How to Tell if My Laptop has an ARM Processor

🧠 What Is an ARM Processor?

ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processors are a type of CPU architecture known for their energy efficiency and are commonly found in smartphones, tablets, and some lightweight laptops. Unlike traditional x86 processors from Intel or AMD, ARM chips use a different instruction set, which means software must be specifically designed or emulated to run on them.

ARM-based Windows laptops—like the Surface Pro X—run a version of Windows that emulates x86 applications, but this emulation layer can cause compatibility issues with certain software.

🚫 Why Examplify Doesn’t Support ARM

Examplify, the secure exam software used at DMU and many other institutions, does not support ARM processors. This is due to several technical limitations:

System Compatibility: Examplify is built for x86 architecture. ARM-based systems, even when running Windows 10 or 11, often fail to meet the software’s minimum system requirements.
Performance and Stability: Emulation can lead to unpredictable behavior, crashes, or failure to launch the application.
Security Concerns: Examplify enforces strict security controls during exams, and ARM’s emulation layer may interfere with these mechanisms.

If you try to run Examplify on laptop using an ARM processor you may receive ARM-based devices triggered errors like “invalid system configuration” or “Examplify does not support ARM processors”.

🧪 How to Check If You Have an ARM Processor on Windows

To determine whether your laptop uses an ARM processor:

Open Settings: Press Windows + I.
Go to System > About.
Look under “Device Specifications”:
- If it says ARM-based processor or ARM64, your device uses ARM.
- If it says x64-based processor, you’re using a standard Intel or AMD chip.

You can also follow this video tutorial for a visual walkthrough.

My Laptop Has an ARM Processor, What Can I Do?

Your device with an ARM processor does not meet the requirements for taking exams with Examplify. If your program does not use Examplify, you may continue using your laptop as long as it meets the other minimum device requirements.
If your program does use Examplify here are some option for taking exams.

Purchase a laptop without an ARM processor that meets the Minimum Device Requirements. The Solutions Hub can assist if you need help picking out a laptop.
Checkout a short term Loaner Laptop from the Smart Lockers at the Solutions Hub for your exam. Loaner laptops are limited and availability cannot be guaranteed.