Zitat:
WOW64 is the x86 emulator that allows 32-bit Windows-based applications to run on 64-bit Windows.
WOW64 launches and runs 32-bit applications seamlessly. The system isolates 32-bit applications from 64-bit applications, which includes preventing file and registry collisions. Console, GUI, and service applications are supported. The system provides interoperability across the 32/64 boundary for scenarios such as cut and paste and COM. However, 32-bit processes cannot load 64-bit DLLs, and 64-bit processes cannot load 32-bit DLLs.
MS macht das mit WoW um möglichst vielen Kompatibilitätsproblemen aus dem Weg zu gehen. Bei Linux müssen alle Programmbibliotheken immer als 32 und 64 bit Version vorliegen, damit das funktioniert.