Future of 32-bit Windows apps

Terens 21 Reputation points
2020-06-03T18:55:09.143+00:00

Microsoft announced recently that Windows 10 version 2004 will not allow 32-bit Windows for OEM devices. To me it suggests that Windows 10 will slowly remove support for 32-bit architecture at all. Does that mean that "Program Files (x86)" will be removed within a few years? Are we also going to get Visual Studio compiled to target x64 CPU-s?

Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-06-04T13:41:37.437+00:00

    Something here might help.

    https://developercommunity.visualstudio.com/content/problem/517541/vs-2019-downloaded-x64-version-installed-x86.html

    or also try asking in dedicated forums over here.

    https://developercommunity.visualstudio.com/spaces/8/index.html

    https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/en-US/home?forum=visualstudiogeneral

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    Regards, Dave Patrick ....
    Microsoft Certified Professional
    Microsoft MVP [Windows Server] Datacenter Management

    Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.

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  1. Leon Laude 85,666 Reputation points
    2020-06-04T06:48:38.963+00:00

    Hi,

    Even if the new Windows 10 releases will be 64-bit versions only, I'm fairly sure the 32-bit architecture will stay for quite many years to come because it's still a big change to get rid of it entirely. Also as there are so many apps in 32-bit still, Windows 10 will need to support these apps.

    Modern PCs have been using 64-bit CPUs for quite some time, so there's no reason for most people to need a 32-bit.

    Currently you can choose to compile an application to either 32-bit or 64-bit:
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/64-bit-apps

    Best regards,
    Leon

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  2. Terens 21 Reputation points
    2020-06-04T13:36:05.523+00:00

    Hi Leon,

    Thanks for the answer. I think I didn't correctly ask my question. I am already familiar with Visual Studio as I have been using it for a couple of years. AFAIK Visual Studio is a 32 bit application (even thought it can build 64 bit apps). This is even mentioned on the link you shared. My question was whether are we going to see a 64 bit Visual Studio or not.

    PS: I know this may not be an appropriate question to ask, so it's OK if you can't answer.

    Thanks in advance,

    Terens