ARM-powered Copilot+ computers provide limited backup choices

Arriving on June 18, 2024, were the initial batch of Copilot+ PCs, offered by Microsoft, HP, Asus, Acer, Dell, and Lenovo. I was fortunate to acquire a Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x on June 21st and have been exploring its features and constraints ever since.

During the weekend, I encountered a situation that is both expected and troubling — there are very few options for image backup and recovery tools compatible with the ARM64-based edition of Windows 11 24H2 installed on all currently obtainable Copilot+ PCs.

Exploration for operational image backup solutions

Several thorough searches on Google and Bing have identified only three software applications capable of backing up and restoring ARM64 versions of Windows. These programs are currently compatible only with Snapdragon X processors, although versions that work with AMD64 processors on Intel and AMD chips are anticipated to be released within the next one or two months.

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AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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