Windows 11 updates Prism to support more x64 apps to run on arm64 PCs (build 27744)

• Windows 11 build 27744 rolls out in the Canary Channel with a new version of the Prism emulator. 
• Microsoft also releases build 26120.2213 in the Dev Channel with minor changes.
• Finally, the Gamepad keyboard layout experience has been reenabled in both updates.

Microsoft begins the rollout of Windows 11 build 27744 in the Canary Channel with improvements and fixes for existing features. Also, this update reintroduces previously removed features. In addition, the company recently made available build 26120.2213 in the Dev Channel as the update KB5045885 with minor changes and several fixes.

According to the official notes, the Windows 11 build 27744 ships with more processor instructions for the Prism emulator, reintroduces the Gamepad keyboard layout, and rolls out some visual changes for the Task Manager app.

On the other hand, in the Dev Channel, the Windows 11 build 26120.2213 also pushes the new Gamepad keyboard layout and changes for the IAM toolbar.

Windows 11 build 27744 (Canary)

These are the changes that Microsoft is making available to users with devices in the Canary Channel.

Prism with more CPU support

On Windows 11, Prism is an emulator that Microsoft created for ARM-based devices to run traditional 64-bit (x64) applications. Although the emulator is already available in some form for arm64 devices after upgrading to version 24H2, this update brings support for more processor features.

Some of the support rolling out with build 27744 includes AVX and AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C.

In other words, if you have a Copilot+ PC or another compatible device, you will now be able to install and run applications and games that were previously blocked by the operating system because of the missing support.

Microsoft also notes that the current support is only available for 64-bit apps. However, x64 apps that use a 32-bit helper to detect the processor features support won’t work.

Gamepad keyboard layout

In this release, the company is turning on again the new Gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard to make it easier to navigate and type using the Xbox controller. 

The new layout maps specific buttons, such as X, Y, LB, RB, LT, and others, to common keys like Backspace, Space, Left and Right, and numbers. It also introduces a slightly different keyboard design with a vertical alignment.

Other changes

This preview also renames the “All apps” menu to “All” in the Start menu. In the Task Manager, the “Disconnect” and “Logoff” dialogs will now respect the system dark mode and text scaling.

Finally, this preview of Windows 11 in the Canary Channel rolls out fixes input, graphics, Windows Sandbox, and more.

It’s important to note that this update will contain a known bug that will break the Windows Hello data after upgrading.

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (Dev)

As part of the improvements for the update KB5045885, Microsoft is rolling out changes to hide the IME toolbar when the app is in full-screen mode.

This preview also gets the Gamepad keyboard layout identical to the build for devices in the Canary Channel.

In addition, this update rolls out fixes for the Start menu, File Explorer, Taskbar, Dev Drive, DISM command tool, and more.

Installation process

To download and install these Windows 11 builds, enroll your device in the Dev or Canary Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

Microsoft is currently previewing builds in the Dev Channel for version 24H2 development, but previews in the Canary Channel are not assigned to any version.