Windows 7 64 Bit Versus 32 Bit Windows 7

Frequently Asked Questions - Windows 7 64 Bit Versus 32 Bit

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In a nutshell the terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way that your computers processor (“e.g.” Intel Core i7 or AMD Phenom CPU) handles information.

The 64-bit version of Windows 7 has better memory management and it can handle larger amounts of memory beyond 4GB. 32-bit Windows 7 operating systems in contrast can handle up to a maximum of 4GB of system memory.

For most users it is enough to know that a 64-bit operating system is desirable because of its ability to handle loads of memory. Memory is absolutely critical to the smooth operation of a computer, and for power user configurations such as those used for extensive video or photo editing, having more than 4GB is a must. 

Windows 7 64 bit versions also offer some added security enhancements over its 32-bit counterpart such as mandatory software driver signing and other small enhancements.

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Should I install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7?

This really depends on a few factors.  First off you need to make sure your computer is capable of running the 64-bit version of Windows 7.  You will definitely need a CPU (“e.g.” Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64) capable of running a 64-bit operating system.  Most modern day computers should be capable but check your computers documentation to be sure.  

If you computer is capable, then the next question really comes down to memory.  If you need more than 4GB of main system memory (RAM) then 64-bit Windows 7 will be necessary. 

Typical applications that will benefit from more than 4GB of memory include some games, advanced video and photo editing apps, 3D modeling programs, CAD and other heavy applications.  And for those power users who in the past found themselves exhausting 4GB of memory in their previous computer systems, 64-bit Windows 7 will be a great option for you. 

For the average home user 4GB should still be sufficient for some time.  See the Windows 7 Installation Guide for more on installing Windows 7.

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What are the pros and cons of the 64-bit version of Windows 7?

Pros:

• Windows 7 64 bit can handle much more than 4GB of system memory.  This is ideal for power users who require loads of memory to operate efficiently. 

• Future proofing your investment is another factor for going with the 64-bit version of Windows 7. For example you can start with 4GB of memory now and upgrade beyond 4GB in the future if needed. Plus more and more apps are going to be specifically coded for 64-bit as time goes on.

Cons:

• In the 64-bit version of Windows 7 older 32-bit drivers do not work.  While most 32-bit applications will work in the 64-bit version of Windows 7, some older hardware (“e.g.” older printer, mouse, webcam, etc.) that only have 32-bit drivers will not work at all in the 64-bit OS.  While this isn’t going to be an issue for too many individuals, we’re pretty sure there will be a few individuals out there who just can’t willfully retire their old printer.

• Some software applications will not work natively under Windows 7 64 bit.  While less common than hardware issues, some programs, especially those written for versions of Windows prior to Windows XP may not work at all.  And if you happen to still work with 16-bit applications, well, 16-bit apps do not work at all under the 64-bit OS.

• Not all software will benefit from 64-bits.  This will change in time, but there’s still a fair share of applications that won’t utilize the increased memory capacity beyond 4GB.  Some games, photo editing applications, Video editing apps, CAD, 3D modeling programs, and other power applications do benefit from 64-bit so check with the software manufacturer for details.

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How can I determine if my computer can run Windows 7 64 bit?

In Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

• Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button and then click Control Panel. If in Category view simply type Performance Information and Tools in the search box in the top right of the Control panel window and in the list of results choose Performance Information and Tools. If in icon view choose Performance information and Tools from the list. You can also type Performance Information and Tools directly from the Start Menu search box, this is the quickest way.

• Depending on your OS, perform the following:
• In Windows 7, click View and print detailed performance and system information.
• In Windows Vista, click View and print details.

• In the System section of the “More details about my computer” window you can see what type of operating system you are currently running under System type and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. Note: If your computer is already running Windows 7 64 bit or Vista you won't see the 64-bit capable listing under the System section.

In Windows  XP:

• Click Start.

• Right click on My Computer and then click Properties.
• If x64 Edition is listed under the System portion then your processor is capable of running the 64-bit version of Windows 7.
• If you don’t see x64 Edition listed then you will want to check your computers documentation, contact the manufacturer, or give Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor application a try.    

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Can I upgrade a 32-bit version of Windows to Windows 7 64 bit or vice versa?

You can only perform an Upgrade option installation which preserves your files, settings and currently installed programs from a 32-bit version of Windows Vista to a 32-bit version of Windows 7, or from a 64-bit version of Windows Vista to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. See the Windows 7 Upgrade FAQ for more info. 

Moving from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Windows 7 or from 64-bit to 32-bit instead requires that you back up your existing files and then proceed to perform a Custom/Clean option install during the Windows 7 installation. See the Windows 7 Installation Guide for more details.

32-bit to 64-bit Notes:

• If you are installing a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista you will be required to boot your computer using the installation disc or media containing the installation files. You cannot launch the setup from within the OS.

• If your computer is not capable of running 64-bit Windows 7 you will receive a Windows Boot Manager error when you try to boot your computer using either the 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or media containing installation files.

• The Windows 7 Easy Transfer companion cannot transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version.  In this case you should manually move your files to a backup medium such as an external hard drive, flash drive, CD, etc. or use Backup and Restore in Windows Vista to help you backup your files prior to transitioning operating systems.  See our Windows Easy Transfer companion page for more details on this great migration tool.

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Can I run 32-bit programs on the 64-bit version of Windows 7?

In a nutshell the answer is yes. Most programs designed for the 32-bit Windows will run on the 64-bit version.  Not all programs will work however, most notably many antivirus applications for antivirus programs are pretty well embedded into the operating system. 

To determine if a 32-bit program will run in Windows 7 64 bit we first recommend you check with the software manufacturer.  Another option is to just go ahead and try to install and run it.  We don’t however recommend you use your OS as a guinea pig and try with an antivirus program just in case for it may mess up your OS.  Worst case scenario you can always install Microsoft Virtual PC and run your 32-bit apps seamlessly using Windows XP mode.

32-bit hardware device drivers (software layer between hardware and the OS) also will not work on 64-bit Windows 7.  This shouldn’t be too much of a problem except for older hardware (“e.g.” old printers, old webcams, etc.) however.  For example if you try to install a webcam that only has 32-bit drivers available it will simply not work.

If you want more info on finding device drivers check out Microsoft’s Update a Driver page. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing 32-bit computer to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 you may want to jump over to Microsoft’s website and download their Upgrade Advisor application to see if your system is ready.

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Can I run 64-bit programs on the 32-bit version of Windows 7?

In a nutshell the answer is no.  Programs specifically coded for the Windows 7 64 bit operating system will not work on the 32-bit version of Windows 7.  This also goes for 64-bit hardware device drivers for they will not work on 32-bit Windows 7 either.  

Most 32-bit applications however will typically work on 64-bit Windows. See proceeding question for more details on running 32-bit apps under Windows 7 64 bit.

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How can I determine if programs and devices are compatible with Windows 7 64 bit?

One of the easiest ways to determine if a program or piece of hardware is Windows 7 64 bit compatible is to look for the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo on the packaging.  Any program or device displaying this logo has been verified to work on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7. 

Another great place to determine if a program is both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 compatible is the hardware or software manufacturer of the product you are interested in purchasing.  The manufacturer is in our opinion one of the best ways to determine 64/32-bit compatibility. 

Microsoft also has a very nice online catalog of software and hardware called the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.  With the Windows 7 Compatibility Center you can browse through a categorized list of software and hardware to check for compatibility with both 32-bit and Windows 7 64 bit.

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• Windows 7 Installation Guide

• Windows 7 Easy Transfer Companion

• Windows 7 Upgrade FAQ