Windows 7 Resource Center » Running

Windows 7:32-Bit and 64-Bit Frequently Asked Questions

MasterAdmin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:18:51 +0000

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7?

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer’s processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

How can I tell if my computer is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows 7?

To see if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then clicking System.
Under System, you can view the system type.

Can my computer run a 64-bit version of Windows 7?

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. If you are unsure whether your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
Click View and print detailed performance and system information.

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows, you’ll need to back up your files and then perform a Custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows.

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.

Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don’t work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you’re trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won’t work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. For information about updating drivers and troubleshooting issues with device drivers for 64-bit versions of Windows, contact the manufacturer of the device or program.

Would I benefit from using a 64-bit computer?

The benefits are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.

If I’m running a 64-bit version of Windows 7, do I need 64-bit drivers for my devices?

Yes. All hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don’t work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn’t working properly or go to the device manufacturer’s website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor website.

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Can a Computer Running Windows 7 Connect to a Windows Xp Home Edition Machine?

MasterAdmin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:24:13 +0000

I just upgraded my desktop to Windows 7 Pro, it will find everything on my wireless network except my laptop running XP home. I have ran through the network setup on both machines & restarted each. I only see how to setup a homegroup which requires W7 on each.

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What Cd Should I Use for Reformatting My Computer After Upgrading to Windows 7?

MasterAdmin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:15:07 +0000

My current computer is running vista and I bought myself the windows 7 upgrade disk (campus store already has ‘em in). What I want to know is what disk I should use to reformat my computer in the future; my old windows vista disk or the windows 7 upgrade disk I bought. Oh and by the way the guy at the desk said that the disk wouldn’t work until that magical day on October 22 when its officially released; any ideas what would stop me (unreleased drivers, the software is coded such, etc.)?

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I Am About to Get Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Version, but Can I Do a Clean Install With It or Not?

MasterAdmin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:20:30 +0000

I was wondering whether or not i would have to buy the full version or not. I really do want to do a clean install because this computer really is not running the way it should be. it’s previous owner decided it would be a good idea to download a bunch of useless crap, and now i can’t get rid of it. so can i do a clean install with just the upgrade version for $119.99?

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Is My Video Card Compatible With Windows 7 Ultimate Beta?

MasterAdmin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:05:36 +0000

I cannot get my ATI Radeon 9200 LE (128MB) graphics card to install on my computer which is running the Windows 7 Ultimate beta. I tried finding some drivers on the internet, but none of them will work. What should I do to fix this problem?

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How to Install Windows 7 on a Second Hard Drive?

MasterAdmin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:35:40 +0000

Hi, Currently I am running Windows XP 64bit on my first hdd, I would like to install Windows 7 on my second hard drive, does anyone know how to do this so i can keep Windows XP on my first HDD without loosing all the data for XP and have a dual boot between Windows XP 64bit and Windows 7.

P.S I know that windows 7 is only the release candidate!

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If You Are Running Windows XP Professional Edition Can You Buy a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade?

MasterAdmin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:42:40 +0000

…Or do you have to buy the full copy?

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I Am Running Vista and Want to Change the Login Screen to One Like Windows 7, Only Theres the Vista Logo. Help?

MasterAdmin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:30:42 +0000

Ben J asked:

I am running vista and want to change the login screen to one like windows 7, only theres the vista logo. I tried using stardocks login studio, only the vista logo appears at the bottom of my page and looks rather bad offplaced to the windows seven logo. Does anyone know of how to remove it, or software that will cover that logo up as well as the background theme?

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How to Back Up My Computer Before Installing Windows 7 Beta?

MasterAdmin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:13:00 +0000

YellowSnow asked:

I’m running vista and am trying to upgrade to windows 7 beta, but am wondering how to complete save my computer as is, before in case the beta of windows 7 is flawed.

So, I want to have a back up of programs docs basically everything in case i need to revert to vista.

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How Can I Install VS2008 Under Windows 7?

MasterAdmin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:17:08 +0000

myotheralterego32 asked:

I am running Windows 7 (6956) and when installing VS2008 I get a setup integration toolkit error no matter what compatibility settings I use. What should I do?

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