Software Compatibility

Windows 8 for IA-32 and x64 processors runs most software compatible with previous versions of Windows, with 

the same restrictions as Windows 7: 64-bit Windows 8 runs 64-bit and 32-bit software while 32-bit Windows 8 will 

be able to run 32-bit and 16-bit software (although some 16-bit software may require compatibility settings to be 

applied, or not work at all).

Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 for systems with ARM processors, only supports applications included with 

the system (such as a special version of Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store 

apps, to ensure the quality of apps available on ARM. Windows RT does not support running IA-32 or x64 

applications. Windows Store apps can either be cross-compatible between Windows 8 and Windows RT, or 

compiled to support a specific architecture.