Should I install windows 8 32 or 64 bit?

If your laptop has more than 4GB RAM, get 64-bit. If not, 32-bit is just fine. 64-bit is just slightly faster, though. Probably not too noticeable though.

And chances are, if you have 32-bit already, you might be better off sticking to 32-bit.

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RE:

Should I install windows 8 32 or 64 bit?

I am upgrading my laptop to windows 8 and looking into it I see it's 64 bit compatible even though it's only using a 32 bit o/s at the moment. Are there pros to having a 64 bit or should I stick to 32?

Go for 64-bit, regardless. You'll get both discs if you get the retail package, and if you download it online, choose the 64-bit version. Running 64-bit Windows with less than 4 GB of RAM does not hinder the performance of your PC, and when you upgrade to 4 or 8 GB of RAM later on, you won't have to reinstall Windows and all your applications.

the only reason you should ever use a 64-bit OS is if you are using more than 4 GB of RAM; Otherwise you gain no benefit from using a 64-bit OS. A 32-bit OS does everything a 64-bit OS can do, and probably a little better

What are the specifications of your computer, that is the one thing that nobody has asked. Yes RAM plays a part but the type of processor you have along with the number of processors plays an even bigger part. As stated... multiple times... if you want over 4GB of RAM (3.5GB usable) you have to use 64bit, but also if you want to utilize multiple processors or if you have a higher end processor with the maximum logic processes allowed by the processor exceeding 320 processes 32bit will limit all of this, yes I know this sounds like gibberish to most but if you are running any of the newer processors from Intel or AMD you are hamstringing the potential of the processor by running at 32bit, even if the performance differences are not noticeable.

For almost everything, the 64 bit version is better. HOWEVER, since you're talking about Windows 8, I wouldn't recommend upgrading just yet. WAY too many problems with Windows 8.

I didn't think Win8 comes in a 32bit version for the simple fact that 32bits only allows the computer to access up to 2GB of RAM maximum, and Win8 really needs 4GB of RAM at a minimum.

So yes, go to 64bit. Bump your laptop's RAM to at least 4GB. Your older 32bit applications will still work under Win8-64bit. In fact, most applications are still 32bit because there are still a lot of machines running some 32bit form of Windows.

Depending on what version of Windows you have right now, you may need to re-install your applications. Be sure to run the preinstall checkup, on Microsoft's website to give you an idea of what you will need to do, like back up your data, get new drivers, etc. etc.

There are several pros to having 64bit. But first try to play some 3d games. If any problem shown then it'd be better to try 64.