How to check what version of Microsoft Word you are using.
Since the introduction of the 64-bit operating system, Microsoft released two different versions of Office starting with Office version 2010. A 32-bit version is available. It is compatible with many of the existing Office add-ons. The 64-bit version of Office is for use with 64-bit operating systems.
You may have a 64-bit version of Windows. However, this does not always mean that you have a 64-bit version of Office installed. If you are not sure which version you installed, the following article will help you find out. It describes how you can determine the version you are using.
Why use the 32-bit version of Office if I have a 64-bit operating system (Windows 11)?
The advantage of using the 32-bit version is its compatibility. Prior to Office 2019, this was the default and recommended installation from Microsoft. If your existing add-ons and templates are designed specifically for 32-bit operating systems. They should continue to work with Office (32-bit).
You can utilize more memory using the 64 bit version of Office. It allows you to handle larger documents within Office. Starting with Office 2019, 64-bit is the default installation. This is unless you are using a 32-bit version of Windows. It also applies if you are upgrading from a previous version that was 32-bit. Unless you regularly handle large files of 2GB or more, Office 64-bit offers few advantages over the 32-bit version.
NOTE: You can’t run mixed 32 bit Office and 64 bit Office components (side by side). If you install Office 64 bit, all your entire Office suite of software will be 64-bit (Outlook, Excel, Word …) The same is true for the 32-bit version. If you have the 64-bit of Outlook installed, you must uninstall Outlook 64-bit and install the 32-bit version to install any other Microsoft Office 32-bit applications.
If you’re using any of the following software products, you’ll require the 32-bit version of Office.
- Sending fax merges with the FaxTalk Fax Merge requires a 32-bit version of Microsoft Word. If you have the 64-bit version, contact us for an upgrade.
- FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro, FaxTalk Messenger Pro or FaxTalk Multiline Server require the 32-bit version of Outlook to use Outlook contacts**
** FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro, FaxTalk Multiline Server and FaxTalk Messenger Pro can fax using 64 bit or 32 bit Office.
How to check which version of Microsoft Word is installed
If you are not sure what version you have installed, you can check by clicking FILE from the Word ribbon. Then click HELP. For versions including Microsoft 365, click File, Account and click About Word.
A 64-bit or 32-bit version will be indicated in the dialog box. (32-bit or 64-bit will appear after the version information)