r/rust • u/Kobzol • 20h ago

📡 official blog Demoting i686 Windows targets to std-only

https://blog.rust-lang.org/2026/10/02/demoting-i686-windows-targets-to-std-only/
128 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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80

u/scook0 20h ago

A compiler that runs on 32-bit Windows might have made some sense historically, but it definitely doesn’t make sense for 32-bit Windows to be a tier 1 host today.

Glad to see these targets demoted to cross-compilation only.

23

u/Icarium-Lifestealer 17h ago

Since 64-bit Windows can seamlessly build and run 32-bit applications, cross-compiling is so natural it doesn't even feel like cross-compiling.

22

u/Hedanito 17h ago

Sound like a good decision. We sadly still have 32 bit windows targets where I work, but no way we use them as hosts. I prefer to stay as far away from them as I can.

3

u/PhiCloud 2h ago

We sadly still have 32 bit windows targets where I work

Archeologist?

2

u/a_jasmin 2h ago edited 2h ago

If they were hitting OOM building on 32-bit Windows, I suspect the native 32-bit Linux toolchain will likely hit the same wall. Same address space limitations.