5 ms·

"Microsoft Edge is also 64-bit, not just by default, but at all times when running on a 64-bit processor." After 32-bit Windows Server went away as of 2008 R2,

"Microsoft Edge is also 64-bit, not just by default, but at all times when running on a 64-bit processor." After 32-bit Windows Server went away as of 2008 R2, I didn't expect MS to keep shipping 32-bit client for this long. Anybody have a convincing argument as to why? 16-bit legacy apps in large businesses? Obviously it's not free to do this, especially since they'll be producing every patch for two PC platforms for probably another decade.

wtallis 11y ago
Drivers would be the only justification. If they really cared about 16-bit apps they would have supported them on 64-bit Windows: it's only real mode and virtual 8086 mode that are hard to support on a 64-bit OS; 64-bit compatibility mode can handle 16-bit protected mode software just as easily as 32-bit software. Additionally, virtualization works fine for application-level code, but not drivers.
zvrba 11y ago
My guess: compatibility with existing ActiveX and BHO plugins.