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Running 64-bit Windows. All auto updates say they are "32-bit" updates. What to do?

Anonymous
2013-10-01T04:05:21+00:00

I'm running 64-bit version. All my automatic Windows updates say they are "32-bit" version updates. When I select a specific update and click on "more information" it takes me to that update's webpage and (for some of the updates) one of the options there is to download the 64-bit version.

Questions:

  1. Do I need to install all the 32-bit updates?
  2. Do I need to click on each update individually and download each 64-bit version separately via the "more information" page?
Windows for home | Other | Windows update

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Anonymous
2013-10-01T17:39:40+00:00

When I click on Computer properties, it says "System Type: 64-bit operating system" so I assumed my Office version would be 64-bit version. When I look in the program files folder, I can see that I have both the 32-bit version and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Office there. How do I check which one is actually being run? Does the auto updates check my version before feeding me an update and then gives me the appropriate version update?

Your system type is just the architecture of the operating system.  Many (if not most) of the applications you likely use *are* 32-bit.  Just because you have a 64-bit operating system doesn't mean everything that installs (Microsoft Office included) automatically installs the 64-bit version of itself - if it even exists.  Want to know more about that, this article, "Choose the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office" should be a good read for you.

If you want to know the true architecture of the Microsoft Office you have installed:

Open any Office application.  In this example, we’re using Word 2010, but it works the same in the other office apps.  Open the File menu, and then select Help.

![](http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/image_thumb.png)

On the right side, you’ll see information about your version of Office.  It will show the suite version and included applications, as well as your precise version number and product ID.

![](http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/SNAGHTML2294c1a_thumb.png)

Notice on the right of the version number it shows that this copy of Office is 32-bit.  This is the most common version of Office 2010.

![](http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/image_thumb1.png)

Or, if you have the 64 bit version of Office installed, you’ll see the 64-bit tag after your Office version number.

![](http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/SNAGHTML22877d2_thumb.png)

If you are being offered 32-bit updates - you likely (99% chance) need 32-bit updates.

So...

Questions:

  1. Do I need to install all the 32-bit updates?
  2. Do I need to click on each update individually and download each 64-bit version separately via the "more information" page?
  1. Yes - any that are offered to you automatically.
  2. No - if it is not offered to you automatically, don't try to manually install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-01T04:22:28+00:00

    Because you installed office 2010 32 bit on your Windows 7 64bit machine.

    Office 32bit is actually recommended as most vendors don't support Office 64bit yet.

    32bit software can install on 64bit OSs.

    You are perfectly fine. Keep installing what is being offered up to you.

    ~

    Here are answers to some common questions about the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

    What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows?

    The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows are designed for use in computers with 32-bit or 64-bit processors, respectively.

    Can my computer run a 64-bit version of Windows?

    To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit processor. To find your computer's processor speed, do the following:

    1. Open System by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
    2. Under System, you can view the processor type and speed.

    Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

    No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

    For detailed information about installing and upgrading 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, go to Installation choices for Windows Vista (32-bit) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932616/en-us or Installation choices for Windows Vista (64-bit) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932795/en-us online.

    Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

    Many programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows without any changes. However, in some cases there might be differences in performance. If you have a 64-bit computer, it's best to run programs designed to run on a 64-bit computer.

    Would I benefit from using a 64-bit computer?

    A 64-bit computer can process twice as much information as a 32-bit computer, and can have significantly more random access memory (RAM). This makes a 64-bit computer a good choice if you're working with video, large database searches, or games and other programs that require complex calculations and a lot of memory. A 32-bit computer works very well for most programs, however. For example, spreadsheet programs, web browsers, and word processing programs will run at about the same speed on either a 32-bit or a 64-bit computer.

    If I'm running a 64-bit version of Windows, do I need 64-bit drivers for my devices?

    Yes, all hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Repair or update a driver http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/b3c6477e-1111-4b9f-a52a-fffdc51e9c901033.mspx or go to the device manufacturer's website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor website http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx .

    See also

    Installing Windows: frequently asked questions http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/8e56385e-e25d-4beb-8de5-eaac404a01b01033.mspx

    Installing and reinstalling Windows http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/e77344fa-e978-464c-953e-eba44f0522671033.mspx

    Troubleshoot Windows installation problems http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/d9561cd3-791a-4aed-9b1c-0544016e960d1033.mspx

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-01T17:27:44+00:00

    The majority of the programs on your computer will be 32-bit which is why you get 32-bit updates for them and the 32-bit infrastructure within Windows. It is quite normal, so don't worry about it..

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-01T17:01:15+00:00

    The majority of Office installations are 32 bit even on 64 bit Windows. This is because most add-ons to Office only work with 32 bit. Also 64 bit Office is really only necessary, for example, if working in extremely large spread sheets.

    To check your version, open an Office program, e.g. Excel.

    Select the File Tab in the upper left (Office 2010)

    Then select Help.

    You will see the version there under About Microsoft Excel.

    Windows update does check the version before providing an update.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-01T13:54:09+00:00

    Thanks for the reply, José,

    When I click on Computer properties, it says "System Type: 64-bit operating system" so I assumed my Office version would be 64-bit version. When I look in the program files folder, I can see that I have both the 32-bit version and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Office there. How do I check which one is actually being run? Does the auto updates check my version before feeding me an update and then gives me the appropriate version update?

    Paul

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