Microsoft Will Phase Out 32-bit Versions of Windows 10

Here's What You Need to Do

Published May 15, 2020 02:59PM EDT

No need to panic, but updating your Windows 10 to 64-bit is a smart move, and pretty easy to do.

The Windows 10 Desktop — The Windows 10 (Anniversary Update) desktop.

Microsoft has begun the process of ending support for 32-bit versions of Windows 10, starting with the 2004 version of the popular operating system.

Microsoft says: "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," wrote the company in its documentation. Earlier versions of Windows will continue to get 32-bit support, however, as the hardware included typically won't support 64-bit code.

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: What's the Difference?

Advantages of 64-bit: A 64-bit processor can handle 64 bits of data at once, which lets it process information faster than a 32-bit processor. This lets it use more memory, for example, and allows your computer to be more precise, as well; pixels can be colored and placed more accurately, for example, than they can be on a 32-bit computer.

What to do: First, you need to see which version of Windows 10 your machine can handle. If you can, you'll next want to upgrade your 64-bit capable PC to the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Then you'll be ready for the changeover in support, assuming you have a 2004 or later copy of Windows 10.

Via: The Guru of 3D