Dealing with issues on 32/64-bit operating systems can be tricky.
Dealing with issues on 32/64-bit operating systems can be tricky.
I'm here to help, but it seems like your message isn't clear. Could you explain what you mean?
In fact, if you recall correctly, Core 2 Duo processors support 64-bit operating systems. Your machine should definitely handle a 64-bit version of Windows. There might be several reasons why your bootable USB isn't appearing: 1. You're using an UEFI bootable USB in Legacy mode BIOS and vice versa. Ensure your BIOS is configured properly. 2. Occasionally, the system fails to recognize the bootable USB even though the BIOS settings seem correct. If this happens, you'll need to manually add the USB to the UEFI boot list, which can be challenging. Therefore, it's wise to verify before assuming your system can't run Windows 64-bit. I've successfully installed Windows 64-bit on a laptop with a Core i5 2520M processor—though newer models are better equipped. Pirated OS is widespread in many regions due to cost constraints, but since Windows is now standard in most devices, this is largely outdated. The main issue lies in whether your system includes Windows by default or if you're targeting Windows 7 Pro. By design, OSes intended for x86_64 (64-bit) require processors supporting x64 architecture, which many CPUs lack, especially with most commands being 32-bit. That's why we still have separate x86 and x86_64 versions. Your machine can run a 32-bit OS, but it has significant restrictions: it can only use up to 4GB of RAM, even with an 8GB installation. Another constraint is that software typically limits memory usage to around 2GB, which can quickly exhaust the OS's allocated space for applications like spreadsheets with large datasets. This is just my perspective; I personally think Ubuntu is superior to Pop-OS. Ubuntu offers a more user-friendly GUI while still providing a solid Linux terminal. However, traditional Linux users may find it difficult to adapt, as Ubuntu uses the Unity Desktop Environment instead of GNOME, KDE, or Xorg.
In fact, I now understand your point. Previously, I had the opposite setup—64-bit Windows worked perfectly, but 64-bit Linux distributions didn’t. It turned out the UEFI was still 32-bit, which blocked proper loading of the Linux kernel for a while. Eventually, distros improved and GRUB became more reliable. UEFI can be tricky, as small configuration changes often cause issues.
A fresh setup of Windows would have fixed the problem you encountered... In the past, most Intel and AMD desktop chips ran on X86_64 architecture, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, which were more affordable then, leading many users to choose them.
ok I was SERIOUSLY high when I made this post. I still am, but to a much lesser extent. So giving out replies one or two replies at a time @Chiyawa Ok, so the entire point I tried to convey is that I was not able to use a 64 bit OS on the DESKTOP PC for some unknown reason. I didn't want to come to the conclusion that it cannot run, as it ran 64 bit Pop OS perfectly fine. I have no idea on different distros, but pop OS came with Nvidia drivers which a lot of people said it to be a plus point. I was like, eff it, Let's also look for some kinda quadro for this setup. exactly what you meant in point 1, feels like the solution so I would appreciate something deeper on the steps to do. Also, I know only 4Gigs of ram is usable. guess what? your boy can't afford 8 gigs. when I got it, this was the sub 200$ setup, when windows wasn't free, and dd4 was just on the rise. which means that 4 gigs is dd3, stock speed of 1333hz. vErY pOwErFuL. When we(my parents actually, I was prolly 8 at the time when we got it in i think in '14) We didn't get it for " gaming " btw, so it don't matter. Obviously I was overjoyed at the desktop because it was the first PC i read about in my CS classes, (we learnt to type and notepad tutorials). It was better than the laptop cause well, it was bigger in terms of cabinet and monitor. @Mojo-Jojo Yeah, that might be a problem, I would check it up, and try to update the bios since well, I never did in the last 8 years. But STILLL? how did 64 bit linux boot up when windows did not? that is downright illogical for such an absurd problem. @Vishera @xAcid9 Ya seriously think I tried only once ? I first tried to flash via etcher on mac, when it prompted to use rufus, I shrugged off. When the flash didn't work the first time, I flashed two more time just to be sure. the last time on a completely new stick. I used rufus on another dell laptop hanging around, the same procedure. it never booted up. I used the windows tool again to flash it. no luck. Only when I selected 32 bit, it booted up. Tbh, windows 7 from windows 10 feels like breathing fresh air, until I was fed up with MS's BS and tried to switch to linux. tried pop OS and it worked. pop os officially is 64 bit, which made me come here.
The topic could be rephrased for clarity. There have been laptops during this time with only 32-bit UEFI, which sometimes led to problems but wasn't common on desktop systems. These issues typically affect Linux more than Windows, so if it works on Windows 11, it's unlikely to be the main cause. I'm also inclined toward media installation problems since Windows should function normally. A 64-bit media file for Windows 11 will boot without issues even on a 2008 Core 2 Quad with 64-bit support. Resetting the BIOS might help if an unexpected option is active. Another approach is to install Ventoy on the USB drive and then transfer the ISO there.
I saw several mentions of getting high, which probably explains much! LOL! In short, he got a 32-bit PC with a pirated version in Windows 10. When Microsoft caught up, they demanded payment but didn’t force a reinstall, so it stayed 32-bit. Even though he bought both 32-bit and 64-bit licenses, the system refused to switch to 64-bit unless a clean install was done. If you don’t change that setting at the right moment, it will keep the 32-bit version. It makes sense that after a fresh Linux installation (like pop_OS!), it appeared as a 64-bit OS—Linux uses less memory, so avoiding 64-bit wasn’t a priority. Not a surprise, though, that when he did a clean Windows 10 install, it worked as a 64-bit OS. For those confused by the 32-bit vs 64-bit debate: 64-bit has existed for a long time! I’m using a 64-bit version of Windows 10 on a Core2Duo netbook (IBM X61 from 2007) in my workshop—used for connecting to cars. It’s been through four generations of processors before the OP’s machine. @Mutta Bones, it sounds like you’re comfortable with Linux, so you might not need to change. But I usually keep Windows dual-booted for flexibility and ease: Linux is powerful and worth learning, but I still enjoy having Windows for games and Office. If you want a 64-bit version of Windows 10, make sure to create a proper 64-bit installation media using the built-in tool (it will prompt for the 32-bit version by default). Then test it on another PC—check your BIOS settings if needed, as some systems require switching between UEFI and BIOS boot modes.