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Would it be possible to run 32 bit apps without problems on a 64 bit Windows OS? If not, what would be workaround?

Edited based on Ryan's comment

Particularly the following

  • Java
  • A few programming apps like eclipse
  • SDKs that run on top of Java,
  • Android SDK
  • Antivirus
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    It might be a good idea for you to point out certain applications you're concerned about.
    – Ryan Versaw
    Oct 2, 2009 at 19:21

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The general rule of thumb is yes, 32bit apps will work on 64bit operating systems. The common exception to this rule is when the application itself has "hooks" to the kernel or needs certain drivers to run - most famously VM softwares - and then it is better to get the native 64bit version.

Also, plug-ins such as Java, in order for it to be compatible with Internet Explorer 64bit, should be in 64bit too.

That said, if you are running a 64bit Windows - always try to find the 64bit version of the app. If none exists, then use the 32bit version.

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  • Another exception I've run into is an old game. It checks to make sure you're using a 32-bit OS because, when it was written, the alternative was 16 bit and it didn't support that. However, this prevented it from working on a 64-bit OS (because 64 ≠ 32). Moral of the story: check to make sure that any Window 9x software you may have will work before going to x64.
    – Daniel H
    Oct 2, 2009 at 20:35
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If the program is 16 bit you can run into problems. Check this out:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384249(VS.85).aspx

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  • You won't likely run into this issue unless you're trying to run an old application from a floppy disk, such as an application made for Windows 3. Sadly, this would be an issue for my mother as she still uses Lotus AmiPro on Windows XP (made for Win 3.1).
    – Will Eddins
    Oct 2, 2009 at 19:34
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    Some 32-bit applications are distributed with dated installer technology that is 16-bit. Therefore, while the bits would work if installed the installer can't run. I have been running x64 Vista since it RTMed and now Windows 7 x64. I hit this 16-bit installer problem once. In Windows 7, XP mode solves the issue neatly.
    – Brian Reiter
    Oct 2, 2009 at 19:38
  • Windows 7 Professional (and above) comes with XP-Mode (although you may need to download it). That lets you run an in Windows XP (32 bit I think) as if it were just another window on your computer.
    – Clay Nichols
    Dec 6, 2009 at 3:18
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Most likely. And if not you should be able to shim it to run. It really depends on the program and how much crazy code they put in (such as using undocumented "features")

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I've been using 64-bit Vista and Windows 7 for over a year now and have had very few compatibility problems... nothing I can think of off the top of my head in fact.

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Windows 7 Professional (and above) comes with XP-Mode (although you may need to download it). That lets you run an in Windows XP (32 bit I think) as if it were just another window on your computer.

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