know
Stardock has a wide range of apps that enhance the Windows experience and allow you to customize your PC. We’ve covered many of these apps in the past, includingGroupy,Fences, andStart11. Today, Stardock announced Object Desktop Insider, which lets members gain early access to software that’s still in testing.
Many of our readers will be familiar with Insider testing, as quite a few of them are Windows Insiders. The general concept is the same as what Microsoft does, Stardock provides early access to Insiders and then receives feedback based on real-world usage.
“With the Insider program being part of Object Desktop, this allows us to bring some features and products to our customers faster,“explained Stardockin its announcement post of its Insider program.
“While the testing and validation of each build for stability occurs with all of our releases, Object Desktop Insider builds will contain newer features before they may be fully baked as we evaluate the scenarios of how a feature functions in the real world.”
The first wave of builds for Object Desktop Insiders includes versions of Start11 v2, Fences 5, and Groupy 2 that support ARM PCs. Windows on ARM can run non-native apps through emulation, but performance and efficiency is better when apps are optimized for Windows on ARM. You can download the ARM builds of the apps from theObject Desktop dashboard if you’ve purchased the suite.
Stardock also shared that it is “experimenting with a new application that lets Object Desktop members have access to AI-tools without having to sign up for each service that comes online.” That app is in its early stages, however, so it’s not available for Insiders at this time.
A big year for Windows on ARM
Stardock is only the latest company to embrace Windows on ARM. You’ll see several companies follow suit, since Qualcomm plans to release itsSnapdragon X Elite processorlater this year in June. That chip promises to compete with the best from Intel, AMD, and Apple. If it meets expectations, Windows on ARM could have its most viable processor to date.
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Qualcomm shared benchmarks for the Snapdragon X Elite that show the CPU can outperform Apple’s M2 Max and Intel’s Core i9-13980HX.Leaked benchmarks back up those claims, though we’ll have to see real-world usage and testing to know for sure.
Windows on ARM has had a long journey. It started with smartphone processors powering PCs and has evolved gradually. All the while, Microsoft has improved Windows itself to work better on ARM-powered systems. But all the operating system improvements in the world won’t mean much if software has to run through emulation. Developers optimizing their apps for Windows on ARM PCs will make as much or more of a difference than anything Microsoft can do.
Google has an ARM version of its Chrome browserin testing.Brave already has a stable release of its browserthat’s generally available for Windows on ARM PCs. Now, we have Stardock working on ARM-optimized versions of its suite of apps.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
