How do I find 32 bit software applications in Big Sur?

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How do I find 32 bit software applications in Big Sur?

I upgraded to Big Sur. Now how do I find 32 bit applications? I tried System Report, Software, applications, but there is no column for bits.

Posted on Nov 27, 2020 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

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acoolerclimate Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 27, 2020 1:36 PM in response to PRP_53

I tried those two categories and nothing comes up. I do see all my applications that are possibly 32 bit in the applications page, but it just doesn't tell me which are 32 bit and which are 64 bit. When I do a search for how to find my 32 bit applications, it tells me to go to this page and there would be a column for bit, but there isn't.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Nov 27, 2020 1:42 PM in response to acoolerclimate

You are Very Correct in No Column denoting 32 bit or 64 bit. If I look at each Applications individually, I do see of it is Universal or Intel and also Apple Certificates but nothing else. Will do more research and get back to this thread with results. In the meantime, if an App works I will assume it is 64 bit until it says otherwise.

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Nov 28, 2020 6:30 AM in response to putnik

Good idea roaringapp.com

That said, if the App worked in Catalina it should work in Big Sur.

Mojave was the Last macOS that supported 32 bit apps. so no real need to hunt further unless someone is coming from Mojave or earlier

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Answer 4

Nov 28, 2020 11:33 AM in response to PRP_53

Thanks everyone. What I was trying to do if find all my old 32 bit applications/software and delete them so they won't take up any space, now that they won't work. But now that I'm in Big Sur, I find I cannot locate all the 32 bit apps. So no idea what to do. None of the programs that search for 32 bit apps will find them. They seem to be gone from my application folder as well, but they were games I had paid for and downloaded. If I do a search by name, I can find them, but not in any place that I can delete them. It's like Apple just decided to steal all that money from me, and then hide all the games so I can't do anything with them. I'm ready to toss this iMac off a cliff. No idea why they made this so difficult.

I tried the link above to run Parallels, but that just adds Windows. Which I would have to pay for. I tried the free trial, but I couldn't get my old games to work. Couldn't figure out the screen resolution. Again, everything is so difficult for us not so technical folk. I tried to see if I could run Mohave in Parallels, but again, nope, not in any easy way. Good lord!!!! Do you know how many games I had that were 32 bit that will not be updated to 64? I have lost so much money. I guess the best thing to do is just go and buy a PC and sell this iMac.

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Answer 5

Nov 29, 2020 7:56 AM in response to Barney-15E

Thanks again everyone. Sorry about my last post. I was so frustrated! I decided to just leave it as Big Sur. Get rid of all the old 32 bit applications, and just move forward. I hate all that money gone, but it's not worth moving backward at this point. So now my only question is how to remove all the old 32 bit apps, to gain more space? That's the hard part. I just want to start with a clean slate now.

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Answer 6

babowa

Level 9

78,163 points

Nov 29, 2020 8:13 AM in response to acoolerclimate

FYI, all software licensing agreements stipulate that, although you paid money for an app, you did not “buy” it and it is not yours legally - you simply paid for a license to use it. I interpret it as paying “rent” to use it while it is available. The developer is free to withdraw their apps at any time and you have to expect that some will not be available forever.

As for finding apps: go to the Apple > about this Mac > System report > scroll down to Applications. It will show you if it is 32 or 64 bit. You can write down all the names and then search for them. Depending on where they were installed, they may no longer be available for removal since you now have a “sequestered” volume with the OS and system files which is read only. No access to change anything by anyone. FWIW, apps usually do not take up that much space.

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Answer 7

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Nov 28, 2020 2:37 AM in response to acoolerclimate

Have found this article. I was in the right place just did not notice at the bottom of Apple Certificates the designation 64 bit. It would be long process to check each App.

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Answer 8

Old Toad

Level 10

208,057 points

Dec 27, 2020 10:04 AM in response to acoolerclimate

Download and run the free GO64 app. It tells you which are 32 bit, partially 32 bit and full 64 bit. It will also take you to each app for deletion.

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Answer 9

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Nov 27, 2020 10:49 AM in response to acoolerclimate

I think you are in the correct place but look in " Disabled Software " and " Legacy Software ". Surely 32 bit apps would qualify for either category.

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Answer 10

putnik

Level 4

1,179 points

Nov 28, 2020 4:10 AM in response to acoolerclimate

Did you try clicking on the Apple logo and going to System Information>Software>Disabled Software or perhaps Roaring Apps may help.

https://roaringapps.com/apps

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Answer 11

Barney-15E

Level 10

113,148 points

Nov 28, 2020 1:07 PM in response to acoolerclimate

I guess the best thing to do is just go and buy a PC and sell this iMac.

You could just restore your backup from when you had Mojave installed.

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Answer 12

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Nov 29, 2020 8:10 AM in response to acoolerclimate

Once it has been determined which Apps are 32 Bit, usually from Launchpad the icon will have a Bar through it, Drag the offending App to the Trash then empty the Trash.

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Answer 13

PRP_53

Level 10

85,801 points

Dec 27, 2020 9:48 AM in response to acoolerclimate

Another Senior Member as used this App to Find all 32 bit Apps >> Follow this link External

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How do I find 32 bit software applications in Big Sur?

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