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Windows 10 will support only 64 bit, same as Windows 11
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows 11is definitely on everyone’s lips for good reasons that it’s running smoothly and it has a great design but also for its inherent bugs as an early build.
However, a new questionaroseon the Microsoft Community board: Are we going to see a 32-bit version of Windows 11?
As the question stirred a lot of debate, we’re going to make some documented assumptions ourselves and give you a proper answer.
Will there be a Windows 11 32-bit version?
Microsoft didn’t clearly specify that there’s not going to be a Windows 11 32-bit version but all the data shows that we’re not going to see such a thing.
We’re going to start from theWindows 11 requirementsand they clearly stipulate that for running the new OS, you need a 64-bit capable processor.
However, that’s not proof that there’s not going to be a 32-bit version of Windows 11. You can perfectly run a 32-bit system on a 64-bit processor.
Next, 32-bit systems are obsolete. We can list only a few Linux distributions that still support the outdated architecture and MacOS crossed to the 64-bit camp a long time ago.
Even Windows 10 will only use 64-bit builds
Another important clue comes from theWindows 10 Requirements pagethat is clearly stating that Windows 10 will only use 64-bit builds:
Beginning with Windows 10, version 2004, all new Windows 10 systems will be required to use 64-bit builds and Microsoft will no longer release 32-bit builds for OEM distribution. This does not impact 32-bit customer systems that are manufactured with earlier versions of Windows 10; Microsoft remains committed to providing feature and security updates on these devices, including continued 32-bit media availability in non-OEM channels to support various upgrade installation scenarios.
So, not even the soon-to-be expired OS will be available in its 32-bit form so we don’t expect to be otherwise with Windows 11.
However, there’s absolutely no reason to believe that you won’t be able to run 32-bit applications on your 64-bit system.
And another question can push through: How will users running a Windows 10 32-bit version be able to upgrade to a Windows 11 system?
The answer here is pretty simple: They won’t be able to do that unless their computer meets the requirements.
But if you are running a 32-bit system because your processor is not 64-bit compatible, you will clearly not be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
Do you have any other questions or you just want to discuss the subject, leave a comment below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft