Should the next Windows support a 32bit platform?

Ricochet J · 27 Jan 2011 at 22:43

Should the next Windows support a 32bit platform, or should full efforts be made to ensure all resources are used to make it a true 64bit operating system? It's my understanding that Windows Vista/7 32bit will continue to receive support from Microsoft for many years as Windows XP is slowly being phased out.

Raumarik · 27 Jan 2011 at 22:52

Well by the time it comes out people will have had several years to move to 64bit so I see little reason to continue support, perhaps for one version (if out within the next 4 years) but after that people should have to move with the times a bit. Most corporations will have 4-5 year hardware refresh so it'd tie in with that.
Most home users by then will have systems that support 64 bit.

It's odd but manufacturers of other goods dont' seem to have these continuing legacy support issues forced on them to the same extent as MS.

SiriusB · 27 Jan 2011 at 23:01

MS doesn't really have a choice, which is a big shame. Many businesses are loathe to upgrade their IT unless absolutely necessary. They tend to be unwilling to pay for software to be made compatible with newer platforms or architectures.

Part of me thinks Windows 8 will still have a 32-bit flavour, though I imagine most OEMs will opt for the 64-bit version by then. Drivers are quite mature now for 64-bit platforms so I see no reason why 32-bit pre-installs will be needed except under particular circumstances.

Mr-White · 27 Jan 2011 at 23:16

I think it should be 64-bit only, Windows 7 will be around for ages for those who don't want to use it

MW

theheyes · 27 Jan 2011 at 23:50

For Windows as you know it then no, I don't see a point in a 32bit version of Windows 8. However as far as I know ARM stuff is based on a 32 bit instruction set so technically you'll have a 32 bit version of Windows for a long while yet.

FallshirmjAEger · 28 Jan 2011 at 20:17

I don't see the point. It's just more effort for companies/developers in the long run.

xiphrex · 28 Jan 2011 at 21:25

HangTime · 30 Jan 2011 at 00:39

I think it will do because of concerns over 64bit driver support for stuff like fancy (but old) printers, and just general concerns from corporate users over software compatibility (irrespective of whether they are genuine concerns, the fact that they exist can still create a market for 32bit Windows).

In a funny sort of way I think the 4GB memory limitation in 32bit Windows may actually turn out to be a good thing however as with memory getting cheaper it gives more of an obvious/genuine reason for people to look at 64bit.