32 bit os showing x64 processsor

shakennstirred said:

It still surprises me people run 32bit windows.
I have been on 64bit since 07

In certain situations, there's no reason or benefit to run 64 bit, or if the user has some incompatible, crucial software. I still put 32 bit versions on older systems that have less than 4 GB of memory and I know won't ever be upgraded.

Why is it a surprise ?

I've installed 32 bit Windows 10 on an old laptop (9 + year old) even though it will run the 64 bit version. Why... its basically down to the lack of driver support, primarily Wi-Fi (Atheros) and the fact it only has 2Gb RAM.

Mooly said:

Why is it a surprise ?

I've installed 32 bit Windows 10 on an old laptop (9 + year old) even though it will run the 64 bit version. Why... its basically down to the lack of driver support, primarily Wi-Fi (Atheros) and the fact it only has 2Gb RAM.

I have an older duel core 64bit cpu ,dell tower ,that I have win8 64bit on, had to , I tried to install win8.1 64 and win10 64bit ,it just stopped and told me the cpu was not supported ,that of course is not the exact message, cant remember it,and the same with an older Compaq/hp tower ,,it would not even install the win 8 64, I bad to put win7pro 64 bit on it

The very similar user interface tends to hide the fact that internally 32 and 64 bit operating systems are VERY different. A 64 bit OS can run most 32 bit software but this is not an inherent capability but something that must be designed in. And it isn't simple. The native environment in which 64 bit applications run is quite alien to a 32 bit application. A 32 bit process runs in a carefully prepared artificial environment where everything is as expected. The OS lies to the process about many things because it quite literally could not handle the truth.

When running a 32 bit OS a 64 bit processor switches into 32 bit mode because only in this mode would it behave as expected and only in this mode could it run 16 bit applications. The CPU is identified to applications as a 32 bit CPU because for practical purposes that is what it is. Only when running a 64 bit OS does the CPU reveal it's true nature.

wonder where the OP went