Do You Have the Correct Office Bit Version?

There are two versions of Office available to install: 32-bit and 64-bit. Which version is right for you depends on how you plan to use Office.

The 64-bit version of Office has some limitations, however for those Project 2013 users with large files (+2GB) then 64-but is the right choice.  Additionally here are some other reason you may consider 64-bit:

  • You work with extremely large data sets, like enterprise-scale Excel workbooks with complex calculations, many PivotTables, connections to external databases, PowerPivot, PowerMap, or PowerView. The 64-bit version of Office may perform better for you.
  • You work with extremely large pictures, videos, or animations in PowerPoint. The 64-bit version of Office may be better suited to handle these complex slide decks.
  • You work with extremely large Word documents. The 64-bit version of Office may be better suited to handle Word documents with large tables, graphics, or other objects.
  • You’re working with files over 2GB in Project 2013, especially if the project has many subprojects.
  • You want to keep the 64-bit version of Office that you’re already using. The 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Office programs aren’t compatible, so you can’t install both on the same computer.
  • You’re developing in-house Office solutions, like add-ins or document-level customizations.
  • Your organization requires Hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP) be enforced for Office applications. DEP is a set of hardware and software technologies that some organizations use to enhance security.

If none of these situations apply to you, the 32-bit version of Office is probably the right choice.

Note   The 32-bit version of Office works well with both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions of Windows. If you are installing the 64-bit version of Office, you need the 64-bit version of Windows. If you’re not installing on Windows, you don’t need to worry about 32-bit or 64-bit options. Which version of Office do I have?

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