Embracing ARM64 Devices: How PaperCut Delivers Seamless Printing
As we move through 2026, ARM64-powered devices are transforming the UK technology landscape. With Windows 10 end-of-support now behind us, schools, legal firms, and enterprises are refreshing fleets with energy-efficient Copilot+ PCs, Snapdragon X-series laptops, and Apple Silicon Macs. These devices have all the bells and whistles you would want with their flashy on-device AI, and enhanced security - but they’ve created one major headache: printing!
The ARM64 Printing Challenge
Traditional x64 printer drivers are kernel-mode and incompatible with ARM64 architecture. Microsoft’s Prism emulation handles user-mode apps but stops short of printer drivers. Many legacy printers lack native ARM64 support, and driverless options like Windows Protected Print are still maturing. The result? Frustrated end-users, overburdened IT teams, and stalled hardware rollouts, especially in mixed x64/ARM64 environments, which are very common across UK education customers. Every week, we get multiple support tickets asking us how to solve ARM64 printing driver conundrums.
PaperCut MF & Hive: The Complete ARM64 Printing Solution
Selectec’s flagship PaperCut solutions eliminate the problem entirely. Both PaperCut MF (on-premise) and PaperCut Hive (cloud-native) automatically detect client architecture – x64 or ARM64 – and deploy the correct driver for your print queues.
- Print Deploy (MF) and Print Queue Deployment (Hive) handle mixed fleets effortlessly.
- The built-in Global Printer Driver provides reliable printing on most devices when manufacturer ARM64 drivers aren’t available.
- Full compatibility across the entire PaperCut portfolio, with smooth transition paths to Microsoft’s modern driverless stack (IPP/WPP).
SysAdmins manage everything centrally via the intuitive console – no more manual driver hunts or support tickets. End-users simply print. It’s that simple.
ARM64 Momentum in the UK – Stats That Matter
ARM-based devices are gaining serious traction. ABI Research forecasts that Arm-based PCs will represent 13% of total global PC shipments in 2025, with continued growth expected into 2026 as the Windows on Arm ecosystem matures and more affordable Copilot+ models launch.
Gartner predicts AI PCs (many of which leverage ARM architectures for efficiency) will account for 43% of all PC shipments in 2025 – up from just 17% in 2024 – driven by demand for on-device AI and longer battery life.
In the UK, this shift is amplified by Windows 10 EOL-driven refreshes in education and professional sectors. Apple Silicon Macs already dominate premium segments, while Windows on Arm devices are increasingly specified for cost-effective, secure fleets in schools and law firms.
Why UK Partners & End-Users Love It
For resellers in our Selectec partner network, PaperCut MF and Hive are powerful differentiators. Offer clients future-proof print management that works today and scales tomorrow. Reduce helpdesk tickets, simplify migrations, and unlock the full potential of ARM64 hardware investments.
Ready to print without limits?
Contact Selectec today to discuss how PaperCut MF or Hive can support your ARM64 deployments. Our team is here to help partners deliver seamless printing experiences to schools, legal practices, and enterprises across the UK.
Let’s keep printing green – and effortless.
