How to Run 32 Bit Programs on 64 Bit on Windows 11?

Enabiling 32-Bit Applications option in IIS Manager will resolve this

Windows 11 » How To

Reading time icon 2 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Loredana Harsana 

updated on

Share this article

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • To run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 11, you must enable the 32-bit application option in Internet Information Services Manager.
  • This guide explains the method with step-by-step instructions to get it done quickly.
run 32 bit programs on 64 bit windows 11

Even though a 64-bit system is more capable and faster in handling multiple operations, some apps only run on 32-bit systems on Windows 11.

So, if you have a 64-bit system and wondering if you can run 32-bit programs on it, then the answer is yes.

This guide will discuss methods with step-by-step instructions to run 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows 11 computers. Let’s get started1!

What can I do to run 32-bit programs on 64-bit on Windows 11? 

1. Enable 32-Bit Application

1.1 Enable Internet Information Services & CGI

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open.Control Panel
  2. Select Category from the dropdown for View By. Click Programs.Control Panel - Programs-run 32 bit programs on 64 bit windows 11
  3. Under Programs and Features, click Turn Windows features on or off.Turn Windows features on or off
  4. On the Windows Features window, select Internet Information Services.
  5. Now click World Wide Web Services to expand it.
  6. Click on Plus sign beside Application Development Features.
  7. Put a checkmark next to CGI. Click OK to save the changes. IIS manager enable services
  8. Windows will now apply the features; once done, click Close.Apply features Close the window

1.2 Make changes to Advanced Settings 

  1. Press the Windows key, type Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager, and click Open.IIS Manager - run 32 bit programs on 64 bit windows 11
  2. Double-click on the Desktop to expand it.
  3. Click on Application Pools from the left pane.
  4. From the right pane, right-click on DefaultAppPool, and select Advanced Settings.run 32 bit programs on 64 bit windows 11
  5. Under General, for Enable 32-Bit Applications, select True from the dropdown.General Enable 32-bit version Windows 11
  6. Click OK.

2. Download and run 32-bit programs

  1. Download the installer file of a 32-bit tool.Winrar download - run 32 bit programs on 64 bit windows 11
  2. Double-click on the installer file to run the installation.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  4. Use the app as usual.

So, these are steps that you need to follow to enable and run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 11 computers. Try them to install the old or legacy apps on your new Windows 11 computer, and let us know in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Windows 11

Loredana Harsana

Loredana Harsana Shield

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts. Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you'll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.