Time to upgrade if you haven’t already
Folks, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. However, Nvidia has said that it’s time that they stop supporting 32-bit operating systems. If you’re running, you won’t be able to upgrade your drivers past Nvidia 390.xx.
After Release 390, NVIDIA will no longer release drivers for 32-bit operating systems1 for any GPU architecture. Later driver release versions will not operate, nor install, on 32-bit operating systems. Driver enhancements, driver optimizations, and operating system features in driver versions after Release 390 will not be incorporated back into Release 390 or earlier versions. This impacts the following operating systems:
Not sure if you’re running a 32-bit version of Windows? Well, if you picked up Windows 10 – you’re good. However, if you’re still rocking Windows 7, 8/8.1 or even… gasp, Windows Vista. You could very well be on a 32-bit version. So to figure it out, just drop to the command prompt and type “winver”. You’ll see a pop-up that gives you the run down.
Or you can simply right-click on “My Computer” or “This PC” and go to properties. It will also tell you there.
This applies to the following Windows OS’s.
- Windows 7
- Windows 8/8.1
- Windows 10
If you’re running Linux, you can type “uname-m”. You’ll see a reply that states that your system is either x86_32 or x86_64. With the 32 meaning 32-bit and 64 meaning 64-bit.
Folks, let me be the first to tell you that if you’re a gamer or content creator, then a 32-bit OS is bad for you. You’re limited to addressing just 4GB of your memory. So if you loaded up with tons of high priced, super fast memory, you’re still accessing 4GB of it. Actually, it’s less than 4GB, but we won’t go into that.
Please upgrade for your benefit. Both Windows 7 and 8 have 64-bit versions. So you can stay with your beloved OS, that is if you simply hate Windows 10.
Source: Nvidia
