SAP GUI UPGRADE

[SAPSupport]

We are planning to upgrade SAP GUI - windows 32.
could you provide the below details,
1.The latest SAP GUI version Available and its recommended Patch level?
2.Key advantages and improvements in the latest version?
3. Is there any known limitations or drawbacks?

--- Support Assistant ---
Q: Please categorize which SAP Frontend Product you use
A: SAP GUI for Windows
Q: Please categorize your issue by choosing the option below that best fits your scenario.
A: SAP GUI Usability and settings

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[SAPSupport · Accepted solution]

Hello customer,

Thank you for your question.

SAP always recommend to upgrade the SAP GUI to the latest available patch level in:

The latest SAP GUI version and patch can be downloaded from the SAP for Me Support Portal:

Software Center - SAP for Me

# "Installations & Upgrades"

 # "By Category"

  # "SAP Frontend Components"

   # "SAP GUI FOR WINDOWS"

    # "SAP GUI FOR WINDOWS 8.00 CORE "

     # "Support Packages and Patches"

        # SAP GUI for Windows 8.00 PL16 (Note 1053737) ----> always check this note for updates regarding patch releases.

The important changes and improvements in SAP GUI 8.00 are outlined in the SAP Note 3075781 - New and changed features in SAP GUI for Windows 8.00.

The most relevant change and improvements refers to the 64bit version availability: 

True 64bit version of SAP GUI for Windows

Up to release 7.70, SAP GUI for Windows was only available as a 32bit version with the exception being the 64bit versions of the automation controls (Logon Control, Table Factory Control, BAPI Control and Function Control). The 32bit version works well on 64bit operating systems and runs in the so-called “emulation” (see also https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/winprog64/running-32-bit-applications). However, this has a couple of drawbacks when it comes to memory utilization and integration with other 64bit processes. The most important limitation in this area was overcome when we started supporting 64bit Microsoft Office versions in SAP Desktop Office Integration.

Regardless of this, we keep getting requests for full 64bit support in SAP GUI for Windows and thus decided to implement, deliver, and support such a version. Therefore, as of SAP GUI for Windows 8.00, the SAP GUI delivery includes both a 32bit version and a 64bit version. You can decide which version to use (parallel usage of both versions on the same client PC is not possible).
The 64bit version offers an almost complete feature set with some differences to the 32bit version which are documented in SAP Note 3218166 - "SAP GUI for Windows: Functional differences of the 64bit version compared to the 32bit version".

Although there are some restrictions with 64bit version, in case those restrictions outlined SAP Note 3218166 are not relevant within your SAP landscape scenario, we  recommend to upgrade to this bit version due to memory utilization and compatibility with other 64-bit external softwares. 

Best Regards,

SAP Support