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Previous offer of this soft, on feb 2026 (2.16.6) was 64 bits. This one is 2.17.8 but 32 bits.
There is undoubtedly an error.. It appears the developer equipped the site with two versions—one 32-bit and the other 64-bit—yet.. from what can be observed only the link for the 32-bit version has been displayed! I shall not install this particular version even if it proves functional for my operating system is 64-bit..
Thanks Sharewareonsale for this amazing app.
[@jacki_old_man] Generally speaking most 32bit software will run under 64bit windows, even Windows 11… some developers deliberately detect if they are running on a 64bit system and refuse to operate and tell you to get the 64bit version it is because it requires matching access with shell extensions i.e. only 64bit shell extensions are compatible with 64bit windows 64bit shell. Normally it makes no difference. If ant download manager has a shell extension then the consequence of running a 32bit edition on a 64bit system is the shell extension will not operate or appear in the right click menu, that’s it! Might have some issues with browser plugins if plugins are 32bit and browsers are 64bit but I never use browser plugins so couldn’t confirm.
Oh of course this abuses open source GPLv3 FFMPEG binaries to merge media files when downloading youtube videos. Closed source Ant Download Manager DOES NOT NEED TO STEAL GPLv3 code and could without losing any functionality use the LGPLv3 build of FFMPEG binaries LEGALLY IF THEY WANTED TO OR CARED TO BE LEGAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS!
[@jacki_old_man]
For this specific type of software application, the 32-bit version offers two major advantages:
Broader Compatibility: It covers a much wider user base by running flawlessly on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems without any issues.
Efficiency: It requires significantly less disk space and consumes much less RAM compared to a 64-bit build.
In our case, a 64-bit assembly offers no technical advantages or performance improvements whatsoever — it serves purely as a marketing checkbox. The 32-bit version will run perfectly and with maximum efficiency on your 64-bit OS.[@Zik]
Facts check:
Legal aspect: AntDM does not link, embed, or modify any FFmpeg code within its closed-source core. It executes the compiled standalone binary strictly via the standard Command Line Interface (CLI) as an independent process. According to the FSF guidelines, this is completely legal and does not violate GPL/LGPL terms.
Technical aspect: The official FFmpeg community discontinued and deprecated 32-bit (x86) Windows builds long ago. Mainstream modern compilers only distribute 64-bit binaries. Since AntDM maintains a lightweight 32-bit architecture for lower RAM usage and broader OS compatibility, the developer uses the only technically viable and stable x86 binary available to ensure the video merging feature actually works for everyone.
There is no “stealing” here—just standard software architecture and platform limitations.Ant Download Manager PRO is Excellent softwae for use. Thank you very much.
The program is completely useless, when trying to download a video it gives the following error: win2 {the system cannot find the file specified}!
[@Zik] fact check GPLv3 license specifically prohibits distributing GPLv3 code within a non-GPLv3 compliant program… if it were any other way there would be zero need for the LGPLv anything license. It was specifically created and incorporated into FFMPEG.ORG project build options to allow the project binaries to be used in closed source proprietary licensed combine products. This program is a combined work and as such should be licensed under the same terms as the FFMPEG.ORG binaries or a compatible license… the Ant Downloader license does not make available for at least 3 years the source code of the combined works, in fact if denies rights to the source code of the combined works this is why only the LGPLv3 licensed build is legally compatible with combined works such as this. It is immaterial whether an old discontinued version of GPLv3 software is used the copyright remains valid and in force. There is NO GOOD REASON for Ant downloader to use GPLv3 code in their closed source proprietary licensed combined work illegally they could and should without losing ANY functionality use the legal to use LGPLv3 build and give proper attribution and provide a copy of the relevant and current license files. You argument that it is ok to steal depreciated versions of software is specious one might as well say “it is ok to steal any product that is no longer manufactured” which of course is wrong… I cannot legally steal your car if it’s no longer in production… the laws protecting it are still in place as are the copyright and patent laws still in place protecting such protected materials. Now if ffmpeg.org team NOT FSF said that old depreciated version of GPLv3 software is now placed in the public domain that would be a different matter but to my knowledge they have not done that. Also modern versions of FFMPEG.ORG software are being developed that still run under 32bit windows even XP… obviously codecs that also have GPU accelerations that require 64bit code to access them are not included just the CPU codecs are included but nothing is being abandoned by developers out there even if the main FFMPEG.ORG code base has moved to a 64bit dev system that does not produce windows 7 compatible code any more.
[@Zarko] That could be due to windows protected folder (ransomware protection). It could be blocking the write of the downloaded file into the chosen download location… I would have expected you to have received a notification that the write was blocked and given the option to allow the programs writes in the future with the windows 10 built in system… Maybe you have all notifications disabled or are using a 3rd party ransomware protection suite that is not alerting you to the attempt to write to the protected locations… but not being able to find after trying to write it is a sign the write was blocked at a system level.
