x64 operating systems
ETS5 is a native x64 application. The advantage x64 applications is that they can address more RAM than x86 applications.
ETS3 & ETS4 device plug-ins
ETS3 & ETS4 device plug-ins are only available as x86 software and can therefore be the reason to put ETS5 in x86 compatibility mode.
Compatibility Mode app
ETS5 can be put in x86 compatibility mode by means of the 'Compatibility Mode' app. This app is upon ETS5 installation installed and licensed, but needs to be activated explicitly. Although Apps are not available when ETS runs in Demo mode, Compatibility Mode may also run when ETS runs in Demo mode.
It is recommended to only activate this app when really necessary, because activating it means that ETS will work as x86 software instead of x64.
Apps can be actived/deactived via the 'Apps' list at the right side of the ETS status bar.
- ETS installation is always made in C:\Program Files (x86) folder regardless of the bit mode ETS runs (or is supposed to run).
- The x64 ETS application can also be run from this folder and does not have to be located in the C:\Program Files folder (64-bit Windows). This folder is reserved for strictly 64-bit applications by Windows.
ETS5 runs as a x64 application when it is first started because the compatibility mode is not active after installation.