(Tech Tip: Windows) How do I know if I can install Windows 7 64 bit

If you’re even thinking about Windows 7, your computer can probably can handle 64 bit (most recent processors can).  But use this no-install tool to be sure.

The tool: http://www.grc.com/files/securable.exe

The site: http://www.grc.com/securable.htm

Windows 7 32 bit vs Windows 7 64 bit: Which one?

Basically, you want Windows 64 bit because it doesn’t have the 4G (really 3.5G) memory limit that exists with 32 bit operating systems and memory addressing.

So why WOULDN’T you get 64 bit:

- If you have some strange hardware that doesn’t yet have 64 bit drivers.

- If you have some even rarer software that won’t run on 64 bit even with the compatibility property set on the icon.

- If you have less than 3G, there’s kind of no point EXCEPT you can’t upgrade the Windows software later. So if you do get more memory later you will have to re-install the computer and all the software.