PIA doesn’t currently have a client that supports Windows on ARM. There are several Windows computers that run an ARM processor such as the Microsoft Surface X and the Robo and Kala tablet. In the next few weeks, there are a ton of new models of Windows computers coming out on ARM. In fact, all new Microsoft consumer devices will use an ARM processor instead of an Intel processor. Dell, HP, and Lenovo are all releasing new models with ARM processors. According to Microsoft, a Windows computer running the new Qualcomm Elite X ARM processor will outperform a Mac with the M3 processor for CPU and AI tasks.
Does PIA have a beta program for an ARM client? How would I contact PIA to ask? I currently have a Windows ARM device and OpenVPN does not support obfuscation and shadowsocks. Some locations that I need to use a VPN only work if I enable multi-hop obfuscation and shadowsocks.
Hi,
Windows ARM support is on the roadmap for this year! we’ll make an announcement when a beta is available.
Out of interest, how is the state of x86 emulation on windows ARM PCs?
OK, this is going to become a big issue with the new Snapdragon X processors. I just got the new Surface Pro 11 with the Snapdragon X Elite and it’s a game changer for laptops. Smooth fast performance, low heat, no noise, battery lasts and lasts. Works great even for emulated apps. But I am sad to see that PIA doesn’t work with Windows on ARM yet. 
So far, this is one of only 2 apps that don’t work for me on ARM. This and my microphone software/driver. The microphone works fine, but the custom driver and app won’t install.
There is going to be a wave of new laptops with these new chips coming out over the next few months. I hope the PIA beta with Windows ARM support comes soon.
Beta out now and working on my Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/download/windows-vpn
Have you tried the chrome extension?
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/private-internet-access/jplnlifepflhkbkgonidnobkakhmpnmh
I have both PIA and NordVPN and so far NordVPN chrome extension works on my 2024 Surface Pro with the Qualcomm Plus chip.
When I tried to install the PIA extension, it says it conflicts with NordVPN extension so I can only install one or the other… I’m going to try the NordVPN app this weekend when I travel to Paris and will report how that goes.
Emulation on ARM is very good. It supports both 32 bit and 64 bit Windows apps. The only applications I cannot get to run are ones that require device drivers. The PIA Windows client installs and runs, but fails to create the VPN virtual network adapter.
I’d be willing to even test an alpha version. I’ve worked in IT for 40 years and have done many beta tests. I’m good at documenting test scenarios and results.
My Robo & Kala Windows tablet would be a good test device because it uses the Qualcomm 8cx Gen 3. That the closest device to the new Qualcomm Elite X SoC. The Microsoft Surface X uses the SQ2 processor which will likely not get any new devices using that processor.
Any update on the Snapdragon ARM64 version of pia?
I have a previous generation Windows Arm laptop and I was able to get OpenVPN working with PIA, but it’s a pain to setup and doesn’t seem to support ShadowSocks. There are places I can’t connect using the OpenVPN client where I can connect with the PIA client on Windows x86.
In the exact same boat. Just got the new SP11 and cannot use PIA With aarch64 going a bit more mainstream in the Windows ecosystem, hopefully this will expediate an native ARM version of PIA.
I have not tried the Chrome extension because I need a VPN for apps that are blocked, not just web browsing.
Thanks for the info. Hope to look into it soon
I suspect the new Snapdragon laptops have just made this issue a lot more important at PIA.
Any update on an Arm client? A few days ago 14 new Windows Arm devices were announced from 7 vendors. I have the ability to test a Windows Arm client now so that it’s ready in a few weeks when those new devices are in people’s hands.
great, it finally works, so far so good
Yes. It’s under active development right now!
Not yet, it’s still in heavy development
Any updates? I see a lot of reviews of the new CoPilot+ devices that their VPNs don’t work. The first VPN provider to release an Arm client can probably grab some market share.
So far, this is one of only 2 apps that don’t work for me on ARM. This and my microphone software/driver. The microphone works fine, but the custom driver and app won’t install.