ARM Processors - Why Estimating Link Desktop Isn't Compatible

ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) have been around a long time but have only been used in mobile devices as they are designed for low-power usage and efficiency.  It is only since 2023 that Microsoft started installing ARM processors in laptops like the Microsoft Surface and Chromebooks.

While this is a very efficient and powerful chip, the ARM system uses a different instruction set than traditional Windows computers. Because of that difference, certain professional applications—including Estimating Link—aren’t able to run on ARM devices.

Estimating Link relies on several components that are designed specifically for x64 (Intel/AMD) processors, such as database engines, drivers, and other performance-critical frameworks. Unfortunately, these components aren’t supported on ARM hardware, so the software can’t run reliably or as intended.

What an ARM Processor Is

ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) processors are a type of CPU (Central Processing Unit) that use a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture. In simple terms:

• CPU: The “brain” of a computer or device that executes instructions.
• RISC architecture: Uses a smaller, simpler set of instructions compared to traditional CPUs like x86 (used in most PCs). Each instruction is designed to execute very quickly, often in a single clock cycle.

ARM processors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, embedded devices, and increasingly in laptops and servers because of their efficiency and flexibility.

Why ARM is Different from Other Processors (like x86)

1. Instruction Set
   • ARM: RISC → simple, fewer instructions, each is fast.
   • x86 (Intel/AMD): CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) → more complex instructions, can do more per instruction but often slower per clock cycle.
2. Power Efficiency
   • ARM chips are low-power, which is why they dominate mobile devices and IoT devices.
   • x86 chips typically consume more power, making them better for desktops/servers but less ideal for mobile.
3. Performance vs. Efficiency
   • ARM: Optimized for efficiency. You get good performance per watt.
   • x86: Optimized for raw performance. More powerful but consumes more energy.
4. Design and Licensing
   • ARM Holdings licenses the architecture to other companies (Apple, Qualcomm, Samsung). These companies design their own chips based on ARM cores.
   • Intel and AMD manufacture and sell their own x86 CPUs.
5. Applications
   • ARM: Smartphones, tablets, embedded devices, Apple M-series Macs, some Microsoft laptops.
   • x86: Windows PCs, Linux desktops, servers, gaming rigs. 

In short: ARM is all about simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility, while x86 is about complexity and high raw performance. That’s why your phone and your laptop traditionally use different kinds of processors.

Why Estimating Link Desktop installations aren’t compatible with ARM processors

• Estimating Link requires x64-native components (database drivers, .NET frameworks, legacy libraries).
• Windows 11 ARM can emulate basic x86 apps, but heavy estimating/engineering software is not supported.
• ARM emulation does not support all x64 instructions, leading to installation failures, crashes, or nonfunctional modules.
• Microsoft specifically notes limited compatibility for professional desktop applications on ARM 

Recommended Solution to use Estimating Link on a PC with ARM Processor

Use TCLI’s Cloud Link, which is fully compatible with ARM devices since the processing is done on our private x86 servers.

If we can be of further assistance, please reach out to us at anytime: (800) 448 - 0741 or Support@TCLI.com.