Boot 32 bit Windows

[Reiner]

Hello,

I can boot a 64 Bit Windows from  a vhd file.
But when I try to boot a 32 Bit Windows I get an error from windows taht it can not find c;\windows\system32\winload.efi

Any idea ?

[Rootman]

I assume the failed boot is through Ventoy? Looks like Windows 32 bit is trying to boot via EFI, which it cannot do on the vast majority of 64 bit processors, those that CAN do it are scarce, practically non existent. You need to boot your Ventoy into MBR / Legacy mode in order to boot 32 bit Windows on a 64 bit processor.

If it IS a 32 bit processor, then you have to verify that the PCs firmware actually HAS the ability to boot EFI. Many do not. So, boot it via MBR / Legacy.

[4hotdogs]

I assume the failed boot is through Ventoy?  Looks like Windows 32 bit is trying to boot via EFI, which it cannot do on the vast majority of 64 bit processors, those that CAN do it are scarce, practically non existent.  You need to boot your Ventoy into MBR / Legacy mode in order to boot 32 bit Windows on a 64 bit processor. 

If it IS a 32 bit processor, then you have to verify that the PCs firmware actually HAS the ability to boot EFI. Many do not.  So, boot it via MBR / Legacy.

Do you think he should also update BIOS/UEFI firmware, from Windows Update, or manufacturer website?
Maybe use Windows USB automatic boot repair, or LazeSoft Boot Repair.

[Steve2926]

Modern UEFI BIOSes have either 32-bit UEFI firmware or 64-bit UEFI firmware.
64-bit UEFI can boot 64-bit Windows
32-bit UEFI can boot 32-bit Windows

99% of systems have 64-bit UEFI firmware.

It is not the same as the old legacy BIOS where a 64-bit processor could run both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.

You can boot an MBR VHD containing Windows because the boot code works on both 32-bit and 64-bit BIOSes (because they both execute 16 bit code anyway), but UEFI firmware runs in different modes depending on if it is 32-bit or 64-bit and so the firmware must match the Windows bit-ness if you are UEFI-booting.

If your 32-bit Windows VHD is intended for legacy booting, then enable CSM mode in your BIOS and boot to Ventoy in legacy BIOS mode.