Downgrade from Office 64 bit to 32 bit

Hi,

I have a laptop running Windows 8.1 professional, and I'm having a lot of issues with Word, when I tried to save a document it freezes up to 40 minutes trying to save it, I've been told that the Office 64 bit version has a lot of issues so I want to downgrade to the 32 bit version. How do I do this without purchasing another license? Would I loose my data?

Thank you

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Answer

Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)

Remove all traces of the Office installation by downloading the fixit from the following article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2739501

saving it to your computer and then running it.

Then install Office 32-bit by logging into www.office.com/myaccount with your registered email address and click Install Office.

You would not have to purchase another license and it will not affect your data. It is however always a good idea to back up your data on a regular basis and before making any significant changes to the setup of your computer.

Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)
dougrobbinsmvp@gmail.com
It's time to replace ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ with ‘Excellence, Opportunity & Civility’ - V Ramaswamy

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Answer

Rohn007

MVP
|
Article Author

You don't have to buy a new license. All Office licenses allow you to select 32 or 64 bit at your option. You can switch between them as desired.

Doing an uninstall will NOT affect your personal files in any way.

Are you positive you have a 64 bit Office installation? Office defaults to 32 bit, you have to dig deep to find and install 64 bit Office. Don't assume you have 64 bit Office just because you have 64 bit Windows, check to confirm. Go to File menu > Account command > About Word button. At the top of the dialog it will display the version number and "bitness".

Find 64 bit Office download @ 56:30 in the video

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_2013_release-office_install/activation-access-2013/fc328242-a6b1-4393-9a61-84295bb5b693?msgId=a594db99-4d06-4dd7-8354-e6757e932332

This video has several interesting pieces of information. If you wish to see how to find the 64 bit installer for Office 365 go to roughly 56:30minutes into the video.

How to install the 64-bit version of Office 365 - 64-bit Office 365 64-bit

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57567050-285/how-to-install-the-64-bit-version-of-office-365/

Office 365 is installed as a 32-bit program on your Windows PC by default. Microsoft recommends the 32-bit version, even on 64-bit systems, to avoid compatibility issues with third-party add-ons. However, there may be instances when you’d want the 64-bit version, like if you’re using a very large database or worksheet.

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Downgrade from Office 64 bit to 32 bit

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