1. What does differ 64-bit from 32-bit?

Generally we can say that 64-bit system handles the big amount of physical memory (RAM ) more effectively than the 32-bit. The 64-bit system provides a larger space for your computing. Logically 64-bit system has the capabilities of utilizing a huge amount of RAM. But, Windows 7 can support up to 192 GB of physical memory, where the Windows 7 32-bit is only capable to use 3 GB RAM. That means if you install RAM more than 3 GB, it does not works in 32-bit system and the the rest of the RAM just goes wasted.In the case of 64-bit system, as it handles a huge amount of physical memory length, the time of swapping the processes in the RAM is minimized. Which means that your 64-bit Windows 7 performs faster than its 32-bit version. Kernel Patch Protection is another feature of 64-bit version which adds a better security in Windows. It prevents the malicious programs from updating or patching the Windows 7 kernel. That means any third party tool can not modify the kernel services. This feature is not available in the 32-bit version of Windows 7. Where security is a mandatory requirement for the system, 64-bit version of Windows 7 is more preferable.

2. Is Windows 7 64-bit version better in performance comparing to 32-bit?

As I stated earlier that the 64-bit version utilizes an enormous amount of RAM, obviously it performs faster than the 32-bit counterpart. You can run a number of complex applications simultaneously without any inconvenience.

3. What are the Advantages of using 64-bit Windows 7?

i. The 64-bit version of Windows utilizes an increased memory support beyond the memory addressing range of 32-bit. Consequently it performs better. ii. The main striking feature of Windows 7 64-bit is its security and protection. It has advanced features like kernel path protection and digital signatures of 64-bit device drivers which means random crashes are minimized to a negligible level. iii. As 64-bit systems processes more information and supports greater volume of RAM you will find it more interacting while running complex applications. If you are a user of graphics applications like video editing tools, Photoshop, Games, CAD then you will be benefited if you go for a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system.

4. Does the 32-bit applications are ready to run in a 64-bit OS and the viceversa?

Basically the 64-bit windows 7 operating system supports all the 32-bit applications. But all the 32-bit applications you generally use are not optimized for a 64-bit processor. Therefore, you may go disappointed with some 32-bit application in the 64-bit system. In the other hand the 32-bit version Windows does not support 64-bit applications at all. The 64-bit applications require a well equipped system and latest hardware configuration.

5. Compatibility issue
Before the release of XP 64-bit, all the application was of 32-bit. But as Windows 7 promises a greater performance with the 64-bit system, the software and hardware vendors have engaged themselves in a huge effort on getting the applications and hardware, compatible with the latest 64-bit architecture. As Microsoft is the origin of the platform supplier, they also trying to improve Windows 7 more effectively. They have launched an online Windows 7 compatibility center, where people can check out the applications which are compatible with 64-bit and which are with 32-bit.

6. How can you find if your system is of 64-bit architecture?

Go to Control Panel\System and Security\System from the control panel. You can see the following window where you can discover your system version.

Eventually, if you are running the 64-bit Windows 7 in your computer then you can see two folders in the Program files location. 1. Program files 2. Program Files (x86). All the programs that are compatible with 32-bit will go to the later one.

7. Can you upgrade your 32-bit Windows 7 to 64-bit?

No, you can not. There are no tools or ways to upgrade the 32-bit version to 64-bit version. If your hardware manufactured with the 64-bit architecture support then you are able to install freshly a 64-bit Windows 7. Still now majority of the applications have not the capability of taking the advantages of 64bit architecture. Meanwhile as Windows 7 is settling in the mainstream, it is quite obvious that majority of applications will turn to 64-bit version. You can expect more people to use this version of Windows 7.