Can Windows 11 Run on a 32-bit Processor?

Microsoft has officially taken the curtain off of Windows 11, and we can hardly keep ourselves contained. The stunning new redesign is the most noticeable part of the upcoming Windows OS, of course, but there are a lot of aspects to ponder upon here.

Firstly, we now have Android support in Windows 11 — a project that was in the pipeline for ages. Additionally, there is a more secure structure in place, thanks to the mandatory inclusion of TPM microcontrollers. Finally, Microsoft has made some tangible changes to the system requirement sheet; specifically to the list of supported processors.

So, without further ado, let’s check out whether you can run Windows 11 on a 32-bit processor.

Can Windows 11 run on a 32-bit processor?

Windows 11’s predecessor, Windows 10, required you to have a 1ghz processor single-core, 32-bit or 64-bit processor. Windows 11, on the other hand, is a little more demanding, requiring at least a 1ghz dual-core 64-bit processor. This notable change to the system requirement sheet marks the end of Windows support for 32-bit processors.

So, if you were running Windows 10 on a 32-bit desktop processor or SoC, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. It is to be noted that Intel and AMD have not made a 32-bit processor in over 19 years. The 2.8ghz Intel Pentium 4 processor was the last 32-bit processor. These machines were only capable of running 32-bit operating systems, such as Windows 95, 98, and XP.

Microsoft: Windows 11 Supported AMD Processors | Intel Processors

Is there a way to bypass the 64-bit requirement on Windows 11?

Microsoft’s system requirement section clearly states that you need a 64-bit SoC or processor to run Windows 11. And sadly, there is no way for anyone to bypass this requirement. Since there is no 32-bit variant of the Windows 11 OS, your 32-bit processor will not be able to comprehend the instruction set. Upgrade to any Inter 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 3000 processor or above to meet Windows 11’s processor-centric system requirement.

Will Windows 11 run 32-bit software?

Yes, it is true that Windows 11 will not run on a 32-bit processor or SoC. However, that doesn’t mean it will not be able to run 32-bit software on it. All 64-bit systems — Window 11, in this case — are backward compatible. So, if you have a 32-bit application, your Windows 11 PC would be able to run the application swimmingly. Many drivers for your hardware components are 32-bit applications, which makes it paramount for 64-bit systems to be backward compatible.

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