Google Officially Launches Essential App for Qualcomm Laptops

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-powered PCs have recently broadened their app horizons with the addition of Google Drive for Desktop. Originally launched as a beta testing phase back in November 2024, Google has now fully released the Arm64 version to the public.

In its official blog, Google announced that its widely-used cloud storage platform, comparable to Microsoft’s OneDrive, is now free to download for Google Workspace users, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and anyone with a personal Google account.

The official rollout kicks off today, but users should anticipate a ‘gradual rollout’ timeframe extending to a maximum of 15 days.

For those who were part of the Google Drive (Arm64) beta experience, your systems will seamlessly transition to the newly available public version—no need to uninstall or reconfigure.

If you’re using a Qualcomm-driven machine, you can head over to Google’s Drive page and get started with the app download.

The Essentiality of Google Drive Goes Mainstream

Even though Qualcomm and its associates have been stellar in adapting popular apps to the Arm64 platform on Snapdragon X PCs, Google Drive has been an elusive piece in the puzzle. Its absence was particularly felt in environments heavily reliant on Google Workspace, where cloud access is critical.

While the app’s beta phase since last year hinted at progress, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park—interested users needed to actively search for it since Google didn’t prominently advertise its existence (though if you were following my articles, you might’ve caught wind of it).

Google Drive stands out by offering online storage for a variety of files, be it documents, pictures, or videos, all accessible from any internet-connected device. Here are some of its standout features:

• Storage Options: Start with 15 GB free across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos, with the option to upgrade via Google One.
• Collaboration Tools: Seamless integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for live editing.
• File Sharing: Simple sharing through links or permission settings.
• Automatic Backup: Safeguard files with automated device backups.

Now with this app officially launched, those considering a switch to Qualcomm-based Windows laptops have one less hurdle. In our evaluations, these laptops frequently outperform their Intel counterparts in terms of power efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Recent additions to the Arm64 app repertoire have been significant, including the likes of Telegram, Vivaldi browser, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Illustrator, and Slack. Have a look at our guide on the best Windows on Arm apps to explore more.

Qualcomm proudly showcases a dedicated space to keep tabs on major Arm64-compatible applications, indicating that “Based on Microsoft’s research, 90% of today’s total app minutes have native versions.” While a few exceptions may persist, most users will find a Snapdragon X PC well-suited for 2025.

In related news, Qualcomm has introduced a fresh graphics driver beta program for its Snapdragon X Elite laptops. This beta allows users access to drivers that expand gaming compatibility, resolve current game issues, and provide general enhancements. While these updates will eventually become available through Windows Update, for those eager to get the latest fixes and broader support, signing up is highly recommended.