Most functions and features found in 32-bit versions of Windows are the same in 64-bit versions of Windows. However, take the following differences into consideration when deploying 64-bit versions of Windows:

·     For LTI deployments, the version of Windows PE must match the version of Windows being deployed. If deploying a 64-bit version of Windows 7, use a 64-bit version of Windows PE.

·     Applications are installed in separate Program Files folders. On 64-bit versions of Windows, 64-bit applications are installed in the Program Files folder, and 32-bit applications are installed in the Program Files (x86) folder. Check the appropriate folder structure when looking for previously installed applications.

·     Processor architecture discovery in Windows Deployment Services may need to be forced for 64-bit computers. Not all 64-bit computers properly report the processor type; therefore, MDT may not properly detect that the processor is a 64-bit processor. Use the following command to force Windows Deployment Services to deploy 64-bit versions:

WDSUTIL /set-server /architecturediscovery:yes

For more information, see the Windows Deployment Services Help files.

·     64-bit versions of Windows PE 2.0, 2.1, or 3.0 do not run 32-bit applications. Ensure that any compiled applications used by a 64-bit version of Windows PE are 64-bit versions.

·     64-bit versions of Windows require 64-bit device drivers. You cannot use 32-bit device drivers in 64-bit versions of Windows.

Related Topics

Evaluating Target Computer Readiness