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32-bit Support Debate

Cluster focuses on discussions about retaining or dropping 32-bit software and architecture support in modern 64-bit systems, including compatibility for legacy apps, OS decisions, and hardware trends.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Hardware
3,835
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#3277
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Top Contributors

saagarjha (27) scarface74 (19) 0x0 (18) justincormack (16) rbanffy (15)

Keywords

CPU OP MIPS InstallShield LTS OS API VS 32 bit 32 bit 64 64 bit bits support 04 16 bit hardware

Sample Comments

sys_64738 • Apr 9, 2022 • View on HN

Because some of us still want to run 32-bit applications.

lucian1900 • Feb 25, 2014 • View on HN

There's no particular reason to not support 32 bit, at least so far.

monocasa • Feb 28, 2021 • View on HN

Lots of 32 bit code still gets run on these machines.

professoretc • Feb 6, 2025 • View on HN

Doesn't it still treat 64-bit code as something of an afterthought?

chj • Nov 13, 2014 • View on HN

Can't believe 64bit is still not supported. Apple did it 1 year ago.

tmaly • Sep 30, 2019 • View on HN

why is dropping 32-bit support even a consideration?

Pamar • Dec 16, 2020 • View on HN

I see that they stopped supporting 32-bits architecture though

forty • Dec 30, 2024 • View on HN

Is this needed because recent x86-64 processors / hardware are not able to run older 32bits binaries anymore?

human_banana • Dec 12, 2019 • View on HN

Maybe because nobody uses 32-bit x86 anymore?

saurik • Jun 26, 2017 • View on HN

One reason being "to run my old 32-bit software".