Skip to main content
TheOriginalGC
Community Expert
TheOriginalGCCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 4, 2021
Answered

Why can't I install Illustrator to my Windows 11 Arm based CPU desktop?

  • November 4, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 12912 views

I just got a new device with Windows 11 preinstalled and I want to install Illustrator, but install to desktop isn't an option. What's up with that?

    Correct answer Anshul_Saini

    Hi there,

     

    Sorry to hear about the trouble you are facing. I am afraid Illustrator is currently not supported on Microsoft SQ1 Arm-based processor (Surface Laptop X). Only Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) with SSE 4.2 or later, AMD Athlon 64 processor with SSE 4.2 or later, and ARM-based M1's Apple silicon processor are supported. However, you may check out our system requirements page (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html) for more details.

     

    Thanks & Regards,

    Anshul Saini

    3 replies

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Anshul_SainiCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    November 4, 2021

    Hi there,

     

    Sorry to hear about the trouble you are facing. I am afraid Illustrator is currently not supported on Microsoft SQ1 Arm-based processor (Surface Laptop X). Only Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) with SSE 4.2 or later, AMD Athlon 64 processor with SSE 4.2 or later, and ARM-based M1's Apple silicon processor are supported. However, you may check out our system requirements page (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html) for more details.

     

    Thanks & Regards,

    Anshul Saini

    TheOriginalGC
    Community Expert
    TheOriginalGCCommunity ExpertAuthor
    Community Expert
    November 4, 2021

    Bummer. Guess I'll be sticking with Afinity Designer and ConceptsApp. Anybody considering addressing this?

      Anshul_Saini
      Community Manager
      Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      November 9, 2021

      @TheOriginalGC, I'd recommend you to connect with our technical support team (https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen). Ask them to help install a Windows emulator to run x64 bit apps on your device so you will be able to run the unsupported Adobe apps. I hope this works for you.

       

      Regards,

      Anshul Saini

       

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      November 4, 2021

      Thanks. Do you already have a subscription (plan)? Which plan (check your account). 

      also, what is your system configuration - especially, is it an ARM processor? If not sure please tell us what laptop model you have. And how much RAM?

       

      please take care to answer all of these questions. 

      TheOriginalGC
      Community Expert
      TheOriginalGCCommunity ExpertAuthor
      Community Expert
      November 4, 2021

      Yes, I am a subscriber. One year plan, individual. 

       

      ARM64, Microsoft Surface Pro X Running Windows11 16 gig ram.

      corygharrison
      corygharrison
      Participant
      July 20, 2025

      2024 and illustrator is STILL not available on my mostly brand new Surface Pro 11 running windows 11. What the literal (swear word here) #adobethecompanywelovetoghate

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      November 4, 2021

      What do you mean "install to desktop"? You can't install apps to your desktop folder, if that's what you mean, though sometimes a shortcut is left on the desktop folder. 

      TheOriginalGC
      Community Expert
      TheOriginalGCCommunity ExpertAuthor
      Community Expert
      November 4, 2021

      What I mean is that it thinks instead of installing to a desktop, it thinks I have an iOS mobile device and won't let me install.

       

      Doug A Roberts
      Community Expert
      Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 4, 2021

      Do you see these three tabs at the top of the apps section in the CC app?

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices