Support to execute 32-bit executables in a 64-bit system #4548

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opened 2026-01-30 23:50:11 +00:00 by claunia · 2 comments
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Originally created by @srinivasanc22071986 on GitHub (Oct 19, 2019).

Environment

Hi, Recently I installed to PL/1 compiler from Iron-Spring http://www.iron-spring.com/index.html for Linux in the New Windows Terminal under WSL(Windows Subsystem for Linux), But I heard from certain online forums that the WSL of Windows will support only 64-bit executables and no 32-bit executables, Unfortunately the above-mentioned PL/1 compiler is a 32-bit compiler, so I tried to many times to get that working, but unable to do so, and I kept on getting the below error,

-bash: ./plic: cannot execute binary file: Exec format error

image

To you have any plans to implement the feature to support 32-bit executables in WSL and also in the final version of Windows New Terminal 1.0? If so when?

Also technically we cannot execute a 64-bit executable on a 32-bit operating system, but the other way round should be possible with certain minor changes in the system,

At last, I achieved the above action using some additional installation given in the below link,

https://github.com/microsoft/wsl/issues/2468#issuecomment-374904520

Steps to reproduce

Try to execute a 32-bit executable you will get this error.

Expected behavior

The windows terminal should execute 32-bit executables without throwing any error

Actual behavior

The windows terminal throws a blank error without proper error descritption when a 32-bit executable is tried

Originally created by @srinivasanc22071986 on GitHub (Oct 19, 2019). <!-- 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 I ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE PROCEEDING: 1. If I delete this entire template and go my own path, the core team may close my issue without further explanation or engagement. 2. If I list multiple bugs/concerns in this one issue, the core team may close my issue without further explanation or engagement. 3. If I write an issue that has many duplicates, the core team may close my issue without further explanation or engagement (and without necessarily spending time to find the exact duplicate ID number). 4. If I leave the title incomplete when filing the issue, the core team may close my issue without further explanation or engagement. 5. If I file something completely blank in the body, the core team may close my issue without further explanation or engagement. All good? Then proceed! --> <!-- This bug tracker is monitored by Windows Terminal development team and other technical folks. **Important: When reporting BSODs or security issues, DO NOT attach memory dumps, logs, or traces to Github issues**. Instead, send dumps/traces to secure@microsoft.com, referencing this GitHub issue. If this is an application crash, please also provide a Feedback Hub submission link so we can find your diagnostic data on the backend. Use the category "Apps > Windows Terminal (Preview)" and choose "Share My Feedback" after submission to get the link. Please use this form and describe your issue, concisely but precisely, with as much detail as possible. --> # Environment Hi, Recently I installed to PL/1 compiler from Iron-Spring http://www.iron-spring.com/index.html for Linux in the New Windows Terminal under WSL(Windows Subsystem for Linux), But I heard from certain online forums that the WSL of Windows will support only 64-bit executables and no 32-bit executables, Unfortunately the above-mentioned PL/1 compiler is a 32-bit compiler, so I tried to many times to get that working, but unable to do so, and I kept on getting the below error, -bash: ./plic: cannot execute binary file: Exec format error ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/49483717/67143141-e8b10c00-f285-11e9-8c31-497835c9c80d.png) To you have any plans to implement the feature to support 32-bit executables in WSL and also in the final version of Windows New Terminal 1.0? If so when? Also technically we cannot execute a 64-bit executable on a 32-bit operating system, but the other way round should be possible with certain minor changes in the system, At last, I achieved the above action using some additional installation given in the below link, https://github.com/microsoft/wsl/issues/2468#issuecomment-374904520 # Steps to reproduce Try to execute a 32-bit executable you will get this error. # Expected behavior The windows terminal should execute 32-bit executables without throwing any error # Actual behavior The windows terminal throws a blank error without proper error descritption when a 32-bit executable is tried
claunia added the Resolution-ExternalNeeds-Tag-Fix labels 2026-01-30 23:50:11 +00:00
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@DHowett-MSFT commented on GitHub (Oct 21, 2019):

There's nothing Terminal can do about this. Please continue to follow microsoft/wsl#2468.

@DHowett-MSFT commented on GitHub (Oct 21, 2019): _There's nothing Terminal can do about this._ Please continue to follow microsoft/wsl#2468.
Author
Owner

@srinivasanc22071986 commented on GitHub (Oct 23, 2019):

Yes, I expected this reply, thank you for your support, and I will continue to follow this issue.

@srinivasanc22071986 commented on GitHub (Oct 23, 2019): Yes, I expected this reply, thank you for your support, and I will continue to follow this issue.
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Reference: starred/terminal#4548