Heads Up When Downloading Window 8 ISO Image

I wondered why my last installation of Windows 8 wound up as a 32 bit install.  I didn’t remember being given a choice.  It turns out Microsoft made the choice for me when I downloaded the iso image from a computer at work that happened to be running a 32 bit OS.

Not only was I not given a choice, I was never informed that I was installing the 32 bit version.  The file name of the iso image was not labeled; In fact, if you didn’t note the architecture of the OS you downloaded the iso from, I believe the only way to tell if you have a 32 bit or 64 bit iso or dvd is to complete the installation and see what you end up with.

If I had downloaded the iso image from my home computer, as I’m doing now, I would have wound up with the 64 bit version.

This was faster from my 40mbps work connection

I feel strongly that the user should be given a choice in this matter and at the very least should be informed of the decision being made on his behalf and the reason for it.

32-bit and 64-bit ISO files – Microsoft Community.