64-bit architecture Archives

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?

Microsoft included the Solitaire Collection with Windows 10 and Windows 11, while many classic games required separate downloads. The company has shifted focus towards its Xbox platform, leading to the discontinuation of games like 3D Pinball: Space Cadet due to technical challenges. Raymond Chen noted that the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture caused significant issues for 3D Pinball, including a bug where the ball would pass through objects. Ultimately, the decision was made to exclude Pinball from the product lineup to avoid the complexities of porting its code.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft explains why Pinball vanished from Windows: “We couldn’t afford to spend days studying the code”

3D Pinball was a space-themed game included in Windows XP since its debut in 1995. It was removed with the launch of Windows Vista due to a bug in the code that caused the game to be unplayable, not because of legal issues as commonly believed. The bug occurred during the transition of Windows XP to 64-bit architecture, where the ball would drop into the launcher and fall through the plunger. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen, who worked on the project, noted that the original code was largely undocumented, making it difficult to fix. The game was licensed from Cinematronics and Maxis, which limited Microsoft's rights to bundling it within Windows and its Plus! packs, preventing a standalone release. Attempts to revive the game were hindered by these legal constraints. As of 2022, no official version of 3D Pinball has been included in Windows 11, and the licensing situation remains complicated due to the acquisition of Cinematronics and Maxis by Electronic Arts.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Payday 2’s next update is “a massive undertaking” to modernize the FPS, stop crashes, and cut its install size by 60%

Starbreeze has transferred the ongoing support of Payday 2 to Sidetrack Games, allowing the original developers to focus on Payday 3. Payday 2 continues to attract around 30,000 players on Steam, while Payday 3 struggles with about 1,000 players. Sidetrack Games is planning a significant overhaul, migrating the game to a new 64-bit engine called Diesel 3.0, which aims to improve gameplay and reduce file size from 86 GB to 32 GB. An open beta for this upgrade is scheduled to start on June 30 and run until the end of July. The transition will require a complete re-download of the game, and some mods may break due to the engine change.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google embraces the future, mandates 64-bit apps for Wear OS

Google has mandated that all Wear OS applications must include a 64-bit version starting September 15, 2026. This requirement is part of a broader strategy that also applies to Android TV and Google TV, which will require 64-bit app versions from August 2026. Developers can still offer a 32-bit version alongside the new 64-bit applications, and the Play Store will continue to support legacy applications. A majority of Wear OS developers have already adopted the 64-bit architecture, although some dormant apps may present challenges. The transition to a 64-bit architecture is expected to enhance performance, security, and efficiency for chip manufacturers, as well as allow smartwatches to utilize more than 4GB of RAM.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows

Valve has announced the end of support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on its Steam platform, transitioning to a native 64-bit architecture to improve security and performance. Support for the 32-bit client will continue until January 1, 2026, after which it will no longer receive updates or security fixes. Users on 32-bit systems may experience a decline in service quality and access to new features. The decision is driven by memory limitations of 32-bit systems, which can only address a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, and the enhanced security capabilities of 64-bit systems. The latest Steam update also includes support for the Nintendo Switch 2 controller, compatibility with GameCube Adapters in Wii-U mode, and improvements to "Gyro Modes" along with various bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to 64-bit systems to avoid service disruptions.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Steam client under Windows fully converted to 64-bit, support for 32-bit ends in 2026

Valve has transitioned the Steam client on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to a fully native 64-bit architecture, ending support for 32-bit Windows installations. Users on 32-bit systems will receive security updates and bug fixes until January 1, 2026, after which the Steam client will be considered insecure. Less than one percent of active Steam users are affected by this change. The shift to 64-bit allows for better RAM access, improved stability, and eliminates the need for the WoW64 compatibility layer. The update also includes technical enhancements such as a fix for H.265 game recording on Nvidia 50 series graphics cards, support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and improved chat moderation features. Valve has ceased support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 as of the end of 2024.