It’s time to put those old 32-bit Windows versions to bed as AMD joins the growing list of vendors to end support for the 32-bit versions of Windows. AMD said that it is dropping support for 32-bit versions of Windows in upcoming updates of its graphics drivers.
AMD to stop support for 32-bit video drivers
The latest driver to include 32-bit support is version 18.9.3, released late last month by AMD. It included support for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Forza Horizon and fixed two stability and usability issues.
The company mentioned,
AMD Radeon Software support for x32-bit Windows operating systems have been moved to a legacy support mode–we are not planning to support x32-bit Windows operating systems in future driver releases. This change enables AMD to dedicate valuable engineering resources to developing new features and enhancements for graphic s products based on the latest x64-bit Windows-based operating systems. Users can continue to use existing x32-bit drivers if they so choose. However, for those who are passionate about gaming and want to continue receiving the best of Radeon Software features and performance, we recommend they consider upgrading to a x64-bit Windows operating system.
However, AMD may still patch critical issues that are discovered in the near future. Whether that means critical security issues, stability issues, or issues with individual games is yet to be clarified.
How does AMD ending support for 32-bit Windows affects users
As per Steam’s Hardware Survey, the user base for 32-bit Windows version has plummeted to 2% across Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, hence this news is unlikely to create a massive concern among Windows users. The best strategy for users who are still hanging to 32-bit is to switch to 64-bit before experiencing security and compatibility issues.
Over the last few years, device and game vendors have been shifting their attention solely to 64-bit OS. Even Apple ended 32-bit support for iOS last year.
AMD thus joins NVIDIA, in ending their support for 32-bit versions of Windows OS.
