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Is Windows 11 and Microsoft Defender Compatible with ARM64 Laptops?

Elise Williams Oct 10, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user wants to know if ARM64 laptops support Windows 11 and Microsoft Defender, and whether third-party antivirus software is compatible.

Windows 11 and Microsoft Defender Compatibility on ARM64 Laptops

Product: Windows 11 / Microsoft Defender
Device & OS: Windows 11 ARM64
Scenario: Setting up security and antivirus protection on a new Windows 11 ARM64 laptop.
Observed behavior: Users need to verify if built-in Microsoft Defender works natively and if other antivirus solutions are supported on the ARM architecture.

Before you start

Before configuring your security software, verify that your laptop is running a native ARM64 version of Windows 11 by checking your System Properties, and ensure all Windows Updates are fully installed.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-in Windows Security and Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender provides comprehensive, native real-time protection for ARM64 devices out of the box.

Windows Security is built directly into Windows 11 and natively supports ARM64 architecture without requiring emulation. It is highly recommended for most users due to its seamless integration and low system resource usage.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start button on your Windows 11 desktop and select the Settings gear icon.

Navigate to Privacy & Security

On the left sidebar, click on 'Privacy & security', then select 'Windows Security' at the top of the menu.

Launch Windows Security

Click the 'Open Windows Security' button to view your overall protection status.

Verify Virus & Threat Protection

Ensure that 'Virus & threat protection' is active, displaying a green checkmark, and is fully up to date.

Use Built-in Windows Security and Microsoft Defender

Optimal Protection: Microsoft Defender is completely sufficient for standard use and eliminates the need for third-party antivirus software on ARM64 laptops.

Solution 2

Install a Compatible Third-Party Antivirus

If you require specialized security features, you can install third-party antivirus software that explicitly supports ARM64 architecture.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Equip Your ARM64 Laptop with WPS Office

While setting up your new ARM64 laptop, you need a fast and reliable office suite. WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that runs smoothly on Windows 11 ARM devices.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the latest Windows installer.
2. Run Setup: Double-click the downloaded setup file. The installer will automatically optimize the application for your Windows 11 environment.
3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and instantly open or create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with full format compatibility.

Runs seamlessly on Windows 11 ARM64 laptops with extremely low resource consumption.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.All-in-one suite providing Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools in a single app.Free to use with a familiar tabbed interface for a zero-learning-curve migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do emulated x64 antivirus programs work well on Windows 11 ARM64?

Emulated antivirus software can cause system instability or severe performance drops. It is highly recommended to use native ARM64 security software, such as the built-in Microsoft Defender.

Will Windows Security update normally on an ARM64 laptop?

Yes, Windows Security and Microsoft Defender update automatically through Windows Update on ARM64 devices, exactly as they do on standard x86/x64 PCs.

Can I run multiple antivirus programs on my ARM64 device?

No, installing multiple real-time antivirus applications can cause system conflicts, false positives, and significant performance issues. It is best to stick to one reliable solution.

Is Microsoft Defender enough to protect my ARM64 laptop?

Yes, Microsoft Defender provides robust, real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware. For most personal and business users, it is completely sufficient and very well optimized.

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