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Suddenly, 64-bit Windows is mainstream

Jul. 30, 2008 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

Ed Bott is right-on with his latest blog post. As I’ve been discussing lately on the Windows Weekly podcast, the move to Vista x64—I went that route on my main desktop several months ago—is now seamless, with not a single compatibility issue in sight.

Last year, x64 editions of Windows Vista were hard to come by and seen as mainly for early adopters. This year, with little warning, the tide seems to have shifted dramatically.

Microsoft noticed the sudden shift as well. According to stats I received yesterday, the installed base of 64-bit Windows Vista machines in the U.S. has more than tripled in the last three months. Using data from its Windows Update servers, Microsoft calculated that 1.45% of all Windows Vista machines were running x64 Vista editions in March of this year. By June, that figure was up to 5.18%. That number is actually more impressive than it sounds: by my back-of-the-envelope calculations, making that shift in total market share means that at least 20% of all Vista PCs sold in the second quarter of this year came with 64-bit editions of Windows Vista preinstalled. By fall, it’s possible, even likely, that we’ll reach a tipping point, with more than 50% of new PCs sold at retail coming with 64-bit editions of Windows Vista preinstalled.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I’ve been running Vista x64 on my main desktop PC since February, with no issues whatsoever.

This has been my experience as well.

Thanks Joe R.

Discuss this Article 45

dreimanis
on Jul 31, 2008
paul, how is it with basic things, like browsing, officing, video viewing? to these things have x64 versions or do they run fine via wow64?
Anthony Cook
on Jul 31, 2008
A bit of a noob question but what are the benefits or running 64bit? Im aware that you can install more than 4gb of RAM, unlike an X86 machine. im also aware that most modern processors support 64 bit. Im just wondering other than the option of more RAM is there any other reasons why i should upgrade to a 64bit version of Vista?
subzerohitman721
on Jul 31, 2008
This is definitely not a shock. 64 is definitely the future for the entire PC industry. I use 64 bit processors and love them compared to 32. As for Vista 64, it looks pretty impressive. Once the economy gets better, I'd definitely consider upgrading my 32 bit Vistas over. One of the improvements on the 64 side is that some data encryption software run a lot faster on fully compiled 64 bit registers. Best case scenario, you'd see a 3 to 5 times faster execution on 64. Another improvement is on the memory side. Some OSes reserve part of process address space for OS use. Windows XP DLLs and userland OS components are mapped into each process's address space, leaving less addressable memory available. This doesn't happen in 64. I believe when we have the majority of top software fully compiled in 64 bit, we'll see the 32 bit market slowly fade away. Until then, it will be a slow migration.
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"Im just wondering other than the option of more RAM is there any other reasons why i should upgrade to a 64bit version of Vista?" It's faster too. Even faster than XP SP3, according to Ed. "to these things have x64 versions or do they run fine via wow64?" Some programs have x64 versions, some have x64 components for compatibility with WoW64, some are just standard x86 programs that work out-of-the-box. To the end-user it's irrelevent though. There are fewer and fewer compatibility issues with 64-bit now, aside from a few hardware and software companies that are resisting certification tracks for Windows Vista. One of those is Fujitsu, which Ed points out in his article. Another is Panasonic for their "office document imaging products" (ie. floor-model copier/printers). Neither is interested in giving customers support for current operating systems. Putting money into either company's products is like throwing it out the window.
Snakedoctor1
on Jul 31, 2008
Better yes, but still has compatibility issues with some main stream devices like my Sony DCR-SR200 hard drive Camcorder. Per Sony's site.... "Starter and 64-bit versions of the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems are not supported." Sony and MS must not think its important right now. Works without any Sony software on OS X.
pmcgrath
on Jul 31, 2008
I've had x64 on my laptop for about 8 months now. While it has mostly been a pleasurable experience, the lack of some drivers has caused me issues, mostly printer drivers. The pool of x86 Vista drivers seems to be getting quite good, but on the x64 side, things are a little different. Some companies have just refused to make x64 drivers and the drivers that do exist have significantly less features then their twin on the x86 side. The good news is it gets better every day. I’m sure by the time Windows 7 ships, there will be x64 drivers for most, hardware manufactured after Vista was released. I would like to see MS come down harder on some of the larger hardware partners. One of the big problems with Vista when it was released was the lack of drivers and the quality of drivers. I know the “Evil Empire” crowed would pitch a fit, but a carrot and stick approach would do wonders. Something like have these drivers ready and tested by our launch date and we will give you so many dollars for marketing. If you don’t, MS will use the money to tell its customers not to buy your product because it is not compatible. Just a thought.
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"still has compatibility issues with some main stream devices like my Sony DCR-SR200 hard drive Camcorder" Vegas [Movie Studio] works on Vista x64. It has a capture tool for Sony HDD camcorders.
rlcronin
on Jul 31, 2008
I'm willing to give 64-bit a try, but I already installed the 32 bit version of Ultimate. Can I upgrade it to 64-bit, or would it mean a brand new install and another license fee?
pmcgrath
on Jul 31, 2008
@rlcronin You don't need a new license. You will need to reactivate and you will need to do a clean intall. You cant just put in the disk and run the upgrade program.
JamesNT
on Jul 31, 2008
Eric Raymond wrote an article on his website more or less saying that the move to 64-bit computing was the last chance linux would have for the next 30 or so years to destroy Windows and take over the desktop. It appears that once again linux has lost and Microsoft has won. Long Live the Empire. JamesNT
weedmonk
on Jul 31, 2008
@PMC....what about OEM versions of Vista? Is there any avenue to upgrade without buying a FPP version??
sttevo
on Jul 31, 2008
I'm running an x64 version of Vista on my desktop and the only problems I'm having are with Firefox believe it or not. It crashes constantly. So I've switched to IE...but only on that PC ;)
pmcgrath
on Jul 31, 2008
@weedmonk I really don't know. The reatail box of ultra had both x86 and x64 disks. MS gets weird with OEM licensing. They may take the line that the OEM designed the box for x86 serviceability and therefor you cant move it to x64. Or they could go the other way and say it's between you and the OEM, the OEM has to support it. I think a trip to the MS licensing page may be in order. UGH!
DRWAM
on Jul 31, 2008
Wow, most of the computers that look interesting are preloaded with 64 bit Vista, so I thought that 64 bit was a gimme. Besides, Waethorn said to get it, so when people ask, that's what I tell them to get, 64 bit. I configured my nephew's HP laptop with 64 bit Vista, and it was the default selection. Even the laptop's that I was considering at Bestbuy had mostly Vista 64 bit pre-loaded. Wae says it's faster, so isn't that what we want? It's a no-brainer to me. Thanks Wae.
Snakedoctor1
on Jul 31, 2008
"Vegas [Movie Studio] works on Vista x64" Yes I bought off of Ebay for $89....where is the outrage!!!!!!!!!!:) Vegas is a really good piece of software.
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"what about OEM versions of Vista? Is there any avenue to upgrade without buying a FPP version??" It's up to the OEM. Microsoft won't even send out replacement discs for major OEM's - only if it was originally an OEM System Builder copy (generic OEM for smaller computer builders). If it's a major manufacturer, they tell you to talk to them. If you already have the OEM 64-bit media, you can change the license to 64-bit (or back again) at any time. You can only install one or the other though - no dual-booting 32 and 64-bit of the same OS on the same license. Aside from all that, there are no restrictions saying you can't change architecture. "I bought off of Ebay for $89" I'm assuming it was Vegas Movie Studio for $89....regular or Platinum version? "Vegas is a really good piece of software." The "Show me how" tutorials are really nice. The full version (Vegas Pro) is better than most other desktop video production software IMO, and they're introducing a native 64-bit version of Vegas 8.1 sometime soon. It was announced at NAB recently. Support for XDCAM EX Full-HD workflow is a key feature.
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"Wae says it's faster, so isn't that what we want?" It's faster, more secure, more reliable (requires signed drivers), and future-proof, with the disadvantage of *possibly* being less compatible if you have older accessories, add-ons, or software. Moving to it now makes sense. Windows 7 won't be out until probably at least 2010, so reasons for Microsoft to continue holding on to 32-bit compatibility seems kind of silly (although easy, since it's just adapted from Vista source code). After all, by 2010, you won't be able to find machines on the market with less than 4GB anyway....
ggolcher
on Jul 31, 2008
Ocean, please tell us how OS X is so good it runs in 128bits. Oh, what were those NPD numbers again? This conversation is too on topic.
xtreem0
on Jul 31, 2008
Here is how you get Vista 64Bit OEM.
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"Just the only problem is almost all the torrents are pre cracked version..." ....and the fact that IT'S ILLEGAL!
bdizzel
on Jul 31, 2008
besides the fact that it is Illegal, you are also wrong OEM keys will only work with an OEM install disc and Retail keys will only work with a retail disc, plus to shed some light on this for you all retail copy's come with both x32 & x64 OEM keys are only licensed to one or the other so if you bought a OEM of x32 Vista you would have to buy a copy of x64 to make the switch as your OEM x32 bit key will not work with a OEM x64 install disc
Waethorn
on Jul 31, 2008
"OEM keys are only licensed to one or the other so if you bought a OEM of x32 Vista you would have to buy a copy of x64 to make the switch as your OEM x32 bit key will not work with a OEM x64 install disc" Um, sorry, but you're wrong there. You are licensed to one or the other, yes, but you can switch to the other architecture at any time without having to buy a new license. Trust me - I build systems for a living. This is a common question that people have and Microsoft outlines this very clearly in their OEM System Builder license. Besides that, I can say that I've installed many 64-bit discs with 32-bit keys for demos and such. They even offer trade-ups to new media, and they DON'T provide you with a new key. They DO, however, deactivate your previous architecture installation though, so if you try to dual-boot, only the first activated copy will stay activated unless you transfer the license to the other architecture, after which, the first license is deactivated. Microsoft doesn't differentiate different keys between different architectures, and volume license media will take OEM product keys, making me think that they no longer have any kind of "setupp.ini"-style filtering anymore. The only time when a media won't take a key is if you use full-install media with an upgrade key (or vice versa). It doesn't seem like they differentiate keys between VLK, OEM, and Retail full-version media at all anymore. The fact that VLK's require full activation now would back that up too.
benjwah
on Jul 31, 2008
I know that I'm "special and different" but I have to point out that MY most important pieces of software (I'm a professional muso running Pro Tools, Reason and a bunch of plugins) and I'm almost sure that just about none of it runs on Vista x64. To be fair, it's almost definitely Digidesign's (ie. not Microsoft's) fault because they're amazingly strict and specific on the requirements of the PC's that run their software. ANYWAY.... Had to be a negative Doris and point out that it's not COMPLETELY rosy in 64-bit land, although it does look wonderful and as soon as Digidesign buys an acre, I'll be renting a house.
gorath
on Jul 31, 2008
benjwah, don't quote me on this, but I think (last time I checked) that it's the digidesign drivers that are iffy with x64 versions of Windows. The software should work fine on the WOW64 system with no ill-effects. BUT, drivers for a 64 bit system HAVE to be 64-bit. I've succesfully run a 32-bit version of Soanar on a vistax64 machine, so therefore the core ProTools software should be fine after they release new drivers.
shark47
on Aug 1, 2008
Here are some comparisons between 32-bit and 64-bit Vista: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=1367 "Go to Mininova.org and download a full (un-cracked) un-activated 64bit Vista installation (dose not have to be oem). then burn it to a dvd." I don't think OEM keys will work with boxed versions of the software.
shark47
on Aug 1, 2008
http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=2338&page=2 "If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows and you are finding yourself coming up against the 4GB memory limit and would like to take advantage of being able to fit more RAM (if you motherboard can take it) then you should be thinking about upgrading to 64-bit Windows Vista. Over the past few months this OS has really started to take off in the consumer market and there are very few downsides to making the switch. There’s no performance hit to making the switch, and in fact, you might see a modest increase in performance. Having made the switch I wouldn’t go back now. Details on how to get 64-bit Vista DVD can be found here (retail Vista only - for OEM Vista licenses, contact your manufacturer). If you have a retail copy of Windows Vista Ultimate than you have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions to hand already."
rlcronin
on Aug 1, 2008
So I took the plunge (thanks for the tip about not needing a new license, I didn't know that). Only two casualties so far. First, firefox is now crashing all the time on me (I suspect foxmarks). Second, my old newsreader (SuperGravity) simply won't run at all. Now I need a comparable newsreader that works under Vista x64. By and large, however (other than the pain of a complete reinstall) it was a surprisingly smooth transition.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"I'm a professional muso running Pro Tools, Reason and a bunch of plugins" Only Pro Tools HD doesn't work on Windows Vista (they only say that it's "not supported", so whether that means it doesn't outright work, or if they just won't support users if there's a problem is another issue). The other versions do, although they don't say whether it works on 64-bit. Ditto for Reason. You should contact them directly to find out. Also, you should ask them to get Vista logo certification for their apps, since that would mean they run equally well on 64-bit as they do on 32-bit. They can then brand the logo on their website, packaging, or other advertisements to improve customer confidence that their programs will work on the OS out of the box. "I don't think OEM keys will work with boxed versions of the software." They do. I've tried about 4 times already. Those are generic OEM *System Builder* keys mind you, not Royalty/Direct OEM keys for BIOS-locked media (like what major name-brands use).
xtreem0
on Aug 1, 2008
@Wathorn I don't personally agree. I used a friends cd to install 64bit because he had had an oem 64bit version instead of buying the 32bit
drothgery
on Aug 1, 2008
@Wathorn "Windows 7 won't be out until probably at least 2010, so reasons for Microsoft to continue holding on to 32-bit compatibility seems kind of silly (although easy, since it's just adapted from Vista source code). After all, by 2010, you won't be able to find machines on the market with less than 4GB anyway...." I don't think 32-bit Windows 7 will be available at retail or preinstalled from major OEMs in developed countries. You'll only be able to get it - in third-world countries - on the 2010 equivalents of the ASUS Eee - and in volume-licensing agreements for big business By 2010 the last of PCs with 32-bit CPUs (mostly Pentium M-family notebooks) should be 4 years old. Which means they ought to be due for replacement, but some stingy companies will want to keep them around.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"If you download an oem non-modified torrent as long as you can activate it with your key it is technically legal, but just people tend to on average mess around with torrents so most are illegal to use. i will credit on that." No it just plain isn't. Microsoft says that a "valid license" is one that includes a COA with product key, the standard Windows documentation that is included with every OEM installation (including major manufacturers) which also includes information on how to reinstall Windows, as well as a genuine reinstallation method from either an OEM System Builder media kit (a hologram CD), or in the case of a major name brand (referred to by Microsoft as a "Direct OEM" because they buy a gold master copy from Microsoft directly, not through distribution, and have to manufacture their own installation methods, discs, and docs) the system can contain a recovery partition on the hard drive in leiu of physical discs. Only Direct OEM's are allowed to customize their installation discs. OEM System Builders aren't, but either can make a customized recovery partition. OEM System Builders MUST include the generic hologram install disc though. If any of those 3 components is missing, it's not a valid license, and hence, illegal. It's just like if you buy a refurbed PC with only a COA on the case. Just because you have a working product key, it doesn't mean the license is valid, nor does it mean that you are legally entitled to use the software. ....and just like how you can upgrade over a clean trial of Windows Vista, doesn't mean the license is legal for you to use it unless you have a valid previous version.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"If you download an oem non-modified torrent as long as you can activate it with your key it is technically legal" I should also note that distributing most Microsoft software is also outright illegal.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"By 2010 the last of PCs with 32-bit CPUs (mostly Pentium M-family notebooks) should be 4 years old. Which means they ought to be due for replacement, but some stingy companies will want to keep them around." Since Windows Vista is the core behind Windows 7, it would make more sense for those companies to just use it on older hardware until their next hardware refresh to 64-bit capable systems. In either case, Windows 7 isn't a major version upgrade, so it's not as exciting as Vista was. Unless stuff is radically different, it's not something that I'm holding my breath over. I am looking forward to the next SBS though. Most of my business clients use it now, and it's a great operating system to base a small business on.
xtreem0
on Aug 1, 2008
soo if a friend lost his 32bit cd... and i had a 32bit cd it is illegal to use that cd to use it to install windows? even though he is using his cd key?
xtreem0
on Aug 1, 2008
hmm if that is its a little bit of a stupid system but whatever.... it reminds me of mucis rights. Lucky in Canada its supposedly not illegal to download music because of the tax that you pay on cd's.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"soo if a friend lost his 32bit cd... and i had a 32bit cd it is illegal to use that cd to use it to install windows? even though he is using his cd key?" Yup. He'd have to order a CD from his manufacturer, system builder, or from Microsoft. "Lucky in Canada its supposedly not illegal to download music because of the tax that you pay on cd's." WRONG!
xtreem0
on Aug 1, 2008
... i have a friend who works for sony music. In canada there is a tax that we pay on cd's that dose make it legal to download music. I dont know if the tax is working for them though XP
xtreem0
on Aug 1, 2008
oh and if your wondering i do buy my music.
Waethorn
on Aug 1, 2008
"In canada there is a tax that we pay on cd's that dose make it legal to download music." WRONG! It's 100% illegal to download music from unauthorized sources in Canada. The tax you pay is a subsidy that is paid to the copyright industry to make up for piracy, but it in NO WAY makes piracy legal. If anything, it is only designed as a deterrent to keep copyright management organizations from suing individuals, which is what the RIAA does in the US. If you really want further proof of this, just look at the new copyright reform laws which are designed to reinforce the existing laws with heavy fines for individuals set forth by the government.
RunTimeError
on Aug 1, 2008
Xtreem0 listen to Waethorn. He's more right than Paul is.
lotsamystuff
on Aug 2, 2008
"If you really want further proof of this, just look at the new copyright reform laws which are designed to reinforce the existing laws with heavy fines for individuals set forth by the government." Oh yeah, they'll be fun. They'll have the effect of turning every rabid border patrol guard into a copyright cop. Better hope your kid doesn't have a Hannah Montana ringtone that Dudley Do-Right thinks might be infringing. http://government.zdnet.com/?p=3845 What the hell. I didn't want to travel in Canada anyway; your gas is too damn expensive. Summary for those too lazy to RTFA: "Called the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), the new plan would see Canada join other countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, to form an international coalition against copyright infringement. "The agreement is being structured much like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) except it will create rules and regulations regarding private copying and copyright laws. "Federal trade agreements do not require parliamentary approval. "The deal would create a international regulator that could turn border guards and other public security personnel into copyright police. The security officials would be charged with checking laptops, iPods and even cellular phones for content that “infringes” on copyright laws, such as ripped CDs and movies. "The guards would also be responsible for determining what is infringing content and what is not."
war59312
on Aug 3, 2008
Pmcgrath, Windows 7 will not have the same issue as Vista did at launch with drivers. All Vista drivers will (should says Microsoft) work out of box with Windows 7. So hopefully by the end of this year or at least by end of 2009 (a full 6 months before Windows 7 is to be released) all major hardware products will have drivers (including printers, scanner, etc.). Then again shitty companies like HP will never release Vista drives (thus no Windows 7 either) for now current hardware (and older hardware) and just tell you that you have to buy a new printer if you want Vista/Windows 7 support. Bastards! Time someone sues their asses!! I would right now, but I hate Vista so i don't really care at this point.
DRWAM
on Aug 3, 2008
My nephew loves his new Vista 64 bit HP 17 in laptop. He got it a few days ago. 3 GB RAM, two 7200 RPM HD's in a RAID 0 and a quad CPU. He says it screams. Uncle Bill [Doc] is his favorite uncle of course:) And yes gang, I told his dad [my big bro] to buy an external drive for backup.
Waethorn
on Aug 5, 2008
@losta: Actually, it's YOUR government pushing for this stuff: http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/08/01/border-searches.html
anonymous
on Aug 6, 2008
Eure Meinung ist gefragt! Ich bin kurz davor meinen Lenovo X61 Tablet PC neu zu installieren. Ich hatte einen 64-Bit Verusch vor einem Jahr direkt abgebrochen, weil einfach noch nichts da war... zum Beispiel der Live Writer mit dem ich das hier schreibe

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