You have custom-built internal applications (VBA/COM) that are strictly 32-bit dependent.
Microsoft Office 2016, 2019, and 2021 all offer versions to maintain compatibility with older hardware and specific software extensions . While Microsoft has shifted to 64-bit as the default installation for modern systems, the 32-bit architecture remains a critical alternative for specialized environments. Core Architecture & Compatibility ABOUT Microsoft Office 2016/2019/2021 32-bit
: These versions can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems. Core Architecture & Compatibility : These versions can
: While most VBA code works on both, 32-bit Office is required for older VBA code that uses 32-bit Declare statements or specific API calls without the PtrSafe attribute. Key Version Differences (32-bit) The 32-bit versions of these suites are designed
: They are the standard choice for users relying on legacy COM Add-ins or ActiveX controls that do not have 64-bit equivalents.
The 32-bit versions of these suites are designed primarily for compatibility rather than raw performance.