This post is intended to clear up some confusion we have seen on the web as well as in our forums/tip box.
When Windows 8 is launched to the general public on October 26th, Microsoft will offer both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the OS. Both versions will also come with the "Modern" (previously Metro) user interface as well as the more traditional desktop UI.
Microsoft will also allow Internet Explorer 10 to run in both user interfaces. However, a recent report on the NGOHQ.com website claimed that Microsoft would not allow the desktop version of IE 10 to run in 64-bit builds of Windows 8 and that only the "Modern" UI version of IE 10 could run with the 64-bit version.
We reached out to Microsoft for clarification and received this response from the company"s Internet Explorer spokesperson:
On 64-bit Windows 8, the browser frame process (both “modern UI” and Desktop) runs 64-bit. However, for compatibility with plug-ins, IE 10 on the desktop runs 32-bit tabs by default. If the user turns on “Enhanced Protected Mode” in Internet Options, Advanced; they will have 64-bit tabs by default for IE 10 on the Desktop.
So there you have it. If you have the 64-bit version of Windows 8 and want to run IE 10 in desktop mode, you will have to go through a couple of extra hoops in order to enable it.