NordVPN brings ARM-native app to Snapdragon PCs

NordVPN recently launched its own app on Windows ARM devices. The VPN service is the first company to deliver a native application that has been specially developed for the Surface Pro and other ARM-based devices. Users of these laptops can now download the app from the Microsoft Store.

The NordVPN app for Windows has been specifically optimized for the ARM64 architecture to provide a seamless and powerful VPN experience alongside the existing version for x64 devices. In contrast to an emulated version, this should enable a direct adaptation to the instruction set architecture of ARM processors, which should bring several advantages.

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Marijus Briedis, the CTO of NordVPN, explained this step and its implications as follows:

“The app in its native implementation follows the logic and instruction set of that particular processor’s architecture. The app speaks the ‘language’ of the processor and they can work together seamlessly. Our decision to develop an ARM-native NordVPN application is based on a number of advantages over ARM emulation. These include faster response to inputs, seamless execution of all commands and stronger application security.”

What can you do with the app?

NordVPN encrypts its users’ data traffic and masks their IP address to protect their online activities. The Windows ARM version of the app has been specially designed to utilize the full performance of the hardware. However, users of the app should note that the current version does not yet include all the functions of the x64 version. According to NordVPN, the development team is working on offering the full range of functions for ARM devices such as the Surface Pro. This includes Threat Protection ProTM, for example.