Days after releasing the Windows 11 Insider Build, Microsoft has now rolled out a new version of the Office Insider Preview Build. On the first look, the User Interface looks quite refreshing with rounded edges and an improved experience for dark and light modes.
Office for Windows on ARM (64-Bit) now available
One of the most striking changes visible in the redesigned Office is the support for the ARM64 platform. So, when installing a 64-bit version of Office on ARM hardware that is running the latest Windows Insiders build, you will notice that the Office installer will automatically install ARM-optimized versions of Office applications. Besides, the developers claim, right from installation through usage, Office on ARM will feel and perform just like Office on Intel-compatible processors.
Mike Smith, the Engineering Manager on the Office team wrote in a blog post,
This new version of Office is designed specifically for the next version of Windows on ARM. It has been recompiled for the ARM architecture to run fast, bring greater memory availability, offer better support large documents, and maintain compatibility with existing 64-bit add-ins using the new x64 emulation capability provided by Windows.
Folks who have joined the inspiring community of the Office Insider Program or intend to join it soon can easily verify if they are running an ARM-optimized version of Office by opening the Task Manager and observe the architecture of the Office apps installed.
Currently, the following are the main system requirements for installing the Office Insiders build.
- Windows OS running on an ARM processor
- Windows 11 Insider Preview build
This new version of Office is designed specifically for the next version of Windows on ARM. It has been recompiled for the ARM architecture to run fast, bring greater memory availability, offer better support large documents, and maintain compatibility with existing 64-bit add-ins using the new x64 emulation capability provided by Windows, said Microsoft.
If you have a 32-bit version of Office installed, you must uninstall it completely to try the new Office Insiders version. Moreover, you must install Office using a most recent copy of the installer from office.com. You will need to join the Office Insider program.
