Breakthrough Discord Officially Developing A Native Windows 11 on Arm App

Discord, the world’s most popular communications platform for gamers and communities, has officially confirmed development of a native Windows on Arm (WoA) app. This move is a significant milestone for Microsoft’s push to expand its Arm64 ecosystem, especially as Copilot Plus PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and other Arm chips become more mainstream.

Why a Native Discord Arm64 App Matters

Until now, Discord users on Arm-powered Windows devices have relied on emulation, which often resulted in sluggish performance, freezing, and slow loading of chat histories and channels. While unofficial alternatives like ArmCord and web-based Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offered workarounds, these solutions were either not fully supported or lacked the seamless experience of a native app.

With Discord’s early Arm64 development preview now available for testers, users can expect an experience that matches what they’re used to on traditional Intel or AMD-based Windows machines. Early reports highlight smooth navigation, fast channel switching, and a dramatic reduction in lag—crucial for real-time voice, video, and community engagement.

“Recently, I had the chance to try out an early iteration of Discord designed for Windows on Arm, and I found it to be very similar to the experience on Intel-based systems. Navigation is smooth, and the overall performance has significantly improved.”
— Reddit user, referencing The Verge’s report.

The State of Windows on Arm: A Growing App Ecosystem

Microsoft has invested heavily in making Windows on Arm a viable alternative to x86, touting benefits like longer battery life, instant-on capabilities, and improved thermal performance. However, app compatibility has been a persistent challenge. According to the Windows on Arm app tracking site, there are currently 731 apps listed, with nearly 42% available as native Arm64 builds. About 31% run under Microsoft’s Prism emulator, and less than 10% are not supported at all.

Microsoft’s strategy has been to convince major developers to port their apps natively to Arm64. Notable successes include Chrome, Dropbox, Zoom, Photoshop, and Spotify—applications that, like Discord, are essential to productivity and daily digital life. The addition of Discord to this roster is a major win for Microsoft and its users.

Performance Gains: Why Native Matters

Running apps natively on Arm64 hardware delivers substantial performance improvements. Emulated apps, especially those built on Electron (like Discord), can be resource-intensive and battery-draining when not optimized for Arm. Native Arm64 code, by contrast, leverages the architecture’s strengths for faster load times, enhanced responsiveness, and lower power consumption.

For Discord users, this means:

• Faster app launch and navigation

• Reduced battery drain during long voice or video sessions

• Improved reliability for real-time chat and streaming

• Better multitasking on Copilot Plus PCs

The Road to Release: What’s Next for Discord on Arm

Discord spokesperson Claudia Fellerman confirmed to The Verge that the app is still in early development, and a public release date has not been set. However, the availability of a development preview suggests that a stable release is on the horizon, especially as more Copilot Plus PCs hit the market.

Microsoft’s Prism emulator has provided a safety net for users needing legacy x86 apps, but as more developers embrace Arm64, the need for emulation will diminish. For power users and young adults—many of whom consider Discord essential for both social and academic life—this native app will be a game-changer.

Community Reactions: Relief and Anticipation

The Discord and Microsoft communities have long clamored for a native Arm64 client. Users on Reddit and support forums have described the current emulated experience as “clunky” and “battery-draining,” with some resorting to third-party clients like ArmCord despite potential Terms of Service violations. The announcement of an official build has been met with enthusiasm and relief.

“Discord needs to step up… It’s too sluggish. The web app works, but the desktop client is what we want.”
— Reddit user on /r/Surface

How to Access the Preview and What to Expect

If you’re eager to test the early Arm64 build, keep an eye on Discord’s official channels and the Windows on Arm app tracking site for updates. As with any preview software, expect occasional bugs or missing features, but early testers report performance on par with x86 installations on Intel hardware.

Discord’s Arm64 Launch in Context: Microsoft’s Broader Arm Strategy

The timing of Discord’s Arm64 development aligns with Microsoft’s aggressive rollout of Copilot Plus PCs and its vision for a unified, high-performance Arm ecosystem. Microsoft has provided robust tools and documentation for developers to port or build apps natively for Arm64, including support for .NET, WinUI, Electron, and more.

Major productivity suites like Office 365 and creative tools like Adobe Photoshop have already made the leap, and Discord’s move signals growing confidence in the platform’s viability for mainstream users.

What This Means for Users and Developers

For end-users, especially students, gamers, and professionals who rely on Discord for collaboration, the native Arm64 app will deliver a smoother, more reliable experience on the latest hardware. For developers, Discord’s transition is a signal to accelerate Arm64 adoption, ensuring their apps can reach the growing base of Copilot Plus and other Arm-powered device owners.

A Turning Point for Windows on Arm

Discord’s commitment to a native Windows on Arm app is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a validation of Microsoft’s Arm64 strategy and a promise of better experiences for millions of users. As the app ecosystem matures, expect even more essential tools to go native, making Arm-powered PCs a compelling choice for work, play, and everything in between.

Key Takeaways:

• Discord is developing a native Windows on Arm app, with an early preview available for testers.

• The native app promises better performance, battery life, and reliability compared to emulated versions.

• Microsoft’s Arm64 ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with 42% of tracked apps now available natively.

• The move is a major win for Copilot Plus+ PC owners and signals broader adoption of Arm64 in the Windows world.

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