Windows 7 32-Bit or 64-Bit: Which Should You Install?
Written on by Kay
If you have made the decision to upgrade to Windows 7, you may have asked yourself a common question. Many new buyers are wondering if they should install the 32 (x86) bit version or the 64 (x67) bit version. So what should you do?
This question is one has been around for years, even before Windows 7 was in development. Intel and AMD users were always at odds when it came to the Athlon 64. Even when Windows Vista was released a few years ago, the software and drivers needed for a 64-bit setup were few and far in between.
Just like the shift from 16-bit to 32-bit, the jump to 64-bit has been a rather slow move. The x64 for Windows XP was never very popular, but it was popular when it came to Windows Vista. Many PC experts will tell you that the road has been a long, windy, and bumpy one, but we are now starting to see the positive effects of surviving that not-so perfect road. In recent years, many software developers and hardware manufacturers have adapted to the 64-bit computing trends.
Right now, everyone is pretty much on the same page. Most upgrades or alternations have already been made. For example, if your printer or video card hasn’t been upgraded to 64-bit drivers, they likely won’t be.
Now that you have some general information, you may be wondering why the switch? Why now? What benefits do 64-bit operating systems give you over the popular 32-bit systems? These are good questions. As for the answer, one of the main benefits is the extra memory. Most 32-bit systems have a memory limit of 4GB, giving you about 2.75 to 3.5 GB of RAM. On the other hand, a 64-bit system can address up to 16 exabytes of memory, giving you about 4 billion times more RAM space! Windows Vista tends to allow anywhere from 8 to 128 GB of memory accessed, but Windows 7 gives you up to 192 GB.
Another noteworthy benefit of opting for a 64-bit operating system is the enhanced security features. This security is done through hardware backed by DEP, a driver signing that is mandatory, and well as Kernel Patch Protection.
Once again, you have some more relevant information pertaining to the differences between a 32-bit and a 64-bit operating system, as well as the benefits of upgrading. However, you may still have that same question: should I or shouldn’t I install Windows x64?
In most cases the answer to this question will be yes. Unless you are running a PC that is very old and using outdated drivers because upgrading may be more of a hassle than you want to undertake. After all, driver support may be an issue you just want to completely avoid.
The good news is that you do not have to make a poor-informed decision. On their website, Microsoft has a number of tools that will scan your system. When doing so, they will closely examine all hardware, devices, and programs to ensure that you can comfortably make the switch to not only Windows 7, but the 64-bit version.
