James has attended:
Excel Advanced course
Excel Advanced - Formulas & Functions course
64 bit and 32 bit versions together
Can I install 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Microsoft Excel on the same PC?
A quick Google search suggests there are mixed views about this...
When trying to import from a database to run PowerPivots, the error message indicates a memory error and need to update to 64-bit. I still need 32-bit however for use with several other files.
Thanks!
RE: 64 bit and 32 bit versions together
Hi James
Thank you for using the forum to ask a question.
Microsoft do not recommend Installing both Office 64 and 32 on the same machine. This will create conflicts
https://support.office.com/en-gb/article/Choose-between-the-64-bit-or-32-bit-version-of-Office-2dee7807-8f95-4d0c-b5fe-6c6f49b8d261
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3066990/memory-usage-in-the-32-bit-edition-of-excel-2013-and-2016
Excel 32-bit can only use a maximum memory of 2GB
Excel 64-bit can use the maximum memory in your computer
This explains your memory error.
It would be good to understand why you need 32 for other files?
If you have 64 that should work for all files. It may be advisable for you to switch all Office apps over to 64
Kind regards
Richard Bailey
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Best STL - https://www.stl-training.co.uk
98%+ recommend us
London's leader with UK wide delivery in Microsoft Office training and management training to global brands, FTSE 100, SME's and the public sector
RE: 64 bit and 32 bit versions together
Many thanks for your response, Richard.
The concern from our IT team is that if I am using 64-bit excel and the rest of the office is using 32-bit excel then I could end up amending some spreadsheets (which are mutually used) such that those using 32-bit excel will not be able to open them any more.
Do you know if there is a way around this? (Is there any kind of 32-bit compatibility mode in 64-bit excel?)
Many thanks!
RE: 64 bit and 32 bit versions together
Hi James,
I'm afraid there isn't a compatibility mode for 32.
The Excel file will have the same structure as 32 or 64
The only difference is PCs running 32 will not perform large calculations because of the memory restriction.
They will have to ask you to do it, or they will also need to move over to 64. Expert Excel users in a company normally need to all be on 64.
Organisation wide someone has to make a decision whether to stay with 32 or 64. That's a bigger issue to tackle though.
I hope that additional info provides some insight for you.
Kind regards
Richard Bailey
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Best STL - https://www.stl-training.co.uk
98%+ recommend us
London's leader with UK wide delivery in Microsoft Office training and management training to global brands, FTSE 100, SME's and the public sector
