How To Run Excel In 64 Bit

by

For those who work extensively with large datasets, seamless execution of tasks is necessary. That’s when running Excel in 64-bit becomes useful. It comes with advantages such as speed, handling larger worksheets, and using larger arrays, which are crucial for heavy Excel users. In this blog post, we’ll assist you on how to run Excel in 64-bit.

Understanding 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Excel

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Excel. The ‘bit’ terminology refers to the way a computer’s processor handles information. The 64-bit version processes larger data amounts than its 32-bit counterpart, which is beneficial when working with large datasets.

Checking Your Current Excel Version

To run Excel in 64-bit, you first need to check if your existing Excel is 32-bit or 64-bit. Here’s how you can do it: 

      1. Open Excel.
      2. Click on the 'File' tab.
      3. Select 'Account'.
      4. Under 'About Excel', check the version details.

How to Install 64-bit Excel

If your current Excel version is 32-bit, and your computer supports 64-bit, you’ll need to reinstall Excel. Bear in mind that Microsoft doesn’t allow a direct ‘upgrade’ from 32-bit to 64-bit; instead, you’ll need to uninstall the 32-bit version first before installing the 64-bit version.

Uninstalling 32-bit Excel

Follow the steps below to uninstall 32-bit Excel: 

      1. Open 'Control Panel'.
      2. Click on 'Uninstall a Program'.
      3. In the list of installed programs, find Microsoft Office, click on it, and then click 'Uninstall'.
      4. Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.

Installing 64-bit Excel

After successfully uninstalling the 32-bit version, follow these steps to install the 64-bit version: 

      1. Visit the Microsoft Office website.
      2. Download the Office installer that includes 64-bit Excel.
      3. Open the installer and follow the prompts to install the software.
      4. When asked to choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, ensure to select the 64-bit version.
      5. Complete the installation process.

There you have it! You now know how to run Excel in 64-bit. Remember, using the 64-bit version of Excel significantly improves performance, especially when working with large data sets. However, be sure your computer supports it before making the switch.