Slack for ARM Windows PC hits beta phase

Slack, the instant messenger with extensive features, is getting an ARM version for Windows users. Since Microsoft recently announced an offensive for new AI PCs with powerful ARM processors such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series, this is an important step for the Teams competitor.

ARM PC and Copilot+ PC initiative

Slack for Windows based on ARM is now available as a beta version. Slack does not want to lag behind the Copilot+ PC initiative and is now starting, like other software giants (including Adobe), with the previously missing native support of their application on Windows devices with ARM processors.

The new version 4.38.87 is therefore available for the first time as a native app for Windows computers with ARM processors. It is currently only available from the official Slack website , but the company promises to bring the ARM-native version of the messenger to the Microsoft Store soon.

How to start with the beta

• If you own an ARM-based PC, you can download the new Slack version as an ARM 64-bit version directly from the Slack homepage.
• Then select the download folder and open the file by double-clicking.
• Follow the instructions to install Slack on your computer.
• You then need to link an existing Slack account. The easiest way to do this is via the Slack homepage. (Link your account by clicking on the login button)

We took a look at the release notes for the latest update. However, not much has been revealed yet.

What’s new:

“Slack for Windows on ARM is currently in beta and available to download from our website. We’re still adding features and making adjustments to the app, but keep an eye out for it coming to the Microsoft Store soon.”

The first wave of Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon processors will hit the market in June. The new Surface Pro, the new Surface Laptop and a number of other devices from Samsung, Dell, Acer and other manufacturers promise not only AI features but also significant performance improvements and longer battery life.

Qualcomm has also announced that its Snapdragon X processors will be used in more device formats, so expect not only laptops but also all-in-one devices, mini PCs and more.

Given the many applications that already offer native ARM64 versions, and the fact that more are being added every day, Windows on ARM may finally have a good chance of really competing with its traditional x86 counterparts.