The computing world just shifted underneath us, but your scanner might not have noticed. Microsoft has introduced a new, smarter Windows that often comes with a different kind of computer processor. It offers advantages for PC users, but it also means ensuring that your scanner is compatible.
For years, few people thought about the CPU — the silicon brain that powered their PCs. Intel and AMD were the only CPUs that people had heard about, if they’d heard about any at all.
That’s changing. In 2024, a new type of PC using Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI hit the market. It comes with advanced features baked into the system, making life easier for countless workers around the world.
To accomplish this, many of these PCs use a type of processor architecture known as Arm. These chips are designed from the ground up to support new AI capabilities while also offering long battery life and high performance. If a Copilot+ PC uses a Snapdragon X Series processor, then that’s an Arm-based PC.
The benefits of Arm-based scanning
Arm-based AI powered PCs offer some great benefits for business and consumer users. One example is power management. The processor’s power-sipping energy use enables workers to get more done in a day without searching for a power socket. That’s especially useful for people on the move.
Local AI processing also transforms document workflows. Some AI services require people to send their documents to the cloud, creating privacy concerns and introducing a time lag. Copilot+ devices offer local on-device processing for things like document summaries and content production, so privacy-sensitive information stays local.
New chips need new software
Arm chips are based on a different architecture from the x86 chips from Intel and AMD, which means they need new software to fully support them. Microsoft had to change how Windows worked to support Arm processors, and many Windows application vendors have created native Arm versions of their software for the fastest, most reliable experience on Arm chips.
The same is true for hardware devices, like scanners, that connect to Windows PCs. Customers want devices that will connect reliably to their PCs regardless of what’s under the hood. That requires Arm-friendly driver software. Without it, you risk incompatibility, interruptions, and reduced functionality.
Epson is Arm-ready
If you’re thinking of moving to this powerful new processor architecture with your AI-powered Windows PC, now’s the time to check on your scanners. Will they support an Arm-based PC?
Epson saw Arm-based Windows PCs coming and got prepared by writing new driver software for scanners. Epson Arm software is full-featured with drivers that are future-proof, supporting both x86 and Arm. That gives you maximum performance and compatibility with Epson scanners on Windows not just now, but tomorrow.
Epson also made sure to support users of older products as well. Epson is the only scanner vendor to offer Arm compatibility across the entire line of current scanner products and some legacy models. We’re continuing to release drivers for more legacy scanners through 2025 to provide maximum Arm support for more customers.
Make sure you’re ready for Arm too
If your scanner vendor isn’t Arm-ready, then consider scanner replacement as part of your Copilot+ roll-out plan. For example, Epson products like the DS-530II offer full Arm support, with TWAIN and ISIS drivers included for full compatibility.
To use an Epson scanner with Arm you’ll need Windows 11 Version 24H2 or later, which most organizations will hit naturally during refresh cycles. AI-ready Arm-based PCs are designed with Windows 11 in mind, and support for Windows 10 ended in October.
Finding out your scanner vendor won’t support Arm after committing to new hardware could cost you dearly in the long run. Epson is the only scanner brand providing Arm-compatible drivers for Windows across its current and select legacy scanner lineup, for seamless compatibility and top performance. Learn more about the Epson complete lineup of document scanners and get ready to support your fleet of Arm-powered PCs with a robust, future-proof scanner platform.
