# Windows on Arm: Compatibility Hurdles and Epic Games’ Anti-Cheat Integration
The shift to Arm-based processors in Windows PCs has seen remarkable progress in recent years, spurred by Microsoft’s enhancements in software translation and developers’ commitment to fine-tuning applications. Nevertheless, certain compatibility hurdles remain, especially concerning kernel-level software and drivers. A key obstacle has been the absence of support for kernel-level anti-cheat solutions in online multiplayer titles.
## The Difficulty of Executing x86 Software on Arm
Windows’ **Prism technology** permits x86 applications to operate on Arm-based PCs through code translation. This enables a majority of standard applications to run efficiently on Arm processors. However, **drivers and kernel-level software cannot be converted automatically**, presenting a considerable challenge for specific applications—particularly online multiplayer games reliant on anti-cheat systems.
Numerous popular PC games perform adequately on Arm-based Windows devices, but **anti-cheat software functioning at the kernel level frequently encounters operational issues**. This arises because such software needs profound integration with the operating system, which Prism is unable to provide. Consequently, many competitive online games still lack compatibility with Windows on Arm.
## Epic Games Introduces Anti-Cheat Support for Windows on Arm
Acknowledging the increasing use of Arm-based Windows PCs, **Epic Games has revealed intentions to implement its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software for Arm devices**. This update, anticipated later this year, will also include official Windows-on-Arm support for *Fortnite*.
Epic’s blog entry notes:
> “Alongside the rollout of Windows on Snapdragon anti-cheat support for *Fortnite*, we will extend this support to developers via an Epic Online Services SDK release. This will empower developers utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat to integrate this compatibility into their own titles.”
This indicates that developers employing Epic’s anti-cheat solution will have the chance to revise their games for Arm compatibility, potentially broadening the range of multiplayer games operable on Windows on Arm devices.
## Implications for Game Developers
Although Epic’s initiative marks progress, **game developers will still be required to adapt their games to accommodate Arm-based Windows PCs**. Microsoft’s **Arm64EC** technology, launched with Windows 11, enables developers to blend translated x86 code with native Arm code. However, it remains uncertain whether a game designed for x86 processors can run alongside an Arm-native anti-cheat system or if a complete Arm port is essential.
Should a full port be necessary, developers could encounter further obstacles in modifying their games for Arm-based Windows PCs. Nevertheless, Epic’s choice to back Windows on Arm indicates that the platform is garnering sufficient momentum to warrant the investment.
## The Outlook for Windows on Arm Gaming
Epic’s endorsement of Windows on Arm represents an encouraging development for the future of gaming on these devices. Yet, **other anti-cheat solutions will likewise need to adapt** for Windows on Arm to wholly support competitive online gaming.
As more developers fine-tune their software for Arm-based Windows PCs, the platform will become progressively more viable for gaming and other high-performance applications. Epic’s actions may inspire additional companies to invest in Arm compatibility, paving the way for wider acceptance of Windows on Arm in the gaming sector.
For the time being, users on Windows on Arm can anticipate *Fortnite* and other titles utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat to become operable on their devices later this year.
