Getting Ready for 64-bit Windows

[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]

The team creating the 64-bit version of Microsoft® Windows® wants to make it possible for developers to use a single source-code base for their Win32®- and Win64™-based applications. The team has added support for this in the Platform SDK for Windows 2000.

This overview describes how to make your source code support both 32-bit and 64-bit computing. Familiarity with Win32 data types will help.

• Abstract Data Models
• The New Data Types
• The Environment
• The Tools
• Rules for Using Pointers
• 64-bit and 32-bit Processes
• Drivers
• Additional Considerations
• Win32 API Changes
• Win64 Helper Functions
• Comments and Feedback

In addition to this overview, you should also read Designing 64-bit-Compatible Interfaces.