Microsoft makes Windows 10 64-bit version of OneDrive available for more users
64-bit OneDrive rollout will be complete by mid-May
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The 64-bit version ofMicrosoft’scloud storagesolutionOneDriveis now rolling out to more users following a slight delay.
In a message posted in its admin center, the software giant explained that OneDrive will be silently updated to the new 64-bit version on users' systems soon, saying:
“We are making a 64-bit version of the OneDrive sync client available for Windows. The rollout should be mid-April through mid-May (previously end of April) following the normal. We will silently update user devices from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version. All functionality is the same as it is in the 32-bit installation.”
It’s worth noting that only users running 64-bitWindows 10will be able to take advantage of this new version of OneDrive. While users running 32-bit Windows can continue using the old version of OneDrive, they will miss out on the performance increase offered by the64-bit versionof the software.
64-bit OneDrive
Although Microsoft first released a 64-bit version of Windows back in 2003, until recently users could only access a 32-bit version of OneDrive to store their files, photos and other documents. The problem with running 32-bit software on a 64-bit version ofWindows 10is that 32-bit programs can only access 4GB of system memory even on systems with higher amounts ofRAM.
In a recentblog post, Microsoft’s Ankita Kirti explained that the upgraded 64-bit version of OneDrive will make it easier totransfer large files, saying:
“The 64-bit version is the right choice if you plan to use large files, if you have a lot of files, and if you have a computer that’s running a 64-bit version of Windows. Computers running 64-bit versions of Windows generally have more resources—such as processing power and memory—than their 32-bit predecessors. Also, 64-bit applications can access more memory than 32-bit applications (up to 18.4 million Petabytes).”
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If you regularly use OneDrive to store your files in the cloud, the desktop app will be automatically updated by mid-May which means you don’t have to download anything to start using the new 64-bit version of the software.
ViaWindows Latest
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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