64 bit vs 32 bit

I'm running a compaq presiro desktop. I have window 7 64 bit on it. Can I install windows 7 32 bit instead.

Hi and Welcome!
yes, of course you can, but you'll need to have an install DVD of Windows 7 32bit.
If you don't have one, you can download and burn an iso from here:
Windows 7 ISO – Official Direct Download Links
Be sure to note your product key, as you will need it.


Though, why go 32bit? Nearly all 32bit apps work on 64bit and the Windows 7 64bit kernel is more secure. Also, 64bit Windows can handle RAM and Processors better than 32bit.
Basicly, 64bit is WAY better that 32bit. What are your specs?

What version of windows do you have? If you have Pro or Ultimate, you can run incompatible apps in XP Mode, which is always 32bit.

Cheers,
Fire Cat

If you decide to go foe the 32 bit version, you will have to do a custom install. Make sure you back up all of your programs and drivers, etc first

As Kalario stated, you'll have to do a clean install to go to a 32 bit Windows 7. That means wiping hard drive partition clean and starting from scratch.

I highly recommend against going to a 32 bit system if you have the hardware capable of running a 64 bit operating system.

Hi towtrucker1975

Can you expand on the reason you would change your Windows 7 64-bit for 32-bit ? just out of interest

Hello towtrucker1975,

Yes, you can do anything when you do a clean install! *just about, depends on hardware as well.


Just a bit of FYI to understand the issues with 32-bit and 64-bit OS upgrades and later options that may or may not be available to you later:
When upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 you must upgrade the version currently installed within Windows Vista to the corresponding version in Windows 7. I.E. Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium; Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional; and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate. You also cannot upgrade a 32-bit operating system to 64-bit -- to migrate from 32-bit to 64-bit will require a custom install.
Additionally, you will not be able to "upgrade" from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 to 64-bit -- the architecture between the two is too drastically different to allow such a change. To learn more about the differences between a 32-bit operating system and 64-bit please go to the following link: http://bit.ly/2aT3xP
I hope that helps you out!
You can also find lots of information on Windows 7 here in our Springboard website:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx
Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

I bought two brand new compaq presarios model cq5230f. this is the system there running 64 bit windows 7 ,processor amd athlon II X2 240 2.80ghz 3GB ram installed 2.75 usable, with a max of 4GB for my motherboard so I can only install 1 more gb of ram. 500GB hard drive. My question is mine runs great no problems my wifes runs slow and freezes. I don't know why I ran a clean install on her's and it still starts up slow and seams to lag. I don't know much about computers. But I know enought to just be dangerous to myself.lol. I was just wondering if I ran 32bit on her's if it would help she likes to play games and I don't know if some of them she is playing is 64bit compatiable.

Ps the computers came installed with 64 bit win 7. I just went and bought win7 home premium in case I needed to do a clean install and it came with both disk 32bit and 64 bit.