The Confusion Between 32 & 64-bit Windows Ends Here – Read & Know What Fits You The Best

People have asked me this questions uncountable number of times and I don’t blame them for asking such question though the answer is pretty simple. There are tutorials present on the Internet that explain the difference between a 32 bit version of Windows and 64 bit version of Windows but all of them are overly techy for a general Internet user to understand anything. I will try and summarize few points that you need to consider when you are stuck between the numbers 32 and 64. Trust me, it isn’t rocket science!

Firstly, it is the hardware of your computer that will force your choice of 32 or 64 – bit version of Windows. If you are still using the Pentium/Celeron series of processors (or AMD versions dating back to same era) then you have no choice but to opt for 32 bit version of Windows. You current hardware will gel with the 64 bit version of Windows very easily. But, if you bought your system recently then you should be having a 64 bit processor. Like AMD’s Athlon and Phenom series plus Intel’s i5 and i7s are 64 bit processors.

Now, once you know that your computer supports the 64 bit processor then the confusion will start as it supports both the 32 bit version of Window’s and the 64 bit version of Windows. This is when you should scan your brain and understand the kind of softwares that you will be using. If you plan to use high end video/image editing softwares or play those funky games that require lot of memory then you better buy the 64 bit version of Windows as it supports RAM above 4GB. If you are fine with RAM around 3GB then the 32 bit will be enough for your kind of usage.

Next comes the hardware issues. Although you recently bought new 64 bit hardware yet you might still have an old printer which is working just fine and you don’t want to sell that. This is when you might face issues. The device driver of your old printer might not be compatible with 64 bit version of your Windows. Though their are chances of a 64 bit compatible driver being available on the Internet yet one should not take the risk and complete his part of the research first and then go for the 64 bit version of Windows. Otherwise be good with the 32 bit version of Windows.

You can be rest assured that all your other softwares will work well with the 32 bit as well as the 64 bit version of Windows so that won’t be an issue ever. Though the 64 bit version of Windows will work faster once your start using the extra RAM yet it might not work well with your old hardware which is a turn off. Confirm your requirements before you opt for your kind of Windows.

How to determine the current version of Windows in my computer?

Again, it is pretty simple. Right click on My Computer and from the drop down menu click Properties. You will see “64-bit Operating System” or “32-bit Operating System” written somewhere or the other.

Tags: featured, tips tricks and hacks