Microsoft Surface Laptopchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users warn that ARM-based Windows still struggles with compiled x86 apps, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and general compatibility, making it risky for anyone outside standard Windows app usage.

@Groovicles

Unless ARM chips can run all applications that one would expect in a Windows environment then ARM is just not the right choice no matter how insistent MS is. As I understand it, even Xbox Cloud Gaming doesn't work well with ARM. I was looking to upgrade 3 of my Surface Pro's but will not do so until a non-ARM option is available or ARM supports all Windows applications with the same/similar constraints one would expect from an x86 chip.launch

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December 27, 2024

@akin242002

It's only good if you work in a Windows heavy ecosystem outside of gaming. My main issue is lack of accessories & printer compatibility. 2nd issue is low level of X86 compatibility.launch

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December 22, 2024

@migueltoledo1884

The biggest limiting factor is going to be the ARM chip. Unlike with MacOS, Windows still doesn't retain the same level of performance and compatibility. Moreover, many developers still don't see it as being financially sound to make a separate ARM-based version of their existing apps. If ALL you are doing is just using Window's standard apps - it's fine. But anything on compiled specifically for ARM is going to be a headache.launch

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December 21, 2024

@pba7

I sold mine after 4 months. The build quality and design are great, but the Qualcomm chip (especially the graphics driver support) and Windows on ARM just aren't where they should be yet.launch

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December 21, 2024

Users report problems with Photoshop/Lightroom integration on Snapdragon, with features like 'edit in Photoshop' grayed out, raising doubts about photo/video editing viability.

@Hongs.average

I recently purchased Surface and was disappointed. The 'edit in Photoshop' is grayed out and cannot be used in Lightroom. It seems an issue with Snapdragon Surface uses. Any creators experienced this and had a solution? I love the build but if it cannot help me with my work, I need to return it.launch

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April 23, 2026

@holio_tech

My Big question ⁉️ \nHow good are video editing and photo editing softwares on ARM chipset. I don't game but I much about Microsoft Office apps and other softwares that focuses mostly on programming and productivity. Someone please give me a concrete response as I'm a big fan of Microsoft laptopslaunch

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January 16, 2025

@joeljkb

I'm thinking about buying a maxed out Surface Laptop 7 (32 GB RAM, X Elite Chip..) But I really can't find the awnser, if it is enough for photo editing (Photoshop, Lightroom) Most Adobe apps run native on ARM (I know Premiere and After Effects not, but those are not key for me), nevertheless I'm not sure if the performance will be enough for a good workflow. I mean there are much more expensive products dedicated for editing then the Surface Laptop.. \n\nHas someone some experience with this kind of work?launch

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December 24, 2024

Users report trackpad haptic feedback failures, trackpad malfunctioning while charging via USB-C, and Teams crashing the webcam driver during video calls.

@kms108

Can you check, I found a bug with this laptop, when you charge or connected through the type C, the track pad goes weird/does not operate probably.\nAlso, not all antivirus will install.launch

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January 20, 2025

@MrksGrsh

The only problem is that Teams is crashing the camera driver every time you start a video call. So the webcam is unusable. What a fail!launch

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January 12, 2025

@fenkicorp

I like my surface laptop 7 however, I keep getting trackpad issues where the haptic feedback doesn't work and I can't click. Very annoying especially when I'm trying to show clients stuff.launch

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December 22, 2024

Users mention a stained palm rest after a week, no charge-status indicator light, a mild electric feel when plugged in, and frequent popups compared to the smoother Mac experience.

@spahouse8784

Hi guys, does anyone have problem with the palm rest? I have black one and the palmrest is stained after one week of using... thnakslaunch

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February 22, 2026

@richardbeaumont7960

I went to a surface 7 after using an M2 air and find the constant popups annoying as hell. Def not the smooth Apple experience. But if you use a lot of excel, there is no choice. Tried parallels too and it was hopeless. Excel is all that stands between me and total immersion in the Apple ecosystem.launch

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January 11, 2026

@aboaskander7195

After switching from MacBook Air M2 to surface 7 the laptop itself great but one issue when you plug it to charge and the light doesn’t give you any notice if it full charge or not and the other thing when you plug it there’s like electric feels when you touch it,launch

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May 23, 2025

Long-term users say the magnetic charger cable and brick fail over time, and others dislike that magnetic connectors detach too easily, adding an extra cable to carry.

@SoloCortexs

have had a Surface Laptop since version 2 Everything is perfect on this laptop EXCEPT that damn 'magnet' charger, this thing WILL fail, horrible design especially if you are a heavy user, over time that cable and brick just goes out. why Microsoft wouldn't just use the lighting port for power is beyond me.launch

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April 28, 2025

@charmgezos

Ι actually despise these magsafe chargers on laptops: they get removed way too easily for no reason and they add just another cable you have to carry aroundlaunch

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March 17, 2025

One user cites lack of accessory and printer compatibility as a main issue, and another notes the Surface Slim Pen 2 doesn't work with the device.

@MonkeyBoyStudio

I can't believe the surface slim pen 2 doesn't work with this, nor any other pen. WTFlaunch

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August 5, 2025

@akin242002

It's only good if you work in a Windows heavy ecosystem outside of gaming. My main issue is lack of accessories & printer compatibility. 2nd issue is low level of X86 compatibility.launch

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December 22, 2024

A commenter notes the pricing is much closer to MacBook Pro than MacBook Air, undercutting the expectation that Qualcomm chips would be cheaper than competitors.

@Christian_303

The main Problem for me is that it’s priced much closer to the macbook pro than the air. Wasnt a big part of qualcoms profuct strategy that the Chips are chaper than the competitors? Only Manifactured benefited it seemslaunch

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December 22, 2024

One user reports the 13-inch top-spec model had fans running full speed and overheating toward the end of an hour-long Google Meet call, leading to a return.

@TheStephenHaley

Ordered a 13 inch in the top spec, then returned it. Toward the end of a one hour google meet the fans were going full speed and the machine was overheating.launch

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December 22, 2024