Choosing Windows 8 Versions for Installation

0. In most cases, a computer will run the version of Windows 8 that corresponds to its processor architecture. A computer with a 32-bit processor will run the 32-bit version of Windows 8, and a computer with a 64-bit processor will run the 64-bit version of Windows 8. You can use the following list to determine which version of Windows 8 should be installed on a computer.

• You can install 64-bit versions of Windows 8 only on computers with 64-bit processor architecture.

• You can install 32-bit versions of Windows 8 on computers with 32-bit or 64-bit processor architecture. When you install a 32-bit version of Windows 8 on a 32-bit processor architecture, the operating system does not take advantage of any 64-bit processor architecture features or functionality.

• 32-bit drivers will not work in 64-bit versions of Windows 8. If you have hardware that is supported by 32-bit drivers only, you must use a 32-bit version of Windows 8, regardless of the computer’s processor architecture.

• You can install 32-bit versions of Windows 8 on 64-bit architecture computers to support earlier versions of applications or for testing purposes.