Old 32 bit software in Windows 10 64 bit


  1. Posts : 308
    Windows 10
       #1

    Old 32 bit software in Windows 10 64 bit


    I have a new home pc with pre-installed Windows 10 64 bit. My 5 year old daughter has some old children games that she loves to play. But, many of them refuse to install in Windows 10 with an error message saying they are 32 bit apps which cannot run on this pc and I should contact the manufacturer for a 64 bit version. This happens no matter which compatibility setting I assign to the setup.exe file.

    Is there any way to install and run such old 32 bit game programs in Windows 10 64 bit? They are very old games she loves and there is no 64 bit version available.

    (I know I could install a virtual XP machine but that would be too complicated for her).

    Appreciate any help.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    That doesn't sound right. Windows 10 64 bit can run 32 bit applications. Are you sure it didn't say 16 bit applications? and that you 32 bit apps?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 308
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you for replying.
    My mistake. The ones that would not run were indeed 16 bit programs.
    I know I can install virtualbox and install XP in it, but can Windows 10
    a) support a desktop shortcut that will automatically start virtual box and run such a program within it?
    b) or can I set up a user that will - on bootup - automatically start virtual box and the XP emulation?

    Edit
    Or maybe the setup uses a 16 bit installer.
    The OS is 64 bit W10.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #4

    Curious said:
    Thank you for replying.
    My mistake. The ones that would not run were indeed 16 bit programs.
    I know I can install virtualbox and install XP in it, but can Windows 10
    a) support a desktop shortcut that will automatically start virtual box and run such a program within it?
    b) or can I set up a user that will - on bootup - automatically start virtual box and the XP emulation?

    Edit
    Or maybe the setup uses a 16 bit installer.
    The OS is 64 bit W10.
    You can start the vm by running vm command from task manager.

    Then you can do same inside vm ie run app from task manager.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 308
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you. Can you clarify further? I've used task manager to stop apps. Didn't know it could also start them.
    Can I create a desktop shortcut in the windows 10 desktop that would contain as a command "vm, ......"
    What would the command line actually say?
    Thank you for replying!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 126
    Windows 10 x86 Professional
       #6

    If those are DOS games perhaps you can run them in DOSBox other ways 64 bit 10 don't support 16 bit programs.
    Refer : Solved Does 16 bit work yet on a 64 bit windows 10 OS? - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


 

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