64-bit operating system

By Raja

We show you how to upgrade to a 64-bit operating system for free. But more importantly, we tell you who should and who shouldn’t make the switch.

While 64-bit computers are commonplace today, 64-bit operating systems are only just becoming mainstream. Your 32-bit operating system could also be limiting performance if your PC has a 64-bit CPU, which it probably does. A 64-bit operating system offers several key advantages over its 32-bit counterpart. First and foremost is the ability to take advantage of more than 4 GB of memory. A 32-bit operating system is inherently limited to 4,096 MB of memory, meaning after video memory and other peripheral memory, your computer may only be able to use 3 GB of RAM or less. Because of this 4,096 MB limit, files larger than this can take longer to load because they are constantly called from the hard drive instead of the much faster page file memory or RAM. A 64-bit operating system, on the other hand, can boost this limit to 16,000 petabytes (although, in common practice, your software generally limits it to 128 GB).

A 64-bit operating system can also give significant performance increases when running 64-bit versions of software. Some of the largest gains come in very computationally-intensive tasks that deal with high-precision numbers (like 3D rendering and physics simulations). Things like data encryption can run up to five times faster in a 64-bit environment compared to the same system with a 32-bit operating system. You probably don’t do that type of computing, but more popular programs also see performance increases including Photoshop, many compression programs (like 7zip), and video codecs. Even games perform better on a 64-bit system because it gives them access to more than 2 GB of memory and greatly increases stability thanks to the 64-bit operating system’s added precision.

There are also a few downsides to upgrading to a 64-bit operating system. For example, running 32-bit programs in a 64-bit environment can be problematic. Occasionally, 32-bit programs may have trouble running or will not even run at all. Fortunately, this is an issue very rarely experienced now that 64-bit systems have become so mainstream. However, running 32-bit programs on a 64-bit operating system can use a fair bit more RAM, so if you have a computer with just 2 GB or less of RAM, it's probably better for you to stick with a 32-bit operating system.

If you think a 64-bit operating system sounds appealing to you, there’s a way to upgrade both Windows Vista and Windows 7 to 64-bits for free.

It was not until just recently that manufacturers started shipping computers with 64-bit versions of Windows. Prior to that, a 32-bit CPU was the default. Even systems that absolutely should have a 64-bit operating system (such as those with 4 GB of RAM or more) are still being bundled with 32-bit versions of Windows in some cases. Many of the ultralight, full-size laptops, like some versions of Acer's Timeline series, MSI's X-Slim, and Lenovo's U-series, still ship with 32-bit Windows 7. Of course, these are not the only manufacturers guilty of this. Virtually every manufacturer has released a 64-bit capable system with a 32-bit operating system at some point.

Fortunately, the big manufacturers are starting to see the error in their ways and are making sure to bundle 64-bit operating systems with the systems that need it or will benefit from it. Dell was one of the first, along with HP. Even Sony has a full lineup of systems with 64-bit operating systems. However, if you happened to buy your computer before this wonderful revolution took place, you do not have to be stuck with that 32-bit OS.

As it turns out, 32-bit keys are compatible with the 64-bit version of the operating system as well. As long as the product level is consistent, bit versions do not matter. For example, if you have 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium, that key will work with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Obviously, it goes without saying that a Home Premium key will not mix with Home Basic or Ultimate and, of course, a Vista key will not work with Windows 7 and vice versa. One exception to the rule is that Windows XP keys are not interchangeable between bit versions.

The process to upgrade to a 64-bit OS does require a fair bit of work. You have to research your hardware for drivers and reformat your hard drive. This may sound daunting, but we will walk you through the most common method step by step.

The most important step to upgrading your operating system is preparation. The first thing to do is make sure that your CPU is a 64-bit device. The easiest way to do this is with a program called CPU-Z. Running it will give you comprehensive information about your CPU, including supported instruction sets. If it supports EM64 (or similar variant) for Intel CPUs or AMD64 for AMD CPUs, you have a 64-bit compatible system.

Next you will want to find your Windows CD Key, usually found on a sticker located somewhere on your computer tower or the bottom of your laptop or on the CD box itself. If you cannot find it, there is a very useful program called Magic Jelly Bean that will locate your product key. Magic Jelly Bean will also be helpful if your system has pre-installed software, as it will give you the keys for those programs as well. Make sure to write down your keys and double check that you copied them down correctly.

The next big step is to make sure 64-bit drivers are available for your computer. The best place to look first is your manufacturer's Website. You might have to dig around a bit, but they will probably be available, and oftentimes, live chat support agents will be available to help you. If you cannot find 64-bit drivers for your model, you can still try to locate them through the individual parts manufacturers. However, this can be rather difficult as you need to be familiar with your computer's hardware. The main drivers you will want to find will be your chipset drivers (generally found on Intel or AMD's sites), your Ethernet and/or wireless drivers (though these are often installed automatically), your video drivers, and your audio drivers.

Since upgrading to a 64-bit operating system requires you to reformat your hard drive, you will want to backup all of your important data to a separate drive, ideally some sort of portable/removable storage device, just to prevent confusion during the formatting phase. It is also wise to make note of the total size and free space of your C drive, to make it easier to recognize later.

The last big hurdle in preparation is obtaining an install disk. Some manufacturers such as Dell and HP may be willing to work with you in providing a 64-bit re-installation DVD for just the price of the DVD plus shipping. Others, such as Acer, will sometimes put both a 32-bit and 64-bit recovery partition on your hard drive, giving you the choice when running their recovery option. Short from those methods, your only other option is to get an installation DVD yourself. There is always the option to find one via Bit Torrent, but it is especially not recommended because a virus can easily be injected into the installation DVD or the image can be "cracked," forcing you to run an illegal version of the software. Your best bet is to ask friends and colleagues or perhaps the IT guys at the office. Odds are that you know someone who has a DVD you can borrow.

If you have recently upgraded from Vista to Windows 7, the upgrade disk you received has both 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows on it, so you can use the first upgrading method we describe on the next page. Retail versions of Windows 7 Full also include both bit versions.

If you have obtained your upgrade DVD from your manufacturer, it is probably best to follow its instructions. However, if you have a generic installer DVD from a friend or elsewhere, there are two methods for upgrading your system.

The safest method is to run the setup from within your currently installed version of Windows. This will allow you to not only check to make sure your system is truly 64-bit compatible, using the Windows Upgrade Advisor, but it will also let you know if your key is correct before erasing any data (some OEM keys can be picky about their installer DVDs).

To use this method, simply insert your new installer DVD. This guide will walk you through the steps for installing Windows 7, but Vista is nearly identical. A dialogue box may pop up, asking what you want to do with the DVD. Select "Run Setup.exe." If nothing happens after inserting the DVD, open My Computer and double click your DVD drive with the disk in it. That will initiate the Windows Installer.

From here, click Install Now. Do not worry—it will not actually start installing anything yet. In the next screen, you will be given the option to go online to download updates. It is recommended that you do this option, as it will help make your new installation more secure and look for compatible drivers. Feel free to uncheck the "I want to make Windows Installation better" box if you like. The installer will then proceed to download the updates and then prompt you with a license agreement. You have to agree or it will not let you install it.

You will now be faced with a grayed out Upgrade option and a Custom (Advanced) option. Select the Custom option. This will start the installer, which will copy all of your current Windows files to a folder called Windows.old. Your computer will reboot several times during this process, so do not be alarmed. It can take up to an hour or so, depending on the speed of your computer.

Once the installation is complete, you can setup your account and login information as well as regional settings. Once logged into Windows, you will want to install your drivers. It is generally best to restart between each driver installation, starting with your chipset drivers, then video drivers, Ethernet/wireless drivers, and lastly audio drivers.

The second method when upgrading is a complete clean install. This generally leaves you with a crisper and faster system compared to the first method and offers maximum hard drive space as well. However, a clean install is slightly more dangerous because it will reformat your hard drive, erasing all data you have not backed up to a separate drive.

To do this, start your computer with the installation DVD inserted. It should give you an option to press any key to boot from the CD/DVD-ROM. When you see this message, press any key. If this message does not appear, reboot your computer and press the Boot Menu key, which is generally F11, but can sometimes be F2 or F10 (it will say on the splash screen when your computer is starting up). The Boot Menu will give you a list of options from which to boot. Select CD/DVD-ROM and you should see the "Press any key" message.

It should boot into the Windows Installer, where you will select Install Now. Follow the prompts until you come to a screen with an Upgrade option and Custom (Advanced) option. Select the Custom option.

This will take you to a screen with a list of hard drives. Select the drive you want to reformat and install Windows. Then you will click the Reformat button (you may have to click the Advanced Options button depending which version of Windows you are installing). Be absolutely sure this is the correct drive before reformatting it, as all data on it will be erased permanently.

Now click Next and the installation process will begin. Once the installation is complete, you can setup your account and login information as well as regional settings. Once logged into Windows, you will want to install your drivers. It is generally best to restart between each driver installation, starting with your chipset drivers, then video drivers, Ethernet/wireless drivers, and lastly audio drivers.
All Bits Accounted For

Now that you have your drivers installed and everything working well, enjoy your new 64-bit system. If your computer came with 4 GB of RAM or more, you will notice that all of it not only shows up in your system information, but it is all accessible as well. Take advantage of your free performance boost and install some games or edit some detailed photographs on Photoshop. Install Daemon Tools and see what a blessing it is to be able to mount an entire 4 GB file entirely to memory.