How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10

It gets trickier for users to choose between the “32-bit” and “64-bit” Architectures that Windows supports. In spite of the fact that 64-bit is much faster and capable of handling more RAM. Some applications still only support the “32-bit” architecture. Newer operating systems do have the option to use 32-bit applications on 64-bit architecture. This is achieved by having two “Program Files Systems” on the same computer.

How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
A comparison of 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems

The 32-bit File system is stored as “Program Files(x86)” this way Windows can identify a 32-bit application and provide the accurate “.dll” file depending upon it.

How to Install 32-bit Software on 64-bit Windows?

In this article, we will guide you with the easiest method to allow the installation of 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows. In order to achieve this task follow the guide below

  1. Press the “Windows” + “S” keys simultaneously to open Search.
  2. Type in “Control Panel” and click on the first option.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Clicking on the “Control Panel” option
  3. Click on the “Programs” option and then select “Turn Windows Features ON or OFF” button.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Clicking on “Programs” inside Control panel
  4. Check the box for “Internet Information Services” and click on “OK“.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Checking the box for Internet Information Services
  5. Windows will start to enable the features, wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Press the “Windows“+ “S” keys simultaneously to open Search.
  7. Type in “Internet Information Services” and click on the first option.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Clicking on the “Internet Information Services” option
  8. Double click on the “Desktop” option in the left pane.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Double-clicking on the “Desktop” option in the left pane
  9. Double click on “Application Pools“.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Double-clicking on the “Applications Pools” option
  10. Rightclick on the “Default Application Pool” option and select “Advanced Settings“.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Right-clicking on “DefaultAppPools” and selecting “Advanced Settings”
  11. Under the “General” heading, click on the “Enable 32bit Applications” option and click on the “dropdown” in front of the “False” value.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Clicking on the “Enable 32-bit Applications” option under the General heading and clicking on the dropdown in front of “False”
  12. SelectTrue” and click on “OK”.
    How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10
    Selecting “True” as the Value from the dropdown
  13. Try to install a 32-bit Software and check to see if the issue persists.

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How to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10

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Can Windows 10 run 32bit programs?

In general, yes, you can . the fact that they are 32-bit is irrelevant. Both 64-bit Windows 10 and 32-bit Windows 10 can run 32-bit programs.

How do I enable 32

You will see your computer's name in the left window, expand it and click on Application Pools. In the right window, right-click on DefaultAppPools and selects Advanced Settings. Select “Enable 32-bit Applications” and change it from False to True. Click OK and restart your computer.

What happens if you run a 32bit program on a 64

Similarly, having a 64-bit operating system means that you can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications on it. Furthermore, if you run a 32-bit program on a 64-bit machine, it will run perfectly because the program will take the computer as if it was a 32-bit machine.

Can I install 32bit Office on 64bit Windows 10?

The 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Office programs aren't compatible, so you can't install both on the same computer. You're developing in-house solutions, like add-ins or document-level customization.