Thread: Windows 8: 32-bit vs. 64-bit

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Windows 7's successor

The installed base of 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 has reached 46% in June 2010, vs. 54% for 32-bit (x86) Windows 7, according to statistics released by Microsoft. It is clear from the data shared by the Redmond company that end users are starting to choose x64 systems and equivalent Windows 7 editions over older x86 architectures. The software giant underlines that this is an increasing trend, and that it expects 64-bit Windows 7 to become the norm, and 32-bit Windows 7 the exception. Of course, the question now is, what will the future hold for Windows 8?

Microsoft does have a few options. It could of course continue to serve both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 8, just as it did with Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Or it could drop the x86 flavors of Windows 8 altogether, and produce only x64 Windows 8 SKUs. This would certainly be a bold move for the software giant, but Microsoft is sure not to come to a conclusion in this regard without carefully considering the overall impact.

Windows 8: 32-bit vs. 64-bit - It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Windows 7's successor - Softpedia

Be nice to see 64 bit be the only form, albeit can't really see it happening. With businesses and corporations still setting on 32 bit platforms along with 32 bit XP Win 8 will have to go along with the need of the customers.

I would prefer 64 and 128bit - that would be real progress.

Just don't see 128 bit until Win 9 (or whatever). They are just starting to get software and hardware companies to put forth 64 bit products.

Yes, unfortunately that is true, but I can dream can't I.

Nothing wrong with dreams. . .

Originally Posted by Lee

Be nice to see 64 bit be the only form, albeit can't really see it happening. With businesses and corporations still setting on 32 bit platforms along with 32 bit XP Win 8 will have to go along with the need of the customers.

Dont forget, we are still at least 2 years away from Windows 8. I can certainly see MS giving the nudge towards 64 bit only systems by then.