Windows on ARM is becoming increasingly relevant for business endpoints. Newer ARM-based Windows laptops are built for mobility, long battery life, quiet operation and on-device AI workloads. Microsoft is also investing in the ARM application ecosystem for Copilot+ PCs, and Windows 11 on ARM can run x86 and x64 apps through emulation, with Prism improving compatibility and performance in Windows 11 24H2.
For MSPs, this creates a practical question: Can these devices be protected and managed like the rest of the fleet?
With the new Acronis Cyber Platform (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud) agent, the answer is yes for core backup, security and RMM use cases. Acronis Cyber Platform (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud) already brings data protection, cybersecurity, and endpoint management into one platform, with a single console, single agent and centralized policy model. The new ARM agent extends that model to supported Windows on ARM devices and allows mixed x86 and ARM environments to be managed from a single console.
Why Windows on ARM matters for MSPs
ARM-based Windows devices are a good fit for several common business scenarios.
Sales teams may use lightweight laptops with long battery life while traveling. Consulting firms may issue ARM-based Copilot+ PCs to users who work mostly in Microsoft 365, Teams, browser-based apps, CRM systems and light local applications. Health care, field service and mobile teams may use ARM devices because they are quiet, power efficient and easy to carry through a full shift.
These are not edge cases anymore. They are normal endpoints that can hold customer data, credentials, browser sessions, local files and business documents. They need backup. They need anti-malware protection. They need remote management.
The risk is simple: ARM devices can enter a customer environment faster than IT teams update their endpoint management standards. One unmanaged laptop can become a blind spot.
What’s new
Acronis Cyber Platform (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud) now includes a new agent for Windows on ARM devices.
The agent supports:
- Remote installation.
- Disk-level backup and recovery.
- File-level backup and recovery.
- Backup and recovery via bootable media.
- Anti-malware protection.
- Self-protection.
- Remote management.
- Cyber scripting.
Supported platforms:
- Windows 11 on ARM.
- Windows Server 2025 and later ARM versions.
Support for disk and file backup and recovery via bootable media extends protection beyond basic endpoint scenarios. MSPs can protect ARM-based Windows devices more consistently and recover systems or selected data when standard OS-level recovery is not available.
This also helps MSPs support mixed environments. A customer may have traditional x86 Windows desktops, Intel-based servers, and ARM-based mobile workstations in the same environment. With Acronis Cyber Platform (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud), these workloads can be managed from one console instead of splitting ARM devices into separate operational processes.
Practical deployment advice
Before rollout, MSPs should separate ARM endpoints into their own device group or customer policy group. This makes it easier to apply supported features and avoid enabling functions that are not available yet.
Recommended steps:
- Discover ARM devices
Use RMM data, Intune, asset records or a PowerShell check to identify ARM64-based Windows systems.
- Create a dedicated protection plan
Keep it focused on supported items: backup, anti-malware, self-protection, remote management and cyber scripting.
- Test backup and recovery
Do not stop at backup success. Test file recovery and disk recovery workflows for at least one ARM device profile.
Bottom line
Acronis Cyber Platform (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud) now supports Windows on ARM devices for the core services MSPs need first: Backup, anti-malware, self-protection, remote management and cyber scripting. MSPs can now bring them into standard protection workflows, reduce blind spots and support customers adopting the next generation of Windows devices.
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About Acronis
Acronis is a leader in AI-native cyber protection, unifying data protection, cybersecurity, IT operations and hybrid infrastructure to deliver business continuity, security and compliance with less cost and complexity. More than 21,000 service providers trust Acronis to protect over 750,000 businesses in 150 countries. Acronis is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
