ID Card Printers & Windows 10 Compatibility

Windows 10 Compatibility with ID Card Printers As anyone reading this knows, technology is constantly changing, trying to help improve the user experience. Back in July of 2015, our friends at Microsoft engineered and designed a new operating platform. The strategic benefit was that the new OS would modernize the way our PCs perform.

A common question that comes up often is “How do I select a photo ID system that is compatible with the latest version of Windows?” Windows 10 comes in two platforms: the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version. The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer’s processor (also called a CPU) handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. To find out if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, just complete the following:

Open the main menu by clicking the “Start” button (the four squares icon is on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen).
Select “Settings” (the gear icon).
Select “System,” and then on the left-hand side near the bottom, choose “About.”

Once you’ve completed these steps, you will be able to find what Windows operating system is in use, whether it’s a 32-bit or 64-bit processor, and much more. When choosing a new ID card printer or printing system, there are two components to consider when determining if the system will work with your operating system and hardware. These are the ID software you’ll be using and the ID card printer you’ll print with.

Many of the ID card printer manufacturers are still in the testing phases with Windows 10. But similar to Windows 7, we have seen much success with most of the printers and the card creation software on the 32-bit version of Windows 10. The 64-bit version currently has a limited selection of printers and card creation programs available. Before you get frustrated, throw in the towel, and decide to have Sue in HR go back to laminating paper cards, call an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405. We’re here to help with all of your photo ID questions, quandaries, and needs -- including Windows 10 compatibility with ID card printers!