Half of Windows 7 machines running 64-bit version
By Nicole Kobie
Posted on 12 Jul 2010 at 12:29
Nearly half of the computers running Windows 7 are using the 64-bit version, according to Microsoft.
That's a huge leap from the Vista era. While 46% of Windows 7 computers are on the 64-bit version, just 11% of Vista machines were running it three and a half years after launch. XP saw fewer than 1% ditching the 32-bit version.
With Windows 7, running a 64-bit OS is becoming the norm
"With Windows 7, running a 64-bit OS is becoming the norm," said Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc in a blog post.
The 32-bit version of Windows 7 supports an upper limit of 4GB RAM, while the 64-bit edition allows a whopping 192GB RAM. "Aside from the performance gains, there are also security enhancements and support for virtualisation as well," LeBlanc noted.
Microsoft says the move to 64-bit architecture is driven not by Windows 7, but by advances in hardware.
"The first [reason] is the price of memory has dropped over the last several years, making it easier for OEMs to up the amount of memory in the PCs they ship. And most major processors in PCs today are capable of running a 64-bit OS. There are also more and more compatible devices and applications for PCs running 64-bit Windows 7," LeBlanc said.
Indeed, software may prove to be the main hurdle in moving PCs to the 64-bit architecture. While Microsoft is pushing the 64-bit version of Windows, it earlier this year advised users to install the 32-bit version of Office 2010, "because currently many common add-ins for Office will not function in the 64-bit edition".
The 64-bit architecture first hit PCs in 2003, in the form of AMD's Opteron processor.
From around the web
Not a matter of choice
Most of Windows 7 sales are on new hardware where the manufacturer (under pressure from Microsoft)makes the choice.
Although a good thing long term there are short term issues when you have existing USB peripherals that don't have 64 bit signed drivers.
By milliganp on 12 Jul 2010 
I'm one of those 46%. Here at work I'm running 64-bit Windows 7 with 4GB RAM.
Bit fiddly to get IIS running, but there you are.
By IanDevlin on 12 Jul 2010
Lack of Drivers
Sadly HP do not provide a driver for 64 bit All in One Network Scanners. They will connect via USB (with reduced functionality ie not able to scan to pdf but not via network.
Adobe Flash does not work on 64 bit have to use 32 bit Internet Explorer
By Grant100 on 12 Jul 2010
I run 64 bit Vista and it's been surprisingly problem free as regards drivers.
By Lacrobat on 13 Jul 2010
Mainly 64-bit
I've got 2 machines at home with Windows 7 64-bit and my work laptop is 64-bit.
Of the 10 other Laptops and desktops I've bought since Windows 7 was released, only 2 have 32-bit Windows 7.
We have only had problems with drivers and software so far are Siemens - they haven't really updated their software and drivers since Windows 98/2000! Fujitsu ScanSnap software is only available if you contact them directly and Canon "retired" their original LiDE scanners.
My HP PhotoSmart 2610 works fine under Windows 7 64-bit, it sits upstairs, connected to the router and my 64-bit laptop is down here in the cellar and it works fine.
By big_D on 13 Jul 2010
HP drivers
My Hp PSC2175 works fine. iirc theres a note on the HP support site recommending that you use the default Windows7 printer driver. This I did with no problems at all.
By Sarcen on 13 Jul 2010
Poor support from Canon
I'd love to upgrade to 64 bit, but as it would mean replacing my scanner and more importantly one of my programs, I won't do it. Canon refused point blank, from the outset to release a 64bit driver, even when I considered upgrading on Vista a few years ago. Probably wanted me to rush out and buy a new model! And one of my main programs is so memory intensive on a Quad Core'd system with 4Gb RAM that I couldn't do anything else whilst it ran. Programmer is aware and is supposedly working on new version, but this was 2 years ago and no news yet! Also what about Flash Support, or is everyone just using IE-32 Bit and not the IE-64 Bit?
By scooter91170 on 15 Jul 2010
I wonder how much of this is due to Dell offering 64 bit as standard?
By qwertyqwerty87 on 15 Jul 2010
HP Drivers
@Sarcen - have you tried networking your PSC? I've got my PCS950 connected to an XP box & the W7 laptop sees it over the network, but refuses to find a driver. It works when directly connected to the W7. Must be trying to get me to by a new printer!
By Dairs on 16 Jul 2010
HP Drivers
@Sarcen - have you tried networking your PSC? I've got my PCS950 connected to an XP box & the W7 laptop sees it over the network, but refuses to find a driver. It works when directly connected to the W7. Must be trying to get me to by a new printer!
By Dairs on 16 Jul 2010
Outlook and Mobile 6.5
If Microsoft are so pleased that 64 bit Win7 is taking off it is a pity that you have to load Outlook 2010 32 bit to be able to sync with a smart phone
By steveb on 16 Jul 2010
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