Windows has always been a desktop-only operating system, so it’s only been available for x86/圆4 processors. But tablets have USB ports, full web browsers, and word processing and photo editing apps, which means ARM-based portables have become direct challengers to x86/圆4-based desktops.

Tablets have to be small and light, which means tiny batteries, which means ARM processors. But in the past few years, the market’s gotten all hot and bothered for tablets that are bigger and more powerful than phones, but simpler than laptops - like the iPad or Kindle. Since the 90s, these architectures have existed in parallel worlds: ARM for phones and small PDAs, x86/圆4 for desktops and big laptops. The two processor architectures are mutually exclusive: a program that’s built for x86/圆4 can’t run on ARM under any circumstances, and vice versa. Mobile iOS and Android operating systems run on ARM. All versions of Windows run on x86/圆4.ĪRM processors: They’re weak but low-power processors for smartphones and other devices that aren’t plugged into the wall. So, they’re used in desktop computers that can plug into the wall. X86/圆4 processors: They’re fast and powerful, but they require a lot of electricity. But why does x86/圆4 vs ARM matter? Why does each processor require different versions of Windows? Let’s drill down. Windows RT can only run on ARM processors.Ĭool. Windows 8 can only run on x86/圆4 processors. They’re, like, almost the same, but also really different? It’s confusing. You may have heard about Windows RT vs Windows 8.

Amazon fire stick 32 or 64 bit