Windows 10 version 2004 is being made available to developers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) this week, and it signals the beginning of the end for 32-bit versions of Microsoft's operating system.
As Neowin reports, in the Minimum Hardware requirements for version 2004, Microsoft notes that, "Beginning with Windows 10, version 2004, all new Windows 10 systems will be required to use 64-bit builds and Microsoft will no longer release 32-bit builds for OEM distribution." It means new desktop PCS and laptops must use 64-bit versions of the OS.
There are some key differences between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems, but for the most part this isn't a change the majority of PC users will notice or need to care about. However, if you are running a 32-bit Windows system, don't worry. Microsoft also makes it clear that, "This does not impact 32-bit customer systems that are manufactured with earlier versions of Windows 10; Microsoft remains committed to providing feature and security updates on these devices, including continued 32-bit media availability in non-OEM channels to support various upgrade installation scenarios."
If you want to build a new Windows 10 PC using a old 32-bit chip, that's also not impossible, you'll just have to find yourself a 32-bit copy of Windows 10, which are still readily available to purchase.
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