How to Use a DYMO LabelWriter with a Surface Pro ARM Computer
Question details
The user needs to connect and operate a DYMO LabelWriter using a Surface Pro equipped with an ARM processor, overcoming system architecture limitations.

- Product
- DYMO LabelWriter
- Device & OS
- Surface Pro (Windows on ARM)
- Scenario
- Setting up a DYMO label printer after switching to a new ARM-based Windows computer.
- Observed behavior
- The printer fails to install or stops working entirely because Windows on ARM cannot emulate traditional x86 printer drivers.
Verify your exact Surface Pro model and DYMO LabelWriter version. Ensure your computer is connected to the internet before attempting to search for new drivers.
Download Native ARM Drivers or Contact DYMO Support
Because Windows emulation does not cover hardware drivers, you must acquire a native ARM driver directly from the manufacturer.
Windows on ARM features an emulator that handles standard x86 and x64 software applications seamlessly. However, printer drivers communicate directly with the operating system's kernel. This deep system access cannot be safely emulated, meaning your DYMO LabelWriter strictly requires a driver natively compiled for the ARM architecture.
Navigate to the DYMO Support and Downloads page on your Surface Pro.
Enter your LabelWriter model number (e.g., LabelWriter 450 or 550) to filter the available software.
Look specifically for a driver labeled 'Windows on ARM' or 'ARM64'. If available, download and install it following the on-screen instructions.
If no ARM-compatible driver is listed, contact DYMO Support directly to inquire about alternative label-printing software or upcoming driver releases for Windows on ARM.

Print via a Network Print Server or Shared Computer
If native ARM drivers are completely unavailable, you can bypass local driver restrictions by hosting the printer on a compatible network device.
Design and Print Labels Seamlessly with WPS Office
Once your DYMO printer is connected via a network or native driver, you will need a reliable office suite to format your text and layouts. WPS Office provides exceptional document editing and template support on modern devices, entirely for free.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Label Template: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Microsoft Word label document, or create a custom page size matching your DYMO roll.
- 3. Print Your Document: Go to Menu > Print, select your configured DYMO LabelWriter, and securely print your customized labels.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows on ARM run my x86 applications but not my DYMO printer?
Windows on ARM includes a built-in emulator designed to translate instructions for standard x86 and x64 software applications. However, hardware drivers operate at the kernel level and interact directly with system ports. Emulating this access introduces instability, so Microsoft requires peripheral hardware to use natively compiled ARM drivers.
Are there any generic Windows printer drivers I can use for my DYMO LabelWriter?
While Windows provides basic generic text drivers, they are usually inadequate for specialized thermal label printers. Generic drivers lack the ability to properly communicate specific margin settings, thermal heat parameters, and label gaps, which often results in misaligned text or blank prints.
How can I verify if my Surface Pro has an ARM processor?
Open your Windows Settings, navigate to 'System', and click on 'About'. Look under the 'Device specifications' section for 'System type'. It will explicitly state if you are running an ARM-based processor, such as a Snapdragon, Microsoft SQ1, or SQ2 chip.




