Minecraft Java Edition ends support for 32-bit operating systems

The gaming community has been abuzz with talk about Minecraft. The recent April Fools’ Day update has pleasantly surprised players with its plethora of new features and updates, making this an exciting time to be a part of the Minecraft community. Unfortunately, for those using a 32-bit system, there is some unfortunate news. Mojang Studios has announced that their Java Edition will no longer be compatible with 32-bit operating systems.

This indicates that it is no longer feasible to play the game on a computer operating on a 32-bit OS. This article contains additional details.

Limited Compatibility for Minecraft on 32-bit Operating Systems

The breeze in Minecraft (Image via Mojang Studios)

Mojang Studios has recently released snapshot 24W14a, which includes numerous technical and gameplay bug fixes for the game. Among these changes, Mojang has announced that the game will now require a 64-bit operating system. Fortunately, this should not be a concern for most Minecraft players, as 64-bit operating systems have become the norm, particularly for Windows and MacOS users.

Nowadays, 32-bit operating systems are not as prevalent. This architecture is mainly utilized by older Windows and Linux devices. If you want to determine the version of Windows on your computer, the following steps will guide you.

If you’re currently running Windows 11, you can rest assured that there are no concerns. Windows 11 is a 64-bit operating system that does not support 32-bit architecture. For those using Windows 10 or an earlier version, simply search for ‘Settings,’ then ‘System,’ and click ‘About.’ From there, you can view your device’s specifications, including the operating system version.

As a Windows 7 user, you have the option to determine your operating system version by clicking the ‘Start’ button, then selecting ‘Computer’ and ‘Properties.’ All the necessary information can be found under the ‘System’ heading.

Snapshot 24W14a (Image via Mojang Studios)

If your computer is still running a 32-bit operating system, the only solution is to upgrade to a 64-bit system. This is crucial because all future updates for the game, including the upcoming Minecraft 1.21 update, will only be compatible with 64-bit systems.

Aside from the significant modification, there are also a few minor adjustments made in the game. These improvements involve resolving the issue of stuttering when launching the wind charge at an opponent and fixing server disconnection errors. The game’s launcher provides a simple download process for the update on the installation page. However, players with a 32-bit system will be unable to update to the newest version of the game.