Question:
If I wanted to upgrade to Windows 8 64bit from 64bit Windows 7 would I need to purchase a 64bit upgrade?
anonymous
2013-06-14 08:47:38 UTC
I was wondering if I would require an upgrade specifically made to upgrade to 64bit or would I just by the upgrade and all of that would be done for me?
I wouldn't complain if I were to receive some information on where would be best to buy Windows 8 considering price and overall quality (preferably a widely trusted seller)
Four answers:
Xyso
2013-06-14 10:49:59 UTC
Hi,



If you're using 64-bit (aka 'x64') now and want to continue to use 64-bit, then naturally you would get the Windows 8, x64.



There is no price difference between the 32 and 64 bit.



Even though years ago the advent of using a 64-bit data path was supposed to make computing much faster, realistically it hasn't done a whole lot (some, yes, but not what they expected would happen with it).



One of the problems is that software developers have to write the program to utilize 64-bit and not a lot have done it, even now in 2013.



I'm looking around on my desktop, with around 30 programs installed, and right off the bat I only see Photoshop that's 64-bit. I'm sure there are a couple more but not many.



HOWEVER



Despite all that, you definitely want a 64-bit operating system.



How much RAM it will let you utilize is the HUGE issue.



32-bit can only address right around 3.5GB. I say around because some computers report 3.42, 3.61, etc.



With 32-bit, even if you have 16GB of RAM in your system, it can only use 3.5.



However, the operating system itself (regardless of 32 or 64-bit) has an impact on useable RAM.



For example, (all 64-bit versions):



Windows version: RAM (memory) limit

Windows 7 Home Basic 8GB

Windows 7 Home Premium 16GB

Windows 7 Pro (and higher) 192GB



So as you can see, 64-bit is very desireable, memory-wise.



I stated a couple of oversimplified things about 32 vs 64-bit at the top, but if you're technical-minded, here's all about it:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit_computing



LASTLY

As to your "Additional Details" listed, yes, the upgrade has to be the same as the version you're using or else you'll have to pay extra for a 'higher' version, i.e. if you have Windows 7 Home Premium, you have to get the equivalent Windows 8 Upgrade.



If my answer helps you, please vote me Best Answer.





For further clarification of my answer, if needed, contact me directly.



At your service,

Hugh





.
?
2013-06-14 15:50:37 UTC
There is no price difference between the 32 and 64 bit versions. You still need to specify the version to which you need to upgrade. The upgrade process installs a completely new operating system, so whatever you specify, it will get installed.
?
2013-06-14 17:14:38 UTC
Windows 8 is full of bugs right now so I wouldn't upgrade to it. It isn't as great as the advertising says it is. But if you do, the pricing is the same, you just have to specify between 64-bit and 32-bit.
?
2013-06-14 15:52:25 UTC
No, you would have to buy a giraffe though, and those are hard to find these days!


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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