In most cases, install the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office. We recommend the 32-bit version of Office, because it helps prevent compatibility issues with most other applications, especially third-party add-ins.
Office installs the 32-bit version automatically even if your computer is running 64-bit editions of Windows. You might want to install the 64-bit version of Office if you usually work with extra-large databases or worksheets or develop for the 64-bit platform.
If you already have a 64-bit version of Office installed on your computer running a 64-bit operating system, 64-bit version of Office is automatically installed.
What’s included in the 64-bit version of Office?
Most things included in the 32-bit version of Office are included in the 64-bit version of Office.
The following are some things not in the 64-bit version of Office.
- ActiveX controls library, ComCtl This library contains ActiveX controls used to build solutions. It is most commonly used in Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
- SharePoint List control The list view in SharePoint Technology isn’t available in 64-bit version of Office.
Compatibility with existing Office files and solutions
The 64-bit version of Microsoft Office isn’t compatible with any other 32-bit version of Office programs. So you must first uninstall all 32-bit versions of Office programs before you install the 64-bit version of Office. The Office disc includes both 32- and 64-bit versions. To install 64-bit Office, you must run Setup.exe from the x64 folder. For more information, see the Install the 64-bit version of Office section.
- ActiveX controls library, ComCtl Any solutions using these controls don’t work. No good alternatives are available for some of these controls.
- Third-party ActiveX controls and add-ins None of these work with the 64-bit version of Office.
Note There is no 64-bit version of Visual Basic 6, so many of these objects need to be ported and rewritten.
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) VBA only contains the Declare statement work in the 64-bit version of Office if you update the code manually.
- Compiled Access databases The .MDE and .ACCDE files, a common way for Access application developers to distribute solutions and protect their intellectually property, don’t work in the 64-bit version of Office. You must contact the application developer to recompile, retest, and redistribute the solution in the 64-bit version.
Operating systems required to run 64-bit version of Office
Your computer must be running at least 64-bit edition Windows 7, Windows Server 7, or Windows 8.
Install the 64-bit version of Office
Important If you already have a 64-bit version of Office installed on your computer running a 64-bit operating system, running Setup from the root folder installs the 64-bit version of Office.
Any add-ins you want to run for Office must also be 64-bit editions.
During Setup
- If you ran Office Setup from the root folder, and you clicked Customize, click Close to exit Setup.
- Click Yes to cancel Setup, and then click Close
.
- Go to the x64 folder on the Office disc, and double-click Setup.exe to run the 64-bit version of Setup.
From My Account
- Go to My Account on Office.com.
- Click Language and Install Options > Additional Install Options > Office 64-bit > Install.
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