Windows 10 64 bit

[RobMc]

I need help in a practical way off someone who has this as I find the info out there a bit confusing, before we start I fully understand what 32/64 bit means and retro software etc. etc.. Now my beloved Windows 7 has come to the end of it's supported life, I'm clinging onto it as it's been what every Windows should have been, fairly simple and very reliable, I don't internet bank and look after my whole system with regular scans etc. I am put off using 10 through this forum actually, I hear so many problems with it, however commonsense says eventually I will be forced into using it. My current architecture is 64 bit, and 7 runs 32 bit just fine for older stuff, with 10 you get a choice between 32/64 bit or just 64 bit, I know that you can ask 10 to use retro versions of windows, but does this only apply to 32/64 or is the straight 64 also able to handle old software this way? I can't find a straight answer anywhere. Put in simple terms anyone using the 64 only version have any problems ?

Edited March 8, 2020 by RobMc

[Smeggie]

I ran Windows 7 64-bit and it ran 32-bit apps well.  Then installed Windows 10 64-bit and have had no, nadda, zero issues running any app (so far) either 64-bit or 32-bit.  

Edited March 8, 2020 by SGTSmeg

[Merlin007]

This may be more than what you are asking for but you seem to have some concern and for good reason so I'll long wind this for you to help.

From my personal experience, I've been running windows 10 since it first came out and have not had any problems since.  There been noted bugs and issues for sure but for me, can't say why but never experienced those issues.

Since then, I have successfully moved over from windows 7 to windows 10 on 2 other pcs and a laptop, one not too long ago.

In all cases, I "upgraded" meaning it was not a clean install, but windows 10 installed over windows 7 leaving all personal files untouched (recommend backing up anyway but my personal files are on a physical separate drive from the OS) and leaving currently installed programs in working order with the exception of a couple I think like GPUZ sort of stuff.  In some cases, you can use the "run in compatibility mode" of the program's executable.  I have COD2 - COD5 and these never flinched.  If you have concerns about specific software, you can always check their respective websites if they exist for compatibility or upgrades.

To answer your specific question, when you use the Microsoft tool to upgrade, it should upgrade whatever version of Windows 7 you are using (ie. home, pro, etc) and architecture.  For me, for all my 64bit systems, I've always ran a 64bit OS.  You can run 32bit apps on a 64bit system.  There are actually 2 program files folders  

  If you want to consider the "upgrade" route, check out here:  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

IMPORTANT: As with any OS installation upgrade, it is a good idea to back up all personal files.

DISCLAIMER: Everything said here is from my own personal experience only.  Proceed at your risk.  Sorry, had to say this.  This is Windows after all lol.

Good luck.

[Tw33tle_Dee]

W10 64bit, I have no problems running any program old or new. There is really no reason to use 32bit anymore, in fact Nvidia does not supply 32bit drivers anymore.

[RobMc]

Thank you all, if you have had no problems thats fine by me, I was going to do a clean install on a new drive but upgrading may be better, less problems with office etc. Will give it two more months.

[Merlin007]

Ya, upgrading and clean install is a matter of preference.  I've never encountered problems with upgrades and is a whole lot less work so I've stuck with that.  The only time I've done clean installs is of course when I've replaced the OS drive.

[Hunter1948]

I updated to windows 10 64 bit no problem. The only thing that I wish I had done was remove some of my folders from the desktop as they got removed and and still haven't found them. 

[RobMc]

18 minutes ago, Hunter1948 said:

I updated to windows 10 64 bit no problem. The only thing that I wish I had done was remove some of my folders from the desktop as they got removed and and still haven't found them. 

Thats the type of info that is handy to know

[Merlin007]

11 minutes ago, Hunter1948 said:

I updated to windows 10 64 bit no problem. The only thing that I wish I had done was remove some of my folders from the desktop as they got removed and and still haven't found them. 

Important lesson here.

Never store folders on your desktop.  Always keep them in a personal folder somewhere and use a shortcut.  The desktop folder is a user folder of the OS so any major upgrade of an OS always has some risk.  Although an upgrade should not affect them, it's always best to backup all personal files.

Hunter, losing desktop files from a windows 10 update was an issue for some but not all.  Check this out to see if this helps to recover: Good luck.

https://www.easeus.com/file-recovery/recover-lost-disappeared-desktop-files-folders-after-windows-10-upgrade.html

[ChknFngr]

i tried the upgrate way, but wasnt lucky, mainly because i had several drives with a few different win installs.

so for my system i forced to do  a clean install.

Now i did some upgrate from win 7 32 and 64 to win 10 64 with not a signle problem at all, but those system were pretty clean, up to date and all.

[CW4]

Ok the error that you may be making is....  There's no Windows 32/64-bit, only 32 or 64-bit versions.  The difference is that the 32-bit can't run 64-bit stuff as where the 64-bit can run the 32-bit stuff, as I sure you are aware of.  But both don't like my old 16-bit/DOS stuff so I watch GOG to see if some of the games have been ported.

[RobMc]

11 minutes ago, CW4 said:

Ok the error that you may be making is....  There's no Windows 32/64-bit, only 32 or 64-bit versions.  The difference is that the 32-bit can't run 64-bit stuff as where the 64-bit can run the 32-bit stuff, as I sure you are aware of.  But both don't like my old 16-bit/DOS stuff so I watch GOG to see if some of the games have been ported.

You sure? they are marketed here in UK as 32/64 bit or 64 bit only? i. e. 2 examples

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/microsoft-windows-10-home-creators-update-32-64-bit-engl-international-usb-pendrive-1-license-retail

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/microsoft-windows-10-home-64-bit-only-english-dvd-disc-1-license-s-oem-operating-system-software

 

 

[CW4]

Just wording of the product.  What they are trying to say is that with the 32/64-bit version that you can buy is that you have the option of installing either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version.  With the 64-bit version you can only install the 64-bit... Same goes for the 32-bit only version.

[CW4]

So why are there 32/64-bit versions?  Well I still have a really old Gateway Netbook 10" baby laptop that has a 32bit cpu in it.  Wopping 2GB ram and a 200GB HD.  Small enough to take and shove in my motorcycle's bags and take with me on those long camping/riding trips and not worry about it getting broken.

[FunkyChickn]

I have never had any issues with 10

[RobMc]

1 hour ago, CW4 said:

Just wording of the product.  What they are trying to say is that with the 32/64-bit version that you can buy is that you have the option of installing either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version.  With the 64-bit version you can only install the 64-bit... Same goes for the 32-bit only version.

Thanks but I understood that, I was trying to see if there were any problems with pure 64 bit which there does not seem to be.

[Lunkster]

@RobMc - I've been running Win10 64-bit since it first came out, I've never had any issues with it ever... 

[SgT.Chris]

i understand that 64bit o/s can run 32bit that's always been in windows o/s however the only reason i never upgraded to 8 or 10 was literally because i can't stand the ui at all, i'll think about it in about a years time but till then i'll keep my eyes peeled on roll back versions of 10

like soooo

https://www.howtogeek.com/277448/how-to-make-windows-10-look-and-act-more-like-windows-7/

Edited March 9, 2020 by SgT.Chris

[Barron]

On 3/8/2020 at 11:06 AM, RobMc said:

I need help in a practical way off someone who has this as I find the info out there a bit confusing, before we start I fully understand what 32/64 bit means and retro software etc. etc.. Now my beloved Windows 7 has come to the end of it's supported life, I'm clinging onto it as it's been what every Windows should have been, fairly simple and very reliable, I don't internet bank and look after my whole system with regular scans etc. I am put off using 10 through this forum actually, I hear so many problems with it, however commonsense says eventually I will be forced into using it. My current architecture is 64 bit, and 7 runs 32 bit just fine for older stuff, with 10 you get a choice between 32/64 bit or just 64 bit, I know that you can ask 10 to use retro versions of windows, but does this only apply to 32/64 or is the straight 64 also able to handle old software this way? I can't find a straight answer anywhere. Put in simple terms anyone using the 64 only version have any problems ?

Put in simple like you asked

Yes W10 will run your x32 programs and software just fine. It has the most supported drivers and such

x32 Windows is limited to max 4gb of ram whilst 64x is between 1gb-120gb depending on your motherboard. Heck most smartphones these days run 4gb+ or more

Go for 64 bit and you will be fine

Until AMD stop supporting W7 drivers then I may consider moving on to W10

 

[INDIGO]

hi there, never had a problem with it I run pro version I 64 works fine

had a couple of old programs that had issues but got rid of them all ok