Windows 64 bit was introduced with Windows XP and has been included with every Windows release since then. There are numerous reasons why one ought to get the 64 bit Windows version instead of the 32 bit, the most notable one being that it is faster.
The Microsoft tech support team reveals that the 64 bit version can support far more memory than the 32 bit version, which can only support 4GB of RAM. The added RAM can boost a system’s performance considerably. However, the Microsoft tech support still lists some issues with the 64-bit versions of Windows, most having to do with compatibility.
Microsoft tech support for Hardware compatibility issues
64-bit Windows is designed to take full advantage of 64-bit hardware. Unfortunately, this means that most 32-bit hardware will not work at all, this includes motherboards, scanners and printers. The Microsoft tech support states that there is no workaround for this issue, other than to buy new 64-bit hardware to match the operating system.
Microsoft tech support for Software compatibility issues
The Microsoft tech support team says that the 32-bit software will run in 64-bit Windows, but it might not always run correctly and is more prone to crashes and bugs. For example, some exceptionally old programs, especially those written in 16-bit, will not work at all in Windows 64-bit.
Microsoft tech support for lagging issues
Even though 64-bit operating systems are becoming the standard, many hardware and software developers are lagging in their support. As of September 2010, there is no 64-bit version of Adobe Flash or Java. Most Internet browsers are not available in 64-bit forms either. According to the Microsoft tech support team, the list of software made for 64-bit system is growing, so this problem is less of an issue than it used to be, but it is still a considerable hindrance for 64-bit systems.
Microsoft tech support for Speed related issues
64-bit Windows is faster than 32-bit Windows, in theory. But since most programs are still not designed for 64-bit Windows, they actually run slower in the 64-bit operating system. Microsoft tech support lists two reasons for this. First, a 32-bit program can only access 4GB of RAM, so any added RAM will be wasted on it. Secondly, 64-bit Windows must emulate a 32-bit system to run the program, and that alone will slow down the speed of the program.
These are some of the major 64 bit version Windows OS issues that the Microsoft tech support team gives.