Can an executable programs run on both 64-bit and 32-bit machines?

Hello all,

I currently use a 64-bit Windows machine to compile my GUI into executable programs. Can the EXE program run on both 64-bit and 32-bit machines, or do I need to use a 32-bit machine to produce EXE programs for the 32-bit users?

It is assumed that all users have installed MCR of the correct version and the correct processor bit (e.g., 32 and 64).

Answer 1

[Matt J]

It's the bitness of the MATLAB version that matters, not the bitness of the Windows OS. If you compile in a 32-bit version of MATLAB, the executable will run as a 32-bit application on any OS that can run 32 bit applications. Since both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows OS can run 32-bit applications, an executable created under 32-bit MATLAB can be deployed pretty much to any Windows OS.

Conversely, if you compile in a 64-bit MATLAB version, the executable will run as a 64-bit application. I believe only 64-bit Windows can run 64-bit applications. Therefore, you must deploy to a 64-bit Windows machine in this case.

Note however that 32-bit MATLAB can be installed under either a 32-bit or 64-bit Windows OS. So, even if you are working on a machine with a 64-bit Windows OS, if you have a 32-bit MATLAB version installed there, you can use it to create 32-bit executables for deployment to a 32-bit (or 64-bit) target OS if you want to .

[Julius]

My MATLAB is 64-bit. Is it possible that I install a 32-bit MATLAB in parallel with the current 64-bit on the same computer?

[Matt J]

Yes, it's possible.

[Julius]

Thank you!

[Brian Sanner]

I wouldn't recommend it without checking if your uses are supported. For example, if you need to run xPC Target in 32 bit 2010b and have a 64 bit version of any kind installed it will error. As will the data acquisition toolbox when trying to connect to a DAQ. Here is another answer that explains it. I'm currently having this issue, which is why I am looking for answers.

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/106138-is-it-possible-to-install-both-32-bit-and-64-bit-versions-of-matlab-on-64-bit-windows-7