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X86 vs x64

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mariam-j Posted messages 44 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   -  
brucine Posted messages 24414 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   -

Hello,
Does the term "x86" necessarily imply that it is 32 bits?
Can you install a 32-bit OS on 64-bit hardware?
Thank you for shedding some light.

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Réponse 1 / 2
Panth33ra Posted messages 23027 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   Ambassadeur 2 346
 

Hello,

1°/ The term "x86" indeed indicates 32 bits. For a bit of history, the definition of the term x86... https://www.lemagit.fr/definition/x86

2°/ No, a 32-bit OS will not run on 64 bits (x64) and vice versa.
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brucine Posted messages 24414 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   4 105
 

Hello,

Even a 64-bit system installs 32-bit software in Program Files (x86), this mention is relative to the software by misuse of language, not to the processor which merely is either 32 or 64 bits, all relatively recent processors supporting 64 bits also have a basic x86 architecture, which simply sets them apart from, for example, ARM.

Everything that is 32 bits including the OS works with a 64-bit processor, it is the opposite that is not true.

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Réponse 2 / 2
mariam-j Posted messages 44 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   38
 

Okay, thank you for the information and the clarification.
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brucine Posted messages 24414 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   4 105
 

That said, the only valid reason to install a 32-bit OS on a 64-bit processor up to Windows 10 (this doesn't exist on Windows 11) is to want to use DOS games or utilities in native 16-bit mode that a 64-bit OS does not recognize.

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