Windows 7: Should I Install 64-bit or 32-bit Version? (x64 vs x86)

Solution 1:

I would go with 64-bit version in all cases except in these three cases:

1. If there are no drivers for your devices (some old printers, PIC programmers, etc...)
2. If you need program that cannot work on 64-bit (Windows Mobile SDK Cellular Emulator comes to mind)
3. If you have less than 2 GB of RAM (as suggested by jerryjvl :)).

In all other cases, go with 64-bit OS.

Solution 2:

Go with the 64-bit version. I have experienced no problems with it that weren't duplicated in the 32-bit version, and it provides some nice benefits (like expanded memory address space, more memory per application, etc).

There's no real reason that I can think of to go 32-bit if your computer supports 64-bit.

Solution 3:

If you have more then 3GB memory or planning upgrade to 4GB+ => 64-bit

Solution 4:

I don't have any problems with Vista x64,i've been using it for quite some time now

Solution 5:

It depends on your needs. If you're writing letters with Word, reading emails, browsing the Internet and do more simple things then a 64-bits system would be pure overkill. Then again, if your system can handle it and the price is the same, just go for it anyway! :-)