When it comes to Outlook, using the 64-bit version of Outlook does not have any direct benefits. The 64-bit version of Office also offers a security benefit as it always has Hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP) enabled (although this can be enabled for the 32-bit version as well). Similarly, when you are working with large Word documents or PowerPoint presentations that are very rich with multimedia (pictures, videos, complex animations, etc…) or large tables or other embedded objects, the 64-bit version can be of help.

Using the 64-bit version of Office will for instance allow you to work with large data sets like Excel workbooks or Project files that are over 2GB in size. With the 32-bit version of Office, the application can only use up to 2GB of memory, even when more is available in your computer. In general, the main benefit of using the 64-bit version of Office, is that it can use access memory when needed. Benefits of using the 64-bit version of Office You can find instructions for this at the bottom of this guide. Luckily, it is easy enough to select which bit version you want to install in case you do not want the default one. Although the considerations for using 32-bit vs 64-bit are the same for Office 2010, 20, the default for new installations of these versions will remain 32-bit for now. Personally, and mainly from an Outlook perspective, I’ve seen very few instances over the past years where using the 64-bit version of Office would have caused issues, so I’m happy that Microsoft now finally decided that the turning point has been reached.įor Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 Apps (previously known as Office 365), the default for new installations has now been set to 64-bit.

Where can I download the 64-bit version of Office?Īs of the release of Office 2019, Microsoft is now recommending to install the 64-bit version of Office unless you have a specific need which still requires the 32-bit version.

What are the downsides or benefits when I install the 64-bit version?.

Does Microsoft still recommend installing the 32-bit version?.

I seem to recall that Microsoft used to recommend to install the 32-bit version, even on a 64-bit version of Windows but that was some years ago. It offers to install the 32-bit version but I know there is also a 64-bit version available. I’ve just installed Windows 10 on my computer and I’m now about to install Office.

Install 32 bit office 365