ARM64EC is a new application binary interface (ABI) for Windows 11 on ARM that runs with native speed and is interoperable with x64. An app, process, or even a module can freely mix and match ARM64EC and x64 as needed. The ARM64EC code in the app will run natively while any x64 code will run using Windows 11 on ARM’s built-in emulation.
The ARM64EC ABI differs slightly from the existing ARM64 ABI in ways that make it binary compatible with x64 code. Specifically, the ARM64EC ABI follows x64 software conventions including calling convention, stack usage, and data alignment, making ARM64EC and x64 interoperable. Apps built as ARM64EC may contain x64 code but do not have to, since ARM64EC is its own complete, first-class ABI for Windows.
Another tool in the toolbox for Windows developers who wish to treat ARM64 as a first-class citizen.
Great move, this means older plugins for things like Photoshop, Office and audio apps will be able to continue to work in newer versions of the apps. Also newsworthy: this implies that x64 emulation on Windows ARM will finally be available in a release version of Windows, which is a big win all around (and long overdue).