Is 64 bit Windows ready to be used? [closed]

Question

I'm still using the 32 bit version of Windows XP. Now, I have the possibility to upgrade to a 64 bit version of Windows Vista or later on the 64 bit version of Windows 7. The biggest pro is the possibility to use more memory and that I actually would be using that 64 bit CPU I've bought. :-)

The problem is that when I tried 64 bit Windows XP a year or two ago there were problems with software not having 64 bit versions. Is this still an issue?

Answer 1

I have been running 64 bit Vista on my desktop for quite a while and haven't found any issues.

Remember that through WOW (not World of Warcraft) Windows can still run 32-bit applications - the real issue comes with the drivers. So unless you're using any really down level applications most of them should work through WoW. I cannot remember, but I do believe anti-virus apps and possibly firewalls needs to run at 64bit as well, so you will need to check if your vendor of choice ships a 64bit version.

What you really want to be on the lookout for - is knowing whether or not drivers exists for all your hardware.

Also running apps at 32bit comes with next to no performance hit, what so ever, and it usually means that those apps will take up LESS memory (as their pointers are 32bit in size and not 64bit).

Answer 2

I have been running 64-bit Vista for years. It's mostly a pleasure, but I can pinpoint two problems I have had with it:

1. Java JDK 64 bits can be tricky. Some frameworks won't integrate well with it, and it's not as up-to-date as the 32 bits version. Though I'd love if someone came and told me that is no longer the case -- I have learned not to try it a long time ago. :-(

2. 64 bits software is not as prevalent as might be desired yet. This is mostly a non-issue, as you can run 32 bits software just fine. But when it comes to software that integrates into the explorer menu, it matters.

As an example of the later point, I have TortoiseSVN running fine on my explorer, but TortoiseHG wouldn't show it's menu there. There was a work-around, which was running explorer with an option which will force 32 bits (%windir%\syswow64\explorer.exe /separate). I needed a shortcut for that, though, and the 64 bits stuff (TortoiseSVN! :) won't appear there.

Edit:

BUT, as of two weeks ago, according to Mr Spolsky, it is now working. I should have it running as fast as I can reboot (Windows, duh!) this computer. Which is all the more proof you should go 64 bits. :-)

Answer 3

I have been running Windows Vista 64Bit for almost 2 years and Windows 7 64Bit for the last 4 months and have no issues. All or most software either has a 64Bit version or runs fine as is. I have no issues with drivers and have yet to get a blue screen.

Answer 4

From what I've heard, Windows Vista x64 and Windows 7 x64 are far ahead of XP x64 on 32-bit program support.

Answer 5

Nobody has mentioned this one yet:

32-bit shell extension DLLs don't work with 64-bit Windows Explorer. There were a few useful shell extensions that I liked to use with Windows XP. Shell extensions that are .EXE based work OK on 64-bit Windows since they are launched as a new process under the WoW layer, but the DLL-based ones don't work since the 64-bit Explorer process can't load a 32-bit DLL.

Still, that hasn't stopped me from using Vista 64-bit and now Windows 7 64-bit. On the balance, it's been a positive experience and most things just work.

Answer 6

I'm running 64bit Vista right now, have been for about 4 months, and I've never yet had any problems with any application or driver. 32-bit apps will still work in 64-bit Windows but obviously aren't optimised for that environment.

Answer 7

I generally agree with what kastermester has said but I'll just add that you should check with your printer manufacturer that they have 64 bit drivers.

We have a few PC's at work that are 64bit and can't print on our network printers because there aren't any printer drivers for them.

Answer 8

Yes, go for 64 bit.

I have used Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 for the past 6 months and it works great.

The only problems I have encountered:

1. ZoneAlarm does not work at all (it does not even install). ZoneAlarm only works on 32 bit systems.

2. Microsoft TweakUI Powertoy only works on 32 bit Windows.

But it may depend on which software you want to use.

Answer 9

In short, yes. 64 bit XP was pretty bad experience, mainly because device driver support was terrible. However device manufacturers have caught on to the fact that 64bit is the way to go, and device support is now much better.

I have been successfully using Windows Vista and 7 64bit versions for a couple of years now, with no problems at all.

Answer 10

Yes.

On the server side, Exchange 2007 is only 64bit, and Server 2008 R2 will be. If MS are prepared to drop 32bit support for business critical systems you can be confident of it.

Only issue is likely to be older hardware, e.g. my scanner doesn't have 64bit drivers (but there are workarounds).

Answer 11

YES!!

I've been using Vista x64 since it RTM'd back in 2006, and I've also been running Windows 7 x64 from Beta to RC and now the RTM. There's absolutely no issues with Win x64.

The only "issue" (if you want to call it that) with Vista x64 at first was driver support for older hardware, but it's been around long enough now that you really shouldn't have any issues anymore unless you're using some obscure 7 year old hardware.

Answer 12

I would say go for it. When I got some new hardware a few months back I threw the Windows 7 RC on there - and I have only tried the 64-bit flavor. The only issue I have had so far is Canon has not released a driver update for my scanner - which was easily dealt with through the Virtual Windows XP feature. I was able to attach my USB scanner to the VM with one click, and a couple of clicks later I had installed the USB driver and scanned the photo.

Answer 13

The short answer is yes.

The long answer depends on what you need to run. There are some programs that have issues in 64 bit, primarily 32 bit programs that use 32 bit drivers to perform certain functions. (output to a printer, or to a word processor) that fail under 64 bit.

But for the most part that is easy to work around (run it in a vm with a 32 bit os for example) Or work with OEM to get an update.

Drivers for hardware are pretty much a non issue now unless you have older hardware.

Answer 14

I'm now running 64-bit Vista on multiple machines. Using it for development at work, and for gaming at home. No major software compatibility or driver issues have cropped up. The machine at work BSoDs on a regular basis, but hey, it's Windows on an AMD processor, that'll happen. :-)