With the 64-bit systems becoming norm, Nvidia announced that it will no longer release graphics card drivers for 32-bit operating systems after the Version 390.
The Version 390 will be the last one to support 32-bit systems, and will impact Windows (7, 8, 8.1, and 10), Linux and FreeBSD.
There are some organizations and folks who still work with legacy hardware. They must now know that they won’t be able to operate or install the later versions of Nvidia drivers on their 32-bit operating systems. The drivers and chipsets with 32-bit systems will still work but they won’t get any updates regarding bugs, security, etc.
“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,” Nvidia stated.
Upgrade
The users running 32-bit systems on Windows, Linux and FreeBSD, and relying on Nvidia graphics cards, better upgrade to 64-bit operating systems. The 64- bit systems not only provide better compatibility with latest hardware and software, but also it is more secure and protects from viruses and malware.
32-bit systems are less secure and can be impacted by malware. For reference, the WannaCry ransomware that crippled the banks, hospitals and other businesses across 150 countries globally.
Now is the time to upgrade to 64-bit versions, and if you need more reasons for it, Intel has planned to drop BIOS (Basic input/output System) compatibility from firmware by 2020, which will not allow users to boot 16-bit and almost all 32-bit systems on modern hardware.
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Version 390 will be available in early January 2017, and Nvidia will address critical bug and security issues for 32-bit systems for one more year, until December 2019.
