64-bit Windows Vista Adoption Growing

The installed base of 64-bit Windows Vista PCs, as a percentage of all Windows Vista systems, has more than tripled in the U.S. in the last three months according to a blog posted by the Windows Vista team.

Chris Flores posted the comment in a blog entry, Windows Vista 64-bit Today. He said that another view shows that 20% of new Windows Vista PCs in the U.S. connecting to Windows Update in June were 64-bit PCs, up from just 3% in March.

On the performance front, 64-bit PCs can provide a more responsive experience when running many applications simultaneously.

The blog contains tips on choosing your 64-bit computer.

For ISVs, make sure your product works on 64-bit editions of Windows Vista. While most software will work unmodified on 64-bit editions of Windows Vista due to WOW64 (Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit, an emulation layer that enables 32-bit Windows applications to run seamlessly on 64-bit Windows platforms), you'll want to make sure your product works with WOW64 and provides a positive experience for your customers.

For more information for developers about 64-bit readiness, see Compare editions: Be ready for 64-bit Windows Vista.

The Windows Vista Developer Center provides you with resources such as Getting Ready for 64-bit Windows to help you ensure your programs for Windows Vista are compatible with 64-bit editions. Show that your products are compatible by participating in the Microsoft logo program and get listed in the Windows Vista Compatibility Center.