[Feature Request] Compile for Windows 10 on ARM

[mrcobra92]

• I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates

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Bug Description

Signal has no 32 bit desktop app and has no support for ARM processors on Windows.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Buy ARM Windows device
2. Attempt to install Signal
3. It doesn't work

Actual Result:

Program can not be installed

Expected Result:

Program can be installed

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Platform Info

Signal Version:

Latest build

Operating System:

Windows 10 Surface Pro X

Linked Device Version:

Link to Debug Log

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

Can you talk about the current state of Windows on ARM a bit? How have things changed recently?

[mrcobra92]

It has! Windows on ARM is actually a pretty great experience now! It is full windows 10, not windows RT. Meaning you can attempt to install and run any app you want. Most 32 bit apps work with emulation very well. Even simple gaming isn't too bad as long as the game uses direct 3d/x rather than open gl. X86 64 bit apps do not work at all. ARM 64 bit apps are really where it performs its best however. I love the battery life I am getting plus the always connected LTE that ARM brings to the table. It is only going to get better as developers recompile 64 bit apps for 64 bit ARM.

[uculc]

There is an offical Windows on Arm (64 bit) Electron release, it that helps?
https://github.com/electron/electron/releases/tag/v7.0.0

[mrcobra92]

IS this fir the developers? I know Signal for desktop was developed using Electron, but I don't believe I as just a user can re-compile it myself can I?

[uculc]

For the developer. Because he asked for the status of Windows on ARM. Having an official Electron release which supports Windows on ARM is probably an important prerequisite to build the Signal-Desktop app.
I think Microsoft takes a huge effort to push forward Windows on ARM with the release of the Surface Pro X within the Pro series. But it all depends on the availability of software for this platform. So, Signal, please? :-)

[gber1983]

@scottnonnenberg-signal Surface Pro X is a great device running windows on ARM64, and microsoft is pushing it hard, would be great to have Signal desktop available for it.

[a-woolf]

This has been asked (and shot down) several times, but why not just compile for x86 Windows? This would kill two birds with one stone.
See: #1636 (and others).

[mark-fastpay]

I would be happier with an x86 build option too. It's also useful for people on really old computers too.

[erg]

Here's vscode's arm64 issue and patch they just implemented:
microsoft/vscode#33620
https://github.com/microsoft/vscode/pull/85326/files

[peteremcc]

Just tried setting Signal up on my Surface Pro X and was very surprised to find out that there isn't an ARM64 or 32bit version available.

Please do at least one!

Microsoft is pushing ARM64 heavily on upcoming devices, so this will be a growing issue.

[travisnj]

Yes please.. I too am shocked there is no ARM support!

I am on Galaxy Book S.. Win 10 ARM is very very nice now and need Signal!

[lukasz-gatnicki]

I'm waiting for this too