Not only that, but Windows can run 16-bit DOS programs - the limitation is a 64bit processor one. If you're running a 64bit processor in native mode, it cannot switch from Long mode (64bit native, 32bit and 16bit protected mode) to Legacy mode (32bit native, 16bit non-protected mode, basically the same as x86). Thus, if you run a native 64bit OS, and the 16bit app is not a protected mode 16bit app that is known to work (and the vast majority do not, usually only certain 16bit installers work), it won't run on a 64bit version of Windows.