What is windows 32 bit. Maximum amount of RAM. Compatibility of old PCs and new OS
This article explains how to determine whether your computer is running 64-bit or x86-x-based system software.
The screenshots were taken on Windows 10, but the instructions work on Windows 7 and Windows 8.
How to check if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows versionsQuick Guide:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. In the search field, enter “System Information”.
3. Press Enter on your keyboard.
4. Click "System Information" in the upper left corner.
5. Find the system type.
6. Check if it says "x64" (64-bit) or "x86" (32-bit).
And now in more detail:
Method 1. Find out the bit depth through “System Information”
Office 2019 Office 2016 Office for business Office 365 Admin Office 365 for Home Office 365 Small Business Office 365 Small Business - Admin Office 365 operated by 21Vianet Office 365 Small Business Office 365 operated by 21Vianet - Admin Office 2010 Office 2013 Office 365 Germany Enterprise Office 365 Germany Enterprise Admin Office.com Less
If you don't know which Office product use, see article. Otherwise, select your version of Office below.
The 64-bit version of Office is installed automatically unless you explicitly select 32-bit at the beginning of installation.
on PC.
Important: If you install the 64-bit version but want to use the 32-bit version instead, you must first uninstall the 64-bit version before installing the 32-bit version. This is also true if you installed the 32-bit version but want to install the 64-bit version. Cm. .
Note:
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Edit in data table
To install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office 365 or 2019, follow the steps in this article.
I know which version I need. How to install it?The 32-bit version of Office is installed automatically unless you explicitly select 64-bit at the beginning of installation.
Download, install, and reinstall Office.
Important: If you have already installed the 32-bit version and want to install the 64-bit version instead (or vice versa), you should uninstall the unnecessary version before installing the one you need. See "Unable to install Office (32-bit or 64-bit)" error.
If you haven't yet decided between 32-bit and 64-bit, check out the sections below.
Reasons to choose 64-bitComputers running 64-bit versions of Windows typically have more resources, such as processing power and memory, than their 32-bit predecessors. Additionally, 64-bit applications can more memory than 32-bit (up to 18.4 million petabytes). So if you are working with large files or data sets and you have a 64-bit version of Windows installed on your computer, it is better to choose the 64-bit version of Office. Below are some of these scenarios.
Reasons to choose the 32-bit versionNote: If you have a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only install the 32-bit version of Office. If you're using a 64-bit version of Windows, you can choose between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Office.
IT professionals, especially developers, should be aware of the following situations in which it is preferable to use the 32-bit version of Office.
You have 32-bit COM add-ins with no 64-bit counterparts. You can continue to use 32-bit COM add-ins in 32-bit Office versions on computers running 64-bit Windows OS. You can also try contacting the COM add-in vendor and requesting a 64-bit version.
You are using 32-bit controls that have no 64-bit counterparts. You can continue to use 32-bit controls, for example typical elements management Microsoft Windows(Mscomctl.ocx, comctl.ocx) or controls third party manufacturers, in the 32-bit version of Office.
VBA code uses Declare statements In general, VBA code does not need to be adapted for use in 64-bit or 32-bit. The exception is when Declare statements are used to call Windows APIs using pointers and handles that have 32-bit data types such as long. In most cases, adding PtrSafe to Declare and replacing the long data type with LongPtr makes the Declare operator compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions. However, this may not be possible in rare cases where there is no 64-bit API to declare. additional information To learn what changes you need to make to your VBA code to make it work in the 64-bit version of Office, see Visual Basic for Applications 64-bit Overview.
You have 32-bit MAPI applications for Outlook. Since the number of users is 64-bit Outlook versions is growing, we recommend that you rebuild 32-bit applications, add-ins, and MAPI macros for 64-bit Outlook. But you can continue to use them with the 32-bit version of Outlook if necessary. For information about how to prepare Outlook applications for use on both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms, see Create MAPI applications on 32-bit and 64-bit platforms and MAPI for Outlook reference.
You enable a 32-bit OLE server or object. You can continue to use the 32-bit OLE server application with the 32-bit version of Office installed.
You are using SharePoint Server 2010 and need the Edit in Datasheet view. You can continue to use the Edit view on a data table in SharePoint Server 2010 with the 32-bit version of Office.
You need 32-bit database files Microsoft Access: MDE, ADE and ACCDE. You can recompile the 32-bit MDE, ADE, and ACCDE files to make them compatible with the 64-bit version of Access, or continue to use them in the 32-bit version.
Do you need a formula editor? previous version or WLL files (add-on library files Microsoft Word) V Word application. You can continue to use the editor Word formulas legacy version and run WLL files in the 32-bit version of Word.
The PowerPoint presentation has an old embedded media file that does not have a 64-bit codec.
To install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office 2016, follow the steps in Download, install, or reinstall Office.
At installing Office 2013 you can choose a 32-bit or 64-bit version. IN general case We recommend installing the 32-bit version of Office as it is more compatible with most other applications, especially third-party add-ins. But if you are working with big blocks information or graphics, it is advisable to select the 64-bit version.
For instructions on installing Office 2013, see this article.
Reasons to choose 64-bitThe 64-bit version of Office has some limitations, but should still be selected in the following situations:
You work with very large sets data, for example from Excel workbooks corporate level, in which they are used complex calculations, a large number of pivot tables, connections to external bases data, PowerPivot, PowerMap or PowerView. In this case, it is better to take advantage of the faster performance of the 64-bit version of Office.
You work in PowerPoint with very large images, videos, and animations. The 64-bit version is better suited for handling such complex slide sets.
You are working with very large Word documents. 64-bit version is better for processing large tables, pictures and other objects in Word documents.
You work in Project 2013 with files larger than 2 GB, especially if the project contains multiple subprojects.
You are developing own solutions, such as add-ins or document-level customizations.
Your organization requires Data Execution Prevention (DEP) enforcement to Office applications at the hardware level. DEP is a set of hardware and software technologies, which are used by some organizations to improve security.
If none of the above scenarios apply to you, you're probably better off installing the 32-bit version.
Note: The 32-bit version of Office works well on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. The 64-bit version of Office can only be installed on a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're installing Office on something other than Windows, you won't have to choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the product. Information on how to determine installed version Office, see article
If you want to upgrade from the 32-bit version of Office to the 64-bit version, you will need to uninstall the 32-bit version first and then install the 64-bit version.
Reasons to choose the 32-bit versionThe 64-bit version of Office may provide better performance in some cases, but you need to be aware of its limitations. IT professionals, especially developers, should be aware of the situations described below and review the articles in the links below. If these limitations may affect your work, it is better to choose the 32-bit version.
Solutions that use the ActiveX control library. Comctrl items will not work. There are many ways that developers can work around this issue and provide you with a 64-bit solution.
32-bit will not work ActiveX controls and add-ons third party developers. The vendor will need to create 64-bit versions of these items.
Code Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) with the Declare statement works in the 64-bit version of Office only if you manually upgrade it. For more information about what changes you need to make to your VBA code to make it work in the 64-bit version of Office, see Overview of the 64-bit version of Visual Basic for Applications.
Compiled databases Access data, such as MDE, ADE, and ACCDE files, do not work in the 64-bit version of Office unless they are specifically designed for it.
You have 32-bit MAPI applications for Outlook. As the number of users of 64-bit Outlook grows, it is recommended that you remake 32-bit applications, add-ins, and MAPI macros to support 64-bit Outlook. To learn how to prepare Outlook applications for use on both 64-bit and 32-bit platforms, see Building MAPI Applications on 32-bit and 64-bit Platforms and MAPI Reference for Outlook.
In SharePoint 2010 and later earlier versions Table view is not available because it uses an ActiveX control.
Viewer Microsoft tables Office Excel, core Access DBMS Access 2013 and the 2007 Office Compatibility Pack block installation of the 64-bit version of Office 2013.
The legacy Equation Editor in Word is not supported in the 64-bit version of Office 2016, but the Equation Builder in Word 2013 works on all platforms. Additionally, Word add-in libraries (WLLs) are not supported in the 64-bit version of Office 2013.
Some add-ins you use in the 32-bit version of Office may not work in the 64-bit version, and vice versa. If you are concerned about this issue, before installing new version check current version Office. Test the add-in on a 64-bit version of Office, or contact the add-in developer to find out if a 64-bit version of the add-in is available.
Important: If you are an administrator responsible for deploying Office, view additional technical information about 64-bit editions of Office 2013 on TechNet.
Ready to start installation?See this article for instructions:
Office 2010 is the first edition of Office available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. By default, the 32-bit version of Office is automatically installed. But you can choose suitable version depending on how you plan to use Office. Some add-ins you use in the 32-bit version of Office may not work in the 64-bit version, and vice versa. If you are concerned about this issue, check your current version of Office before installing a new version. Test the add-in on a 64-bit version of Office, or contact the add-in developer to find out if a 64-bit version of the add-in is available.
I know I need the 64-bit version. How to install it?For instructions on installing Office 2010, see this article.
If you haven't made your selection yet, please review the sections below.
Reasons to choose 64-bitBelow are the benefits of the 64-bit version of Office 2010. You should also be aware of its limitations, such as possible incompatibility with older versions of some add-ins. It is because of these limitations that the 32-bit version is installed by default (even on a 64-bit Windows operating system).
If you work with very large files or data sets and you have a 64-bit version of Windows installed on your computer, it's best to choose the 64-bit version of Office. Below are some of these scenarios.
You work with very large data sets, such as enterprise-grade Excel workbooks that use complex calculations, large numbers of pivot tables, connections to external databases, PowerPivot, 3D Maps, PowerView, or Download and Transform queries. 64-bit version Office is better is suitable for working with large data sets as it has no file size limits, unlike the 32-bit version where file sizes cannot exceed 2 GB.
You work in PowerPoint with very large images, videos, or animations. The 64-bit version of Office is better suited to handle such complex sets slides.
You work in Office Project with files that take up more than 2 GB of disk space, especially if the project contains many subprojects.
You develop custom solutions for Office, such as add-ins or document-level customizations.
Your organization requires data execution prevention (DEP) for Office applications at the hardware level. DEP is a set of hardware and software technologies that are used by some organizations to improve security. The 64-bit version applies DEP automatically, while the 32-bit version will need to be configured through Group Policy settings.
As the number of 64-bit Outlook users grows, it is recommended that you remake 32-bit applications, add-ins, and MAPI macros to support 64-bit Outlook. But you can continue to use them with the 32-bit version of Outlook if necessary.
If your computer is running 32-bit Windows, you'll need to install the 32-bit version of Office 2010 (the default option). You won't be able to install the 64-bit version of Office.
Tip: However, the 32-bit version of Office can run on computers running both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. You can continue to use existing items in Office 2010 Microsoft ActiveX, COM add-ins and Visual Basic for applications (VBA). This applies primarily to the 32-bit version, since many add-ins do not have 64-bit versions.
If your organization needs to continue to use extensions for Office, such as ActiveX controls, third-party add-ins, native solutions based on previous versions Office or 32-bit versions software that interfaces directly with Office, we recommend that you install the 32-bit (x86) version of Office 2010 automatically on computers running both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
You are using 32-bit controls that have no 64-bit counterparts. You can continue to use 32-bit controls, such as the generic Microsoft Windows controls (Mscomctl.ocx, comctl.ocx) or third-party controls, in the 32-bit version of Office.
VBA code uses Declare statements. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code with the Declare statement works in the 64-bit version of Office only if you manually upgrade it.
In SharePoint Server 2010 and earlier versions, the Data Table view will not be available. However, you can continue to use the Edit view in a data table in SharePoint Server 2010 with the 32-bit Office client.
Compiled Access databases, such as MDE and ACCDE files, do not work in the 64-bit version of Office unless they are designed specifically for it.
You need a legacy Equation Editor or a WLL (Word Add-in Library File) file in Word. You can continue to use the legacy editor Microsoft formulas Word (WLL files are not recommended for use in 32-bit and are not supported in Office 2010).
The 64-bit version lacks the codec (software for compressing and decompressing audio and video files) for the three QuickTime media file formats. Therefore, if in your PowerPoint presentations If you have embedded media files in older formats, you must use the 32-bit version of Office.
Greetings, dear friends. Today we’ll talk, as you understand from the title, about Windows bit depth.
Not many computer users have heard that Windows has a certain bit capacity - x32, x64 and x86, and even fewer users actually know what it is, where to get it/change it and why it is needed. There are even a number of myths associated with these bit depths.
While surfing the internet the other day I noticed interesting thing- there is quite a bit of intelligible information on this issue, which actually prompted me to write this article.
Introductory information about Windows bit depthLet me start, perhaps, with the fact that Windows currently has two bit depths: 32-bit and 64-bit, i.e. distributions are divided into x32 and x64, respectively. As for x86, this is nothing more than a designation for the 32-bit version (i.e. if you see x86, then know that we're talking about o x32). Why two names are absolutely not clear, but know that if you did not specifically install a 64-bit operating system, then your Windows is 32-bit.
However, just in case, you can see the bit depth in the system in the simplest way: find the “My Computer” shortcut, click on it right click mouse and select the properties item (the screenshot below is relevant for Windows 7, in the case of Windows XP the window will be slightly different, but the meaning is the same):
Let's figure out how the distributions and bit depth of Windows x32 differ from Windows x64 and whether it's worth switching to 64-bit at all.
Note: not only the system, but also programs (and drivers) have a bit capacity, that is, there are 32-bit and 64-bit, and therefore, following the text below, they can see and use either a limited amount of memory or all of it.
Is it worth exchanging awl for soap and vice versa?The main and perhaps the only difference between x64 and x32 is that the x64 version can work with memory up to 32 GB and run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications simultaneously, while the traditional x32 can only address up to 4 GB of memory, run only 32-bit programs for which only 3 GB are available (simply put, even if the computer has 4 GB (or more) of memory, the 32-bit system will display and work with only 3, and the rest of the memory will simply be idle, because neither the system nor the programs will simply see it).
For the x64 version the situation is different: all 4 (or more) GB are available for 32-bit applications , and for 64-bit applications, in general, all the RAM that is physically installed in the computer. I repeat that a 64-bit system can run both applications, but not vice versa.
IN general outline like this. The rest is a bunch of technical and not very details that, in general, you don’t really need to know, and therefore I’ll simply give some results that will explain why it’s worth/not worth (it’s up to you to decide anyway) to switch to x64.
Which Windows bit depth should you choose and why?Go. All the pros and cons of switching to Windows x64:
- The 64-bit version of Windows formally looks and feels exactly the same as the regular 32-bit version, i.e. there are no special innovations or bonuses in it, however, people with multi-core processors can feel an increase in productivity when using such a system and 64-bit applications in it (which, however, is not true for everyone and not always);
- x64 is capable of seeing and working with 4 GB or more RAM. But x32 sees only 3 GB, even if physically there are random access memory costs more. That is, people who have a large amount of memory in their computer will get better performance on a 64-bit system and fewer problems with insufficient RAM;
- Not for all computers and the hardware in them, manufacturers have released 64-bit versions of drivers, which can become a problem when switching to such a system. Check the availability of drivers on the website of the manufacturers of motherboards, video cards, etc., it is possible that you simply will not be able to migrate from a 32-bit system;
- Most x32 applications work fine on x64 systems, but not vice versa;
- Formally, the meaning of the transition mainly lies in the amount of memory on board the computer. If it is less than 4 GB, then there is almost no point in switching. If it’s more (or you want to put more), then it’s worth it. Naturally, for most systems, applications and games, the rule “The more memory, the better” is relevant. Why? Read in my article ""
- My opinion is definitely x64, because a large amount of memory and, sometimes, improved performance for multi-core systems definitely rules.
The modern computer market offers the following solution: instead of 32-bit operating systems, choose 64-bit OSes, which are gaining momentum in popularity. Thus, manufacturers of equipment for personal computers produce hardware that is adapted to the specifics of certain software products.
What are the features of 64-bit operating system? Which OS has better performance - 32-bit or 64-bit? What is the best choice for the modern user?
What is the difference between 32 and 64 bits?
First we need to present some facts. Before determining which type of operating system is preferable to choose, it is worth researching what the difference is between them. Digital information provides data in bits. They consist of zeros and ones. One bit allows you to encrypt two commands.
In addition, with the help of 32 bits, the number of possible commands increases by several tens of degrees. When it comes to 64 bits, there are even more of these commands. From this we can conclude that, for example, the Windows operating system - 32 or 64-bit - operates faster. Microsoft provides versions of both types of OS. Are there differences between them in terms of interface and other nuances of operation?
Is there a difference between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems in terms of usage?
Conventionally, we can consider which “seven” is better - 32 or 64-bit, in terms of ease of management? It is worth noting that there is no fundamental difference in the presented aspect between these versions of the operating system. Windows systems does not exist. The whole difference is due to the support of the teams. These are processed almost unnoticed by the owner. It was already noted above that 64-bit commands provide a higher digital data transfer rate. True, this parameter is not the only criterion for assessing the effectiveness of a computer system.
Many aspects of operating systems play a big role. Such parameters include stability, versatility, level of support for various hardware components, resource intensity and others. Thus, which operating system has great advantages for the modern user: 32-bit or 64-bit? That is optimal solution from a launch point of view famous games and programs?
Comparison of 32 and 64-bit OS
The stability of the functioning of the operating system is determined primarily by the quality of interaction of a particular OS and hardware depends on the compatibility of the operating system with drivers produced by the manufacturer specific device. In this aspect, the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit system can be significant, so the manufacturer who released some hardware component for a 32-bit OS, may require time to prepare, as well as testing the driver for a 64-bit operating system.
It is worth noting that well-known global hardware manufacturers successfully avoid situations in which the owner of a 64-bit operating system is not able to find the necessary software for a specific device. However, this thesis applies primarily to new devices. Devices purchased before mass distribution 64-bit personal computers, which happened around the beginning of the 2010s, are not always installed correctly due to the lack of suitable drivers.
Comparison of 32 and 64-bit OS
An operating system that belongs to the category of 32 or 64-bit products needs to be installed on a personal computer that is capable of ensuring the full functioning of the corresponding OS. In other words, you can correctly install a 32-bit OS only on a personal computer that has a 32-bit processor. A similar pattern is inherent in 64-bit operating systems. In this case, there is no mutual compatibility between the operating systems, and their versatility becomes limited.
Resource intensity
The functioning of each operating system requires the expenditure of hardware resources. First of all, this applies to computing power processor and amount of RAM. Thus, a completely reasonable question arises, which sounds like this: “Which system is better: 32 or 64-bit in terms of resource intensity?”
It was already said above that a bit is a unit of data transmission. When it comes to information of a significant volume, it becomes clear that to work with it you need additional resources. Thus, it is quite natural that 32-bit operating systems are less demanding on resources when compared with 64-bit ones. For example, 2 GB of RAM for a computer with a 32-bit operating system is enough for full operation, but for a 64-bit operating system this resource is minimal.
It is best if the amount of RAM is 4 GB or more. If we consider processor resources, due to 64-bit chips, there are necessary technological components, designed to satisfy the operating system's computing speed requirements. So, it's hard to say that 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows are too different in terms of CPU usage.
Hardware support
It was already noted above that for stable operation For a 64-bit operating system, the latest drivers must be installed on the computer. However, their presence ensures correct functioning personal computer, first of all, on program level. In addition, the operating system must be hardware compatible with the main hardware components.
If we consider components such as the graphics accelerator, LAN card, printer, in terms of compatibility, they are not demanding on what operating system is installed on the computer. First of all, when it comes to system support, the difference can be significant. The thing is that 32-bit operating systems are not able to support RAM modules larger than 4 GB. It is also worth noting that 64-bit operating systems are fully compatible with them.
And it’s a completely different matter whether the user will actually use memory resources that are higher than 4 GB. When a personal computer is used primarily for working with the Internet, office applications, the need to use even half of this amount of RAM may never arise. If a personal computer is needed exclusively for games. Thus, it is worth considering in more detail which operating systems in in this case preferable.
Which OS is best for gaming?
Which is better to choose an operating system for the game - 32 or 64-bit? If we consider the condition of full hardware and software compatibility installed OS with hardware, the most high performance will have a 64-bit operating system. However, this rule has an exception. This is due to the fact that the program code algorithms in the game itself must provide support for 64-bit commands. When such a criterion is not met, the user, as a rule, does not notice a significant difference in the comfort of the gaming process.
Which OS is optimal for applications?
Which operating system is better for running applications: 32-bit or 64-bit? In this case, the pattern is approximately similar to games. If the user has a 64-bit personal computer at his disposal, and program code If the application you are using uses algorithms for processing 64-bit commands, then the corresponding software will function more quickly. When this statement is not true, the user will not feel much difference in computer performance.
“Megahertz” is a priority?
Surrounded by modern users There is a certain point of view, which is that more high speed The functioning of a personal computer is achieved not by “doubling” bits, but by optimizing hardware resources that are directly related to PC performance. These include, for example, processor frequency. According to most experts and users, the greatest efficiency is achieved by replacing a 32-bit chip operating at a frequency of 1.2 GHz with one that operates at 2.4 GHz than replacing it with a 64-bit chip operating at the same frequency .
Sometimes it becomes possible to overclock a 32-bit processor in such a way that the actual speed of its operation increases significantly when compared with replacing the chip with a 64-bit one. This approach can be justified if the user does not use own work programs and games that are adapted to 64-bit commands. It follows from this that the practical significance of replacing 32-bit software and hardware components with 64-bit ones is not always obvious.
Summary
So, which operating system is better: 32-bit or 64-bit? It is worth noting that the transfer of digital data when using 64-bit commands is performed more quickly, so the corresponding OS will be more productive than a 32-bit one. However, its successful use requires the personal computer to meet many conditions. These include the presence of a 64-bit processor, support for operating in 64-bit mode, the presence necessary drivers to it, the compatibility of the software that is used on the computer, 64-bit commands.
A simple computer user can for a long time work with the installed Windows operating system and not even think about what its bit depth is. However, as time passes, he will need to install a program on his computer that can only work with a 64-bit version of Windows, and this will cause problems if the current operating system is x32 or x86. In this regard, the question may arise: how to find out the bitness of Windows? Let's answer it and take a closer look at the differences between the 32- and 64-bit versions of the operating system.
Basic versions of the Windows operating system have been developed for a long time, and with the release of new software options from Microsoft, they were just being finalized. In fact, 32-bit (32-bit) operating systems are already a thing of the past, and they are rarely used, only in cases where the computer’s hardware does not support 64-bit Windows.
The bits themselves, in relation to the Windows operating system, are the way the computer's central processing unit processes information. RAM is used as the information processed, and 32-bit Windows can work with no more than 3.5 GB of RAM, while 64-bit this limit is at about 200 GB. With the development of the power of programs and their demands on RAM, computers began to en masse switch to a 64-bit operating system.
The main disadvantage of a 64-bit system is its demands on the computer's central processor. If your PC has 32-bit CPU, it will in no way be able to work with a 64-bit version of the operating system, that is, it does not support more than 3.5 GB of RAM.
Many computer users who choose to Windows installation bit depth of the operating system, the lack of a 32-bit version is misleading. This is due to the fact that the 32-bit version of Windows for a 64-bit processor is designated x86, not x32. You can figure out what this is connected with only if you study the processes of interaction between the operating system and computer hardware. The user just needs to remember that 32-bit and 86-bit operating systems are practically no different, and only the 64-bit version of the software can handle more than 3.5 GB of RAM.
If your computer's central process supports a 64-bit version of Windows, you must select that version during installation. It should be understood that the 32-bit version of the operating system is a thing of the past, and here are just some confirmations of this:
After the release of a 64-bit version of Windows, you should install a 32-bit version only if the processor or drivers for it do not support working with a 64-bit operating system.
How can I find out the bitness of Windows installed on my computer?You can determine the bit depth of the version of Windows installed on your computer using a dozen third party applications. There are ways to find out the x32, x64 or x86 version of the operating system installed on your computer using standard means Windows.
First wayYou can find out the bitness of Windows on your computer through the system information menu:
Second way 
Third way View the system capacity through “System information”:
You can see that it is quite easy to find out the bit depth of the operating system, and this must be done if you want to expand the amount of RAM on your computer. You will also need to know the bit depth of the operating system if you want to reinstall the operating system.
