![[H]ard|Forum](/styles/hardforum/xenforo/logo_dark.png){kind=logo}
This is a FAQ to try and answer the questions that get asked over and over about 64 bit Operating Systems (x64).
-What is x64? What is x86?
x64 is 64bit. x86 is 32bit when most people talk about it, even though x86 is really the generic term for architecture which can apply to 64 or 32 bit. x64 is the new computer architecture that is a successor to 32bit (which most of us use right now). It removes the 4gb total memory limitation in 32bit and provides some nice speed improvements in applications that take advantage of x64. You will need a x64 compatible CPU and Motherboard to be able to use x64.
-Do I need to buy a new license?
If you have Vista, no, you just need to acquire the x64 disc. All the Vista versions are on the same disc, except there is one disc for 32 Bit (32bit) and one for x64 (64bit). Your product key will work on both x64 and 32 Bit versions. One exception with Vista is OEM licenses, the key will work on both x64 or 32 Bit, but you cannot get the x64 media from Microsoft with an OEM key. You can use a Vista x64 disk if you have one, but you will probably have to buy a new license to get the x64 disc if you do not already have one. If you have XP and want to move to XP 64bit, yes you will need to buy a new license. They are sold as totally separate OSes.
-Should I go XP x64 or Vista x64?
If you already have a Vista license/Vista installed, I would go Vista x64 as you do not have to buy a license again (just acquire a x64 install disc). If you currently are on XP, I would still recommend buying a Vista x64 license vs. buying a XP x64 license. Vista x64 seems to be much better with compatibility and is the newer OS that will soon be the standard.
-Do I have to do a clean install or can I “upgrade” my current install?
To move to x64 from 32 Bit you must do a clean install. The “under the hood” part of the OS is quite different so Windows needs a complete clean install to make the switch to x64.
-If I have 4gb+ of RAM should I use x64?
Yes, if you want to use all of it. On 32bit you will never be able to use more than 3.7gb or so of it because the OS can only address 4gb of RAM total. Things like your Video Card, Network Card, etc. all have RAM that take away from the limit as well so you are only able to use 3.7gb or so of your RAM.
-Is x64 “faster”?
Yes and no. You may see a speed increase in some programs, but others may not have any difference at all. If you are running a lot of programs at once you will usually notice a performance increase as x64 can first of all run with more RAM, and second of all memory mapping is more efficient on x64. Many people have also found Vista x64 is a bit quicker doing normal OS tasks as well (local file copies, opening menus and items, etc.), but this is debatable. Programs that have a x64 version usually will also see a very nice performance increase, but the list of native x64 apps is very small right now.
-Do 32bit applications run on x64?
Yes and no. Some will work just fine, but some do have compatibility problems (See next FAQ item).
-Will ______ program work with x64?
Hard to say really, this goes on a program by program basis. Most modern applications seem to work just fine on x64 and major programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Firefox work without issue. Some programs that use special drivers or poll information from the system may have issues because Vista x64 requires signed drivers. One very good example of this is iTunes in which the CD Burner does not work as it is a special driver that is not x64 compliant. Overall though most applications will work without issue or have a fix available, it’s always good to do a quick Google though to check and see if your necessary program works before making the jump.
-Signed Drivers? What is this all about?
That’s right, Vista x64 requires signed drivers. What this means is that drivers need to be approved through Microsoft before they are able to install on Vista x64. This is what causes a lot of “homemade” type applications to not work if they need a special driver. The reason Microsoft did this is so malicious drivers cannot be installed and all drivers are compatible with the OS. This is to make for a more stable and reliable system that is not effected by poorly written drivers which has been a problem in many OSes in the past. You should check to make sure that the devices you want to use on your computer (system devices like Mainboard, TV Tuner, etc and external devices like Printers) have x64 compatible drivers available.
-I want to do it I want to do it!
Ok, but first you should take the following steps:
Hope this helps clear up some confusion, and I will work on adding FAQs to the list that I think of/people suggest.
-What is x64? What is x86?
x64 is 64bit. x86 is 32bit when most people talk about it, even though x86 is really the generic term for architecture which can apply to 64 or 32 bit. x64 is the new computer architecture that is a successor to 32bit (which most of us use right now). It removes the 4gb total memory limitation in 32bit and provides some nice speed improvements in applications that take advantage of x64. You will need a x64 compatible CPU and Motherboard to be able to use x64.
-Do I need to buy a new license?
If you have Vista, no, you just need to acquire the x64 disc. All the Vista versions are on the same disc, except there is one disc for 32 Bit (32bit) and one for x64 (64bit). Your product key will work on both x64 and 32 Bit versions. One exception with Vista is OEM licenses, the key will work on both x64 or 32 Bit, but you cannot get the x64 media from Microsoft with an OEM key. You can use a Vista x64 disk if you have one, but you will probably have to buy a new license to get the x64 disc if you do not already have one. If you have XP and want to move to XP 64bit, yes you will need to buy a new license. They are sold as totally separate OSes.
-Should I go XP x64 or Vista x64?
If you already have a Vista license/Vista installed, I would go Vista x64 as you do not have to buy a license again (just acquire a x64 install disc). If you currently are on XP, I would still recommend buying a Vista x64 license vs. buying a XP x64 license. Vista x64 seems to be much better with compatibility and is the newer OS that will soon be the standard.
-Do I have to do a clean install or can I “upgrade” my current install?
To move to x64 from 32 Bit you must do a clean install. The “under the hood” part of the OS is quite different so Windows needs a complete clean install to make the switch to x64.
-If I have 4gb+ of RAM should I use x64?
Yes, if you want to use all of it. On 32bit you will never be able to use more than 3.7gb or so of it because the OS can only address 4gb of RAM total. Things like your Video Card, Network Card, etc. all have RAM that take away from the limit as well so you are only able to use 3.7gb or so of your RAM.
-Is x64 “faster”?
Yes and no. You may see a speed increase in some programs, but others may not have any difference at all. If you are running a lot of programs at once you will usually notice a performance increase as x64 can first of all run with more RAM, and second of all memory mapping is more efficient on x64. Many people have also found Vista x64 is a bit quicker doing normal OS tasks as well (local file copies, opening menus and items, etc.), but this is debatable. Programs that have a x64 version usually will also see a very nice performance increase, but the list of native x64 apps is very small right now.
-Do 32bit applications run on x64?
Yes and no. Some will work just fine, but some do have compatibility problems (See next FAQ item).
-Will ______ program work with x64?
Hard to say really, this goes on a program by program basis. Most modern applications seem to work just fine on x64 and major programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Firefox work without issue. Some programs that use special drivers or poll information from the system may have issues because Vista x64 requires signed drivers. One very good example of this is iTunes in which the CD Burner does not work as it is a special driver that is not x64 compliant. Overall though most applications will work without issue or have a fix available, it’s always good to do a quick Google though to check and see if your necessary program works before making the jump.
-Signed Drivers? What is this all about?
That’s right, Vista x64 requires signed drivers. What this means is that drivers need to be approved through Microsoft before they are able to install on Vista x64. This is what causes a lot of “homemade” type applications to not work if they need a special driver. The reason Microsoft did this is so malicious drivers cannot be installed and all drivers are compatible with the OS. This is to make for a more stable and reliable system that is not effected by poorly written drivers which has been a problem in many OSes in the past. You should check to make sure that the devices you want to use on your computer (system devices like Mainboard, TV Tuner, etc and external devices like Printers) have x64 compatible drivers available.
-I want to do it I want to do it!
Ok, but first you should take the following steps:
- Make sure there are x64 drivers for all the components in your system (Mainboard, TV Tuner, Graphics Card, Ethernet Card, Wireless Card, etc.)
- Google and make sure that the programs you need to have work will still work on x64, or if there are updates available to make them x64 compliant (maybe even a different x64 version of the program)
- Google and make sure that devices you use with your system all will work on x64 and download appropriate x64 drivers (Cameras, Webcams, Printers, Scanners, etc.)
- Acquire the proper x64 media. If you want XP x64 you need to buy a new license. If you have Vista and want to move to x64 you just need to get the x64 version disc.
- Backup all your information from the drive/partition you are going to install your OS on…x64 needs a clean install and will wipe out everything on the OS drive/partition you select to install it on
- Have fun with x64!
Hope this helps clear up some confusion, and I will work on adding FAQs to the list that I think of/people suggest.
You might consider expanding that the reason Microsoft requires 64 bit signed drivers is what you said and to make sure the system stays reliable and functional - it wasn't done just as a means to piss people off and make things tougher on consumers or software manufacturers. It was done to keep Vista solid and reliable and to hopefully cut down on the vast number of support calls that wouldn't be necessary if the machine was stable in the first place. Requiring signed drivers gives Microsoft one last chance to say "Ok, we put these things through our own testing process and we say they're ok."