From the beginning of 2026 new updates to SharpCap will only by available as 64-bit versions – there will be no more 32-bit versions. There are a number of reasons for this change:
- Almost everyone who is using up-to-date versions of SharpCap uses the 64-bit version anyway. My data indicates that about 96% of people are using the 64 bit version with only 3-4% using the 32-bit version.
- The bulk of the people using the 32-bit version are using a 64-bit operating system anyway and could switch to the 64-bit version. My estimate is that 80-90% of those using the 32-bit version can switch over.
- Almost every CPU in use today is 64-bit capable. There have been no new 32-bit only CPUs since about 2012, and even those were low power ‘Atom’ CPUs rather than mainstream models. Mainstream x86 CPUs have been capable of running 64-bit software since about 2003-2004.
- The 64-bit version is faster – lots of common operations are quicker in the 64-bit version, some significantly so.
- The 64-bit version is more reliable – while the 32-bit version goes to great lengths to enable the use of lots of memory for frames from the camera, it can still run out of memory for more normal operations, or end up in a situation where there is enough memory in total but no single continuous block of a sufficient size is available.
- Because the 32-bit version gets less use, bugs that are unique to the 32-bit version can persist for a long time before they are found and resolved.
- Stopping producing a 32-bit version will speed up the production of new updates and allow simplification of the code in a number of places.
What do I need to do?
If you are currently using the 32-bit version of SharpCap and are keeping up-to-date with new releases then these are the options available to you:
- If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, switch over to the 64-bit version of SharpCap
- If you are still on a 32-bit version of Windows, stay with the last 32-bit update from the end of 2025 until you update to a new PC with 64-bit Windows.
What about 32-bit-only ASCOM drivers?
Some people may be using the 32-bit version of SharpCap because they need compatibility with ASCOM drivers that are only available in 32-bit versions. If you are in this situation and are using a 64-bit version of Windows then take these steps:
- Switch to using a 64-bit version of SharpCap
- Install the new version 7.1 update to the ASCOM platform (https://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/Index.htm)
- Use your 32-bit ASCOM drivers via the ASCOM ‘Just a Hub’ option – this is available for all ASCOM hardware types including cameras and allows a 64-bit application like SharpCap to use 32-bit drivers.