Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon can now run ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the first VPNs to support Windows on Arm PCs.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Windows on Arm PCs can now connect to the web using one of the most popular VPNs. ExpressVPN shared this week that its app now works withWindows on ArmPCs running Snapdragon processors, including theSnapdragon X Elite,Snapdragon X Plus, and the newly announcedSnapdragon X Plus (8-core). The addition of ExpressVPN to the list of thebest native Windows on Arm appsis a big boost to the platform, though technically speaking ExpressVPN is only “semi-native” on Windows on Arm.
If you have a PC powered by a Snapdragon processor, you can now grab a version of ExpressVPN that will work on your system through the company’s website. The site lists the version for Copilot+ PCs as in 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 getthree free months of ExpressVPNif you purchase a 12-month plan.
ExpressVPN | from $8.32 per month
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs available. It allows you to improve the security of your internet connection, protect your privacy, and bypass regional restrictions for content. There is now a beta version of ExpressVPN that works on Windows on Arm PCs.
Delving into the weeds a little bit, ExpressVPN’s phrasing could cause some confusion. While all currentCopilot+ PCsrun on Snapdragon X processors, there will beCopilot+ PCs running Intel and AMD chips later this year. As far as I’m aware, the reason ExpressVPN was not available on Copilot+ PCs until recently, and why several VPN services still aren’t on Copilot+ PCs, is due to Windows on Arm.
WhenNordVPN announced its Arm-native application, the company focused on the VPN working with Windows on Arm PCs, not Copilot+ branding. VPNs require more work to play nicely with Windows on Arm PCs than some other types of applications. NordVPN highlighted its work with Microsoft to get drivers to work when announcing its Arm-native version of NordVPN.
ExpressVPN took a different approach to make its app work with Windows on Arm systems. Rather than create a brand-new version of ExpressVPN native to Arm, ExpressVPN created a “semi-native” app that uses rebuilt drivers and that utilizesMicrosoft’s Prism emulation technology.
“Our engineers completely rebuilt the driver for our patented Lightway protocol to work with ARM machines, using Prism to emulate the remaining services, like our UI and backend,“said ExpressVPN. “This hybrid semi-native approach means ExpressVPN users get the best of both worlds—the full security of our premium VPN service and a far more condensed development time.”
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
I foresee quite a bit of confusion surrounding the Copilot+ PC branding. But that confusion would have been caused by Microsoft, not ExpressVPN or other app makers. The bottom line is that even if branding and marketing speak causes some confusion, one of the best VPNs is now available on more PCs.
🎒The best Back to School deals📝
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_.
