Windows 32 bit (x86) vs Windows 64 bit (x64)

Everyone knows operating systems 32-bit and 64-bit, but it is not always clear which operating system is suitable for the computer / user. If you're wondering what to use Windows, 32 or 64 bits, then this article will help you decide what suits .

More and more users have already installed the 64-bit versions of the operating system without having very clear in their mind why make that choice. Let's see what you have to gain and possibly lose if you choose 32 or 64 bit.

The most important thing before choosing an operating system 64-bit, processor compatibility should be checked. Most of the new systems contain compatible processors, but there are still cheap systems are not compatible 64 bit processors.

Modern operating systems there Phisycal Address Extension support, technology support process that allows operating systems to use up to 64 GB of RAM, but this feature will benefit only the operating system, in most cases applications not designed to use this opportunity.

Limit of 4 GB of RAM for Windows licensing criteria, Home versions is intentionally limited to a maximum of 4 GB RAM access on grounds of stability and compatibility of drivers.

This limitation of access to RAM of 32bit OS is not only to the programs, but also the hardware installed on the system, which during operation get some memory segments (talking here about BIOS, Motherboard or Video Card). Due to the limitation of the amount of available memory, the these components are missing a certain amount of memory for operating system.In a good case, but it happens frequently something worse, namely that two portions using common hardware memory segments, which can mean instability of the operating system.

Compared operating systems 32-bit, the 64 bit can access 17.2 billion gigabytes of memory, which is more than generous limits for current and future needs.Automatic hardware will not get the required memory system.Home versions on 64 bit are still limited to a maximum of 16 GB of RAM installed on the system, while the Professional and Ultimate versions can use up to 192 GB of RAM installed a system.

Limit of 2 GB on 32-bit versions of an application is for Windows versions 64-bit 8 TB and that no additional elements in the design of 64-bit applications.That feels really good to video editing programs or games 64bit that will run faster and have more stability.

For Windows, 64-bit versions are more secure because the operating system is protected from destabilizing the operating system kernel, support for a technology called Data Execution Prevention hardware and the requirements of using only the device drivers 64 bit digital certificates.

The natural question arises whether 32-bit applications can run on Windows x64. Well, Windows 64-bit contains a compatibility for these applications, called WOW64 switches the CPU operating modes 32-bit and 64-bit depending on what instructions whose program has executed. 32-bit applications will run under Windows x64. But there are important exceptions that will not work, such as operating systems designed for drivers 32 bit, some antivirus programs or extensions to the Windows context menu of programs that are not designed for 64-bit as well as some multimedia applications . Most programs will continue to operate normally on 64-bit systems, but if on the manufacturer page you will find the 64-bit version of the program, feel free to use.

There are two myths that must be overthrown. One that the 64-bit systems using double the amount of RAM and another that says 64-bit systems are twice faster than the 32bit. It is true that the operating system 64-bit requires more memory from RAM to install the 32-bit, but it is by no means a double quantity. Which will greatly increase the operating systems on 64-bit is the default size installation kit and disk space of the operating system. This happens because, in addition to the operating system itself is needed and WOW compatibility package for 32bit apps, and it will cost us a few GB of disk space, which however is not a problem for modern and high capacity HDD of nowadays.

In conclusion ... which OS to use?

If you have a system with 4 GB of RAM or more, advantageous choice is Windows 64-bit version. This will mean stability of the operating system and high efficiency work programs specifically designed for x64.

If you continue to use the software in 32-bit version, they have no advantage from the fact that running a 64-bit system.

Use a 32-bit system if you have less installed memory of 4 GB RAM.