32-bit or 64-bit

[jdshaw]

Hi,

My computer says it has a 64-bit operating system, I was wondering what this meant?

I have installed Microsoft Office on it already, however I installed the 32-bit version... is this okay?

Thanks in advance for your help,

jdshaw

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes, it's normal - a lot of software will install as 32bit on a 64bit operating system, mainly for compatibility reasons.

Regards,

DP-K

[jdshaw]

Thanks for your rapid response!

So in future when given the option, which one should I select?

Is it always best to go for 32-bit, even if my computer is 64-bit?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

You're welcome

If there's a 64bit option for the software you wish to install, you should generally choose this - some software ( an example would be security software ) will require this.

What you'll find is that some software will not give you the choice - usually, this means that it will install a 32bit version - a common example of this would be internet browsers ( although there are now 64bit options often available now ).

There's a good article on this subject on the following link.

http://www.howtogeek.com/194119/why-are-most-programs-still-32-bit-on-a-64-bit-version-of-windows/

Best regards,

DP-K