While we’re expecting Windows 9 to bring dramatic new changes, new reports are starting to surfaced around the web speculating that Microsoft may be planning to only support 64-bit and 128-bit processor architectures, killing the 32-bit version of the operating system starting with Windows 9.
Although, indeed, we’re on a time where 64-bit hardware are dominating the market that being on hardware running Windows 8 or Windows 7, it’s highly unlikely Microsoft will take this road so soon.
Axing a software architecture, like x86 (32-bit), it is not a simple as flipping a switch, there are tons of variables that come into place. For example, letting Windows 9 run only on 64-bit and 128-bit processors will force users to upgrade their hardware and this is not an ideal solution to boost PC sales.
Also Windows 9 is an operating system focus on enterprise customers and enterprises thousands even millions of PCs running the 32-bit version of Windows. Removing support for 32-bit hardware on Windows 9 goes against everything Microsoft is trying to do.
Additionally, the software giant is improving its operating system to work with very low-profile hardware, event with 1GB of RAM. So, it’s highly unlikely, Microsoft will not release a 32-bit version of Windows 9.
Even though, it’s not been confirmed, Microsoft is planning to make Windows 9 a free update for all major releases, including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.x. And there still plenty PCs running the 32-bit version of Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7; heck even with Windows 8.
On a market where PC sales are in a record low, Microsoft could boost Windows 9 adoption on current hardware and not just on new PCs or 64-bit and 128-bit computers.
Do you think Microsoft won’t release a 32-bit version of Windows 9?
