Does Windows 7 64-bit boots defaultly in 64-bit Kernel

Hi Ayoosh,

As far as I am aware windows 7 boots with a 64bit Kernel. I remember reading (a very very long time ago :) ) that the 64bit Kernel would not support any 32bit code (which I thought might be good against some virus'). I'll try to find something official for you. Watch this space.

Here Microsoft states that the Vista 64bit Kernal offers Kernel patch protection and other goodies that aren't available in the 32bit Kernel. It would make no sense to boot in 32bit and not have DEP available or to change this for Windows 7. So I'm happy with my above statement.

Ayoosh said:

TimStitt said:

Hi Ayoosh,

As far as I am aware windows 7 boots with a 64bit Kernel. I remember reading (a very very long time ago :) ) that the 64bit Kernel would not support any 32bit code (which I thought might be good against some virus'). I'll try to find something official for you. Watch this space.

thank tim but what diffrenece does it make

Basically 64bit can have more RAM and process more data. I have heard tell that some 32bit processes can run slower on 64bit though due to having an extra process to go through; but I've never verified it. Was this what you meant?

The kernel of the 64bit editions of windows have been fully 64bit through and through. Only applications can run in 32bit mode.

Windows 7 64bit will boot using 64bit kernel, Mac OS X 10.6 Leopard's release doesn't differentiate 32bit and 64bit, thus for best backward compatibility, it boots into 32bit unless some perquisites are met (or you can invoke it manually, as long as your hardware meets the minimum requirement).

As for difference, other than kernel patch, different set of hardware drivers, wider addressable memory range, and WoW subsystem, it's not that different than 32bit.

zzz2496