ARM64 processor problems

Question

Microsoft blew it on this one. I, and many others who bought a surface pro X with an ARM processor, bought a piece of junk.

You can no longer plug in a printer and have windows recognize it or manually install printer drivers because this machine will not allow it. This is the first computer that I bought that you can't just plug ang play. As far as I am concerned, this surface is garbage. Who designed this operating system? Microsoft is blaming printer manufacturers for not developing drivers instead of having the computer recognize a new device and automatically download the required drivers. This is the first computer that I have ever had this problem with. I am so upset with microsoft for this.

Answer 1

Hi there! my Surface pro X did not connect on wifi with Epson L805. And of course I DID NOT EXPECT that problem. Even apple\android phones can do!

I would say that selling this piece of non-stopping problems with connectivity without clear information that it does not work with majority of peripheral devices is kind of deceiving customers.

Unfortunately my warranty passed, when I understand this. PLEASE COME AND TAKE BACK YOUR PIECE OF GORBAGE from me.

I don't have an Epson to try, but Epson does have a support document listing supported Epson printers on Windows ARM devices like the Surface Pro X.

Your Epson L805 is on the list, with the driver listed as coming from Windows Update. My first though is your device hasn't downloaded the driver. I'm not sure how to force it to with a Wifi connection, but it might be worth temporarily connecting it via USB to get it to download the driver, and then perhaps it will work over Wifi. You might want to contact Epson support about it. They might have another solution.

Answer 2

You are right, but i needed the printer to connect via usb because I needed to use the scanner for a project I am working on. Anyway, the microsoft ARM processor leaves a lot to be desired. Besides, I could not even get the wireless connection to the printer on the surface.

Answer 3

I could really use some help.  While it may not be Microsofts fault, selling a device that does not comply wiht expected norms in business is amounts to slight of hand.  There should be a label stating "Does not work with most printers and we refuse to publish a list of printers for you to check out".  Not only should we have been informed, Microsoft should at least "TRY" to help us.  Please put up a list of printers that "DO" have a driver available so we can purchase one !   Is this really to much to ask?!  I spent nearly $3000 on mine and will never buy another piece of hardware from microsoft again.  Pretty sure MS should just stick to Software.  Really frustatinng, not that is happened, just a  trillion dollar company is doing nothing to fix it.

If anyone out there knows of a workaround for a  brother pixima g2411 please reach out.

Well, Cannon has a list of printers that are supported on Windows ARM PCs:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=FAQ100604

Since your printer isn't on the list that I can tell, the only thing I can suggest is to try a generic Microsoft PCL or PostScript driver (I believe they're called "Microsoft PS Class Driver" and "Microsoft PCL Class Driver"). Those are built into Windows. Note I've used these with network printers; I haven't tried a local USB printer, but it may still work. I don't have a Cannon printer to try it myself, but as an example (and I mentioned this earlier in the thread) Konica Minolta doesn't have printer drivers for ARM, but the Microsoft PS Class driver works fine with it, for basic printing:

Answer 4

I totally understand how you feel, mondaymoan.

If ARM-based device would not work for you, the best thing to do is to get one of the other Surface devices that have regular processors. May I know when did you purchase your device? If it's still within 60 day from the date of purchase, please be informed that you can still take advantage of our Surface Promise (microsoft.com).

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Hello mondaymoan,

Thanks for posting your concern here in Microsoft Community. I'm sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you.

I totally understand important for you to use a printer on your Surface Pro X. However, please be informed that drivers for hardware, games and apps will only work if they're designed for a Windows 10 ARM-based PC. Peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows 10, or if the hardware developer has released ARM64 drivers for the device. With that being said, we would highly recommend to contact your printer's manufacturer to check if they have released drivers for ARM-based PC.

Hope this helps. Feel free to respond to keep us posted.

Kind regards,

StevenK