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Users are excited to get their hands on the new Copilot Plus PCs just released. The 7th generation Surface Laptop, the top-of-the-line model in the Copilot Plus PC line, was among the first to hit the market. Even with all the excitement, a big problem needs to get more attention: most VPN programs don’t work with these devices or any Windows on Arm machine. This could end the VPN for many users who rely on them for safety, privacy, and access to blocked content.
The core issue
Many VPN apps are made for x86/x64 CPUs, which is the biggest problem. Users have tried to install them on Arm PCs that run Windows but have yet to be successful. While some programs can use Windows’ Prism emulator to run x86/x64 software on Arm architecture, VPN applications cannot. This limitation has been a problem for a long time with Windows on Arm computers; it’s not a new thing. However, many people thought this issue would be fixed in the most recent rollout because Microsoft, Qualcomm, and partner OEMs have supported the Copilot Plus PC project. It’s too bad that’s not true.
Real-world Testing
This problem happened to us when we were trying the Surface Laptop. Some well-known VPN apps we tried to install are Private Internet Access (PIA), NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. The application failed every single time. Here is an overview of what we found:
- NordVPN: Installation failed.
- ExpressVPN: Installation failed.
- Private Internet Access: Installation failed.
We also tried to run the version of Surfshark VPN that works with Arm to ensure the problem wasn’t with our test computer. The installation went well, which shows that many VPN programs don’t work with Arm-native, which is the main issue.
Statements from VPN Providers
We contacted the VPN providers to get to the bottom of this. Here’s what they had to say:
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Himmat Bains, PIA’s Head of Product, provided the following statement:
“PIA has an Arm-native build ready and waiting. We’ve tested the app on our test machines, and they are good to go — we’re just waiting on Microsoft to provide the driver signing certificate. We’ve been waiting for Microsoft’s certificate for a few weeks. Once we have it, we can move to a Beta version.”
ExpressVPN
Sam Bultez, ExpressVPN’s Head of Product, shared their progress:
“We have a build for Windows Arm PCs in the pipeline. We’re really excited about the new Arm chips’ phenomenal performance and battery life. In fact, we worked with Microsoft to get test devices so we could kick off our build and associated testing. This functionality will be ready for our users later this year when we are satisfied it meets our exacting standards.”
NordVPN
NordVPN also confirmed their efforts:
“We are building an Arm-native NordVPN application, and the launching process is in the final stages. Moreover, We are now in close cooperation with Microsoft to receive the driver signing certificate. We expect to release the application in the near future.”
The Hold-Up: Microsoft’s Driver Signing Certificate
From what was said, it’s clear that VPN providers are only one of the reasons for the backlog. Instead, Microsoft is to blame for the delay, especially when giving out driver signing keys.
This certificate is essential because it ensures the software is safe and secure and lets it be installed and used on Windows computers. With it, the software can even go to beta testing or be released to the public after being fully built and tried.
How to Fix the VPN Issue
If someone wants to buy a Copilot Plus PC but uses VPNs a lot, they can do one of two things:
- Browser add-ons
Many VPN providers offer add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers. These add-ons may help keep your browsing safe, and they work with Windows on Arm computers. The info sent inside the laptop is the only thing they protect. You won’t be secure when you use PC apps or do other things unrelated to browsers.
- Windows’ built-in VPN service
You can use your VPN provider’s passwords to set up Windows’ built-in VPN software. To use this method, you must get the necessary information from your service provider and set up the link in Windows’ settings by hand. This method is more challenging than just starting a VPN software, but it works.
- VPN on the level of the router
For network-wide protection, you can set up a VPN on your computer. This will make sure that all of your connected devices are safe. This method might be wrong for many people because it is so complicated. A VPN service provider that works with this setup is also needed, along with the right router.
Looked Forward
Even though things aren’t perfect right now, there are reasons to be hopeful. It’s good to see that extensive VPN services like PIA, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are working on Arm-native versions of their apps. Once Microsoft releases the necessary approvals, these apps should be able to be used on Windows on Arm machines and provide smooth VPN functionality.
This problem also shows how important it is for Microsoft and outside workers to work together and talk to each other better. Making sure that devices work together and get help will be necessary for users to be happy and accept Arm design as more devices emerge.
To sum up
The launch of Copilot Plus PCs is an exciting step forward in personal computers, thanks to the promise of Arm design. One big problem that potential customers should consider is that it only works with some VPN software. Users should look into the possible answers or ensure that their preferred VPN service has an Arm-native version before buying it until the problem is fixed.
In the meantime, we asked Microsoft for their thoughts on this and will update this post as soon as we hear back. Keep an eye on this space for changes and our full review of the seventh-generation Surface Laptop.
Update
This is the most current news. Microsoft has told us that they know the issue and are working hard to speed up the driver-signing process for VPN companies.
If you want to use a Copilot Plus PC immediately, you should watch for changes from Microsoft and your VPN service. This will make these powerful new devices more flexible and easy to use.
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