Should I install 32-bit or 64-bit Windows Vista?
32-bit.
Well, that was an easy choice. Most new processors will support either, and in fairness, there are a few good reasons to install the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. If ALL of the following describe you, you should install the 64-bit Windows Vista.
- I use a limited set of applications, and they are all available in 64-bit.
- The hardware I use is all recent, and I’ve verified that 64-bit drivers are available.
- I need more than 2GB of RAM (maybe for video editing or running multiple virtual machines).
- I’m a geeky blowhard who is willing to waste hours and hours of time to evangelize a wider bus.
Actually, if that last bullet describes you, ignore the previous bullets–you’ll love 64-bit.
In summary, Windows Vista 64-bit is MUCH better than Windows XP 64-bit, but most people will still be happier using the 32-bit version of Windows. Vendors finally seem to be catching up with the drivers, and more applications are available. You’ll still run into some of the following:
- Constant compatibility problems, including Web sites that won’t work properly (think SharePoint, or sites with some ActiveX controls)
- Programs that aren’t available natively in 32-bit
- Games that just won’t run
- Updated drivers (VERY important during the first few months of Vista’s life) will take longer to find because 64-bit Vista requires all drivers to be signed, and the signing process takes time. You can’t turn this off.
- Drivers for unusual hardware (like that webcam you bought three years ago) might not exist at all
Want a second opinion? Read Joe Hancuff’s experience with 64-bit Vista and Chris Lanier’s opinion on 64-bit Media Center.
For more information, read the Windows Vista Resource Kit (co-authored by your very own Tony Northrup). Got a question for Tony? Send an e-mail to qa@vistaclues.com.
Posted: January 10th, 2007 under Upgrade to Vista.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from Gabriel De Repentigny
Time: January 25, 2007, 7:35 pm
“Updated drivers (VERY important during the first few months of Vista’s life) will take longer to find because 64-bit Vista requires all drivers to be signed, and the signing process takes time. You can’t turn this off.”
Yes, you can. Run cmd.exe as admin and enter the following command:
Bcdedit.exe –set nointegritychecks ON
That’s all. For more info see: http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/x64KMSigning.doc
Comment from Tony
Time: January 25, 2007, 8:39 pm
Thanks for the comment. I double-checked the paper you linked to, and with regards to the BcdEdit command it says:
“A boot configuration setting is available for *prerelease* builds …”
Otherwise you do have the option to attach a kernel debugger or use F8 at startup to select “Disable Driver Signature Enforcement‖but you have to do this every time you boot. So, these options are really only practical for developers.
Trackback from Independent Conservative
Time: February 1, 2007, 6:28 pm
What is the Maximum Amount of RAM/Memory for Microsoft’s Windows Vista? It Depends. And What About Program Compatibility? It Depends Too!…
I’ve been preparing for Microsoft’s new Vista operating system and while it was very easy to find the minimum requirements for the new OS, finding the maximum limits has been like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. In particula…
Comment from asshole
Time: February 13, 2007, 4:23 pm
Thats because marketing don’t post LIMITS.
Comment from dis-illusioned
Time: March 7, 2007, 3:02 am
Thank you! Finally i found someone that knows the memory issue, does his research, and can explain the issue! it took me over an hour of searching (maybe i’m just not that good at surfing) but finally found the answer to my question, how much memory can my new pc run? basically the answer is, your total ram less the video card and other perherials that need memory - and don’t bother with 64 bit (i’m not that geeky)
thank you!!!!
Comment from Joe Hancuff
Time: March 19, 2007, 6:05 pm
Greetings Tony!
Thank you for quoting me on your site. I just wanted to come back and let you and all your readers know that I have added more to my blog regarding my Vista experience. It may help folks make more objective decision regarding which platform to go to.
You can find my article here:
http://www.dev-toast.com/2007/03/19/giving-credit-where-credit-is-due/
Comment from Ben
Time: March 21, 2008, 10:16 pm
I know the comment is posted a little late, now being more than a year after the article was written, but to correct an error, since this article comes up high in some Google searches:
64-bit windows never caused a problem running any websites. It was not an issue in XP 64-bit, it is not an issue in Vista 64-bit. Since early beta releases, long before the system was released publicly, Vista came with two versions of Internet Explorer: 32-bit and 64-bit. The 64-bit software has some issues with ActiveX controls and websites, especially Adobe Flash, but this is not an OS shortcoming. Simply use the 32-bit software and wait for the ActiveX developers to catch up to 64-bit coding.
Comment from Anonymous
Time: May 2, 2008, 1:47 pm
Yeah I found this out myself. Think it’s time to buy a mac that is already 64bit with none of the above problems.
Comment from Silver
Time: June 13, 2008, 1:03 pm
well i installed vista yesterday, 64 bit, had all the drivers i needed, -everything- works 100% perfectly. i’ve also got XP 32 bit dual booted just in case.. (best of both worlds, 32bit and 64 bit, xp and vista!)
as far as i can see, everything from my built in webcam, to power controls to all my high end graphics setup and gaming on Crysis and UT3 runs without incident. bare in mind that the article does describe things “for the first few months of Vistas life”
it was relevant then, but nowadays with recent hardware alot of issues have been solved and SP1, it’s 50/50 really.
still, if you’re unsure about which you want.. 64 bit only has advantages in programs run specifically for 64 bit O.S (as stated in the article). you can always just take the safe option and get 32 bit, and you’re unlikely to ever notice a difference 
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