32 bit and 64 bit installations of Audacity

[am_dew]

I’m on Windows 11 version 24H2, 64 bit on a relatively fast PC.

I recently installed the 64 bit version of Audacity 3.7.4 not realizing that already had the 32 bit version, version 3.7.0 installed and was using it regularly. In a few quick tests, both versions seem to work fine, but I am wondering which version I should keep installed.

Are there performance advantages to the 64 bit version? Any downsides to using it versus the 32 bit version?

Thanks!

[Trebor]

@am_dew

Any downsides to using it versus the 32 bit version?

Not being able to use 64-bit plugins, but more importantly …

Is it ok to use have both x86 and x64 versions of Audacity?

Unzip (rather than install) different versions of Audacity into separate folders. Then launch a version by clicking on the Audcaity icon in that folder. If you install two versions they will share the hidden Audacity preferences file and corruption will ensue. [unzip rather than install differnt Audcaity versions on one computer.png]

[romontschun]

Beside that what Trebor already wrote: If you’re using a 32bit-application on a Windows 64bit system, the application needs to be “translated” on-the-fly when it is run. More details on this can be found in this Wikipedia article about WoW64.

[evilmrb]

@am_dew

but I am wondering which version I should keep installed.

My feeling is, if you don’t need both, to remove them both and reinstall the 64-bit version of 3.7.4.
First, you will have all the bug fixes between the 2 versions. Second, you will avoid the issue that romontschun directed you to in the Wikipedia article. Third, you will avoid falling foul of the preferences corruption Trebor talked about.
Since you are on Windows, you could install the free version of Revo Uninstaller, which will help to de-crapify (technical term) all the stuff that a normal uninstall leaves behind. Just use the Safe scan and you should be fine.
I hope that helps.
Mark B