Are you abandoning 32-bit in Windows 8? (So many questions. So little time. Part 24)

Yes, I’m back (finally) with another in my series of expanded-answers to questions I have received during TechNet Events and IT Camps I’ve facilitated.  But for these next blog posts I’m going to have a little fun by actually showing you the written question.

Our question today comes from Timi, who asked me:

Great question.  Windows 8 – the consumer and professional desktop product – will still be available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms.  So we’re not yet ready to abandon 32-bit desktops.  It’s not going away.  Certainly there are still a lot of you out there running or supporting people running 32-bit installations, and you’d still like to be able to do an in-place upgrade.

And the answer to your next question you ask regarding “WOA” (which stands for Windows on ARM) is that it is 32-bit.  For those of you who are not familiar with it, Windows on ARM is now officially known as “Windows 8 RT”, and under-the-hood, though you won’t really have to worry about it, it is 32-bit.

“Huh? Why won’t I have to worry about it? Don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t be worried about.”

Forgive me.  But really.. Windows 8 RT is the operating system for ARM-based devices.  It comes pre-installed and running on those devices.  It’s not an operating system that you can purchase and install yourself.  So, whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit is really only a concern to the folks who are building Windows 8 + ARM based tablets.

“Thanks.”

You’re welcome.