GitHub Introduces ARM64 Hosted Runners for Public Repositories

GitHub has officially announced the general availability of ARM64 hosted runners for Linux and Windows within public repositories. This development is set to provide developers with enhanced performance benefits, leveraging the capabilities of ARM64 processors. According to GitHub, these runners offer a cost-free solution for running multi-architecture builds natively within GitHub Actions.

Standard Runners Specifications

The newly introduced standard runners are equipped with 4vCPU and are available for both Linux and Windows platforms. They utilize an ARM64 processor with an image managed by Arm, LLC. However, it is crucial to note that these runners are exclusively available for public repositories. Developers interested in leveraging ARM64 runners in private repositories will need to opt for larger runners, as detailed in GitHub's documentation.

Getting Started with ARM64 Runners

To begin utilizing the ARM64 hosted runners, developers need to add one of the supported ARM64 labels to the runs-on syntax within their public actions workflow file. The supported labels include:

• windows-11-arm
• ubuntu-24.04-arm
• ubuntu-22.04-arm

This initiative marks a significant step in simplifying the process for developers who previously had to rely on virtualization for running ARM-based builds. The transition to native support aims to streamline workflows and reduce dependency on external solutions.

Implications for Developers

The general availability of ARM64 hosted runners is expected to enhance the efficiency of development processes on GitHub. By harnessing the power of ARM64 processors, developers can expect improved performance in their build processes. This move aligns with the broader industry trend towards ARM architecture, which is increasingly being adopted for its efficiency and performance advantages.

For further information on utilizing ARM64 hosted runners, developers are encouraged to refer to GitHub's comprehensive documentation on the subject.