What does the end of 32-bit support mean for my games on Windows 11?
Starting with recent updates to Windows 11, Microsoft has been encouraging developers to move towards 64-bit applications for better performance and enhanced security. As a result, support for 32-bit applications, including older games and software, is being phased out on newer versions of Windows. After the latest Game Manager update, 32-bit games will no longer be supported on Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11.
However, you can still play 32-bit games on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 (32-bit), Windows 8, Windows 7, XP, and other systems that support 32-bit applications. If you're running one of these older Windows versions, your 32-bit games should continue to work without issues.
What does this mean for my games?
With the end of 32-bit support, older games that rely on 32-bit technology will not work on Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 after the update. This means that any 32-bit Big Fish Games will no longer be playable on Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 after the update.
If you’ve already updated your system to Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 and are encountering issues with older games, please refer to the instructions below to check which games are still compatible and how to reinstall them.
Will new games be compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, newer games released by Big Fish Games are all compatible with 64-bit systems and will work properly on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If you're looking to play new games, they will be updated to work with 64-bit architecture.
How can I know if a game is compatible with my Windows version?
To find out if a game is compatible with your system, we recommend downloading and trying the free trial version first. If the trial version runs, the full game should also work on your 64-bit system.
- If the trial version doesn't run, then the full game will likely be incompatible.
- Visit our Download a Trial Game help article for more information about how to download and test a game before purchasing.
How can I know if my apps are 32-bit or 64-bit on Windows?
Microsoft does not notify users when they are using 32-bit apps in the same way that Apple does on macOS. However, you can check whether an app is 32-bit or 64-bit manually by following these steps:
For Windows 10 and Windows 11:
-
Open Task Manager:
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or press
-
Find the App in the Processes Tab:
- In the Processes tab, look for the app in question.
-
Check the App’s Architecture:
- Right-click on the app and select Go to Details.
- In the Details tab, you’ll see if the app is labeled as
32-bitor64-bitnext to its name.
Key Takeaways:
- 32-bit games will no longer be supported on Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 after recent updates.
- To continue playing your games, you must ensure you are using the 64-bit versions of the games for these operating systems.
- You can still play 32-bit games on older Windows versions, such as Windows 10 (32-bit), Windows 7, XP, and other systems that support 32-bit applications.
- Newer games are compatible with 64-bit systems and will work with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Use the trial version of games to test compatibility before purchasing the full version.