If you have asked yourself, How can I run 32-bit applications on my 64-bit Windows? Well, here we will explain the steps you must follow and we will also mention some of the basic concepts on this topic so that you can not only solve the problem, but also learn about these types of files and how it affects their compatibility.
Index( )
- Why can I have this problem in Windows 10 64-bit?
- How to fix 32-bit applications not running properly?
- Why is application compatibility important?
- Do I need to enable 32-bit applications?
- How do you detect and fix the files being in the wrong folders?
Why can I have this problem in Windows 10 64-bit?
At first it is necessary to emphasize that if you have 64-bit Windows you should not have any problem when executing files that are 32-bit. This is because the 64-bit system is capable of reading both 64-bit and 32-bit files by default. This through a built-in emulator. In cases where this compatibility is not available, the error 0x8004005 will appear .
This process can only be done on 64-bit systems, since doing the same using a 32-bit system is impossible. However, it may be the case that the compatibility configuration is disabled or a manual execution process is required, for which Windows offers us several options that we will see later.
How to fix 32-bit applications not running properly?
Making a 32-bit program work is simple, what we will have to do is go to its shortcut and right-click. Then, we will have to go to the last option (properties), here we will have to click on the compatibility sub window.
This will give us a series of options, among which are running the compatibility wizard and manually marking the type of system to run. First of all, let’s talk about the automatic wizard, which after clicking will open a window where the program will begin to scan in search of compatibility problems.
At the end of the scan, we will be shown the most viable option to execute the program and we will only have to click on apply and execute the program with said configuration . On the other hand we have the manual mode.
In this case, we first have to check the ‘run in compatibility for’ box, then we will have to use the drop-down menu to select one of the options. In general, the ideal option is to run the program in compatibility with Windows XP service pack 3 or Windows 7.
This is because these versions of Windows are the most compatible with this type of file. After selecting the option, we must click apply and then accept. Finally we will have to double click on the shortcut to execute it with this configuration.
Why is application compatibility important?
The importance of compatibility between applications lies mainly in the fact that the largest number of applications can run on all operating systems. However, as is normal when a new operating system is released and an old program is not updated and remains in its previous version, this type of compatibility problems can occur. However, developers are aware of this and for this reason there are such emulators.
It is important to mention that many programs have both versions and when it comes to system plugins, it is best to install both the 32 and 64-bit versions . This only applies to 64-bit systems.
Do I need to enable 32-bit applications?
Whether or not it is necessary depends entirely on the use you give your computer, however having this option active never hurts and can help you if you need to run a program that is only available in a 32-bit version .
This can be very useful in all types of programs including audio programs , editing, images and even some games. This last section of games is one of the ones that benefits the most from this compatibility.
This is because most games are made with Windows XP’s own compatibility system . The latter was undoubtedly the most compatible operating system and it could run applications natively much faster.
How do you detect and fix the files being in the wrong folders?
There is a very common error when installing old programs and that is that they are installed in the wrong folders on the hard drive . This is generally not a problem, however if we constantly need to access these locations or use automated programs, there will likely be errors when locating the folders.
We can detect this by simply entering our C: disk and then looking at the ‘ program files ‘ folder in which these types of programs are normally installed. Once located, to change their location we just have to cut the program folder and paste it in ‘Program Files x86’.
Once this is done, the error will be corrected, however it is necessary to copy the program’s shortcut to the desktop again so that we can use it regularly.