32bit or 64bit

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rickrt78

Commendable
Jul 20, 2016
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I have a Windows 7 Home Premium I don't want to give up because of it's capabilities as a 32/64 bit computer, I have the impression were all just being linked like cell phones under the 64 bit.
Is there real benefit in giving up on 32 all together or should I just go ahead and upgrade and buy in?
Is Windows 10 everything they are trying to make it out to be?
 
Solution
COLGeek
When you install the OS, you must choose one or the other. You either install the 32-bit or the 64-bit version.

There is no reason, whatsoever, to not install the 64-bit version for the VAST majority of users.

A 64-bit version of Windows can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications as well. While typically not a big deal, a 32-bit version can only run 32-bit applications.
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Apr 6, 2009
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When you install the OS, you must choose one or the other. You either install the 32-bit or the 64-bit version.

There is no reason, whatsoever, to not install the 64-bit version for the VAST majority of users.

A 64-bit version of Windows can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications as well. While typically not a big deal, a 32-bit version can only run 32-bit applications.
 
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Solution
USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Did you mean that the other way around?
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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64bit has the address space for more memory, while 32bit maxes out just under 4GB.

If you have more then 4gb of memory on your PC then 64bit is the immediate answer.

If you have 4GB or less and you never plan to upgrade your memory then it is a toss.
In the short term 32bit applications are marginally more efficient and thus on a system that does not hit the 4gb ceiling it will perform better.
In the long term (5+ years) 32bit will fade into the darkness and you could eventually have trouble finding the 32bit of a application that you are wanting.

I would go 64bit, but I would also not have anything with 4GB of ram or less anyways so my thoughts are little slanted.
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Apr 6, 2009
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Yep. I left out the NOT. Brain cramp.
 
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faalin

faalin

Illustrious
Feb 22, 2012
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The only reason i see to run 32-bit anymore is:

If your only running 4gb of ram or less
If your running old software that can only be run on a 32-bit OS.


I see no reason why you wouldnt what 64-bit. So you have 32bit installed and running the max 4gb, if you ever want to go more then that you have to format and reinstall 64bit since you cant just upgrade the OS. Where if you already have 64bit installed you can just add more ram to the system and carry on.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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1) The ONLY reason to ever consider 32-bit is if you have expensive hardware that doesn't have a 64-bit driver. (that applies to Windows version as well)

We have a FILM SCANNER and other scanner like that but for most people this is rare.

2) "linked like cell phones under the 64 bit"
??? Huh?

3) 4GB 32-bit:
As per the above comment, please note that is 4GB for the entire memory map (ignoring some workaround solutions). That means if you have a 2GB video card you have roughly 1.8GB left for system memory (about 0.2GB for motherboard hardware).

For non-gaming, basic usage that's probably fine for most people.

4) As said, you can only install 32-bit or 64-bit at a time from that license.

5) *I recommend upgrading to Windows 10 regardless unless there's a compatibility issue. Mostly I've only seen that with really old hardware or some dual-graphics laptops (like HD4000M + HD6000M).

**If you have 32-bit W7 installed now then you'll need a clean install to upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit. It's free for the next two days though.

If you have 64-bit W7 then simply do the W10 upgrade, and select keep files/apps.

6) W10 more info:
Aside from DX12 support for future games, there is a lot of stuff under the hood that makes W10 better. Memory management, security etc. LOTS of little things that aren't obvious right away.

W10 is also the last version of Windows according to Microsoft so it will simply continue to get upgraded whereas W8 and previous will slowly fall behind.
 
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M

mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
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Hi

Unless you have old printers , scanners or multifuntion devices etc which lack 64 bit device drivers then go for 64 bit on a new pc

BUT if currently windows is 32 bit a upgrade to 64 bit is not possible , it requires a format and clean install of windows then all applications

You only have a few more days for free upgrade to win 10
You probably have win 10 already downloaded and awaiting install unless you specifically disabled this

If your win 7 is 32 bit the win 10 down load will also be 32 bit

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
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