How to check if my windows is 64 bit or 32 bit

Not sure if your installed version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit? One quick way to tell is by looking at information about your operating system installation in Control Panel. However, the specific steps involved depend a lot on which operating system you’re using.

Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 & Vista: 64-Bit or 32-Bit?

Windows 11 only comes in 64-bit, and Windows 7 Starter Edition and Windows Vista Starter Edition are available only in 32-bit.

Here’s how to tell if you have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista:

1. Open the Control Panel.

   You can check your Windows system type much faster from the Power User Menu (WIN + X). With that menu open, select System and then skip to Step 4.

2. Choose System and Security within Control Panel, or System and Maintenance if you’re on Windows Vista.

   You won’t see a System and Security link in Control Panel if your view is set to either Large icons or Small icons. If so, select System and then skip to Step 4.

3. Choose System.

   This screen can also be opened by executing the control /name Microsoft.System command from Run or Command Prompt.

4. Find the System area, located under the large Windows logo. Within there, next to System type, it will say either 64-bit Operating System or 32-bit Operating System.

   The second bit of information, either x64-based processor or x86-based processor, indicates the hardware architecture. It’s possible to install a 32-bit edition of Windows on either an x86 or x64 based system, but a 64-bit edition can only be installed on x64 hardware.

Windows XP: 64-Bit or 32-Bit?

The General tab in System Properties provides all the details.

1. Select Start and then choose Control Panel.

2. Select Performance and Maintenance.

   If you don’t see this link, open System and then go down to Step 4.

3. Choose System.

4. Locate the System area to the right of the Windows logo.

   You should be on the General tab in System Properties.

5. Under System is basic information about the version of Windows XP installed on your computer:

   • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version [year] means you’re running Windows XP 32-bit.
   • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version [year] means you’re running Windows XP 64-bit.

   There are no 64-bit versions of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media Center Edition. If you have either of these editions of Windows XP, you’re running a 32-bit operating system.

6. Now you know if you’re running Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit.

Check the ‘Program Files’ Folder Name

This method isn’t as easy to understand as using Control Panel, but it does provide a quick way of checking on whether you’re running a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows, and is especially helpful if you’re looking for this information from a command line tool.

If your version of Windows is 64-bit, you’re able to install both 32-bit and 64-bit software programs, so there are two different «Program Files» folders on your computer. However, 32-bit versions of Windows have just one folder, since they can only install 32-bit programs.

Here’s an easy way to comprehend this…

Two program folders exist on a 64-bit version of Windows:

• 32-bit location: C:\Program Files (x86)\
• 64-bit location: C:\Program Files\

32-bit versions of Windows have just one folder:

• 32-bit location: C:\Program Files\

Therefore, if you find only one folder when checking this location, you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows. If there are two «Program Files» folder, you’re for sure using a 64-bit version.

You can also use the dir command in Command Prompt to view these folders. Just make sure to execute the command from the root of the C drive.

Is Windows 64-bit or 32-bit?

If you’re running Windows XP, chances are it’s 32-bit. However, if you’re on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, the chance that you’re running a 64-bit version goes up considerably. All Windows 11 installations are 64-bit.

Of course, this isn’t something you want to take a guess at. Knowing if your copy of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit becomes very important when installing device drivers for your hardware and choosing between certain kinds of software.

Thanks for letting us know!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

In this guide, you will learn:

• How to Check if Windows 11 is 32-bit or 64-bit
• How to Check if Windows 10 is 32-bit or 64-bit
• How to Check if Windows 8 is 32-bit or 64-bit
• How to Check if Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit
• The Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit
• Can You Switch Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?
• Pro Tips for a Smooth-Running Windows PC

Knowing whether your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit is crucial for installing the right software. Our guide makes it simple to check your system type, especially for Windows 11 users.

How to Check if Windows 11 is 32-bit or 64-bit

1. Click on Start > Settings > System > About.
2. Under Device specifications, find the System type to see if your Windows 11 is 32-bit or 64-bit.

How to Check if Windows 10 is 32-bit or 64-bit

1. Press the Start button, then select Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Go to About and look for the System type field to check your bit version.

How to Check if Windows 8 is 32-bit or 64-bit

1. On the Start Screen, type computer; the search will open automatically.
2. Click on Computer, then select Properties. Your bit version is under System.

How to Check if Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Type system into the search box and select System from the Programs list without pressing ENTER right away.
3. The System type under System will tell you your operating system’s bit version.

The Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit

A 32-bit PC processes data in smaller pieces, which can limit performance and software compatibility. A 64-bit PC processes larger chunks of data, often leading to better performance. Like having the right-sized shoes, the correct bit version ensures your software runs smoothly on your PC.

Can You Switch Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?

Switching from one bit version to another is a substantial change, akin to moving to a new house. It requires reinstalling your operating system, which means backing up your data and possibly getting technical support. If in doubt, it’s usually best to continue with the version your PC came with.

Pro Tips for a Smooth-Running Windows PC

Here are some final tips to keep your PC in top shape:

• Stay Updated: Regularly update your operating system to access the latest features and security enhancements.
• Check Software Requirements: Before installing any software, ensure it’s compatible with your system’s bit version.
• Backup Regularly: Always back up important files before making system changes or updates to avoid data loss.
• Get Expert Advice: Considering a switch from 32-bit to 64-bit? Talk to a professional for a smooth transition.
• Use Official Sources: Download drivers and software from official or reputable sources to minimize the risk of malware.

Protect your Windows PC from Threats and Scams

Now that you’ve determined your PC’s bit version, it’s crucial to keep it secure from online threats and scams.

Download Trend Micro Maximum Security to help secure your digital life safely when online. Try it NOW!

Many people use Windows on their computers. But many people do not know that Windows is installed on the computer, is it 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?

Some software can only be installed on 64-bit Windows. On the other hand, some software only supports 32-bit Windows.

At such times we fall into confusion. Should we download 32-bit software or 64-bit software?

In this case, we should know the system information in Windows. Then we can download compatible software on Windows.

If your computer is Windows 32-bit, you need to install x86/32-bit software. Otherwise, if your computer is Windows 64-bit, you need to install x64/64-bit software.

So friends, here are three simple methods to know whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.

Method 1: Check whether Windows is running on 32-bit or 64-bit

1. Right-click your mouse on This PC/ My computer/ This computer etc.

2. Click on Properties

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3. Now follow the System type to know how many bits of Windows you have installed.

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Method 2: Check whether Windows is running on 32-bit or 64-bit

1. Open any folder

2. Scroll down or up and right-click your mouse on This PC/ My computer/ This computer etc.

3. Click on Properties

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3. Now follow the System type to know how many bits of Windows you have installed.

Note: Here we see Windows 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.

Although we’re gradually transitioning into a fully 64-bit PC world, not everyone is currently running a 64-bit version of Windows. Knowing if your Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit is important when it comes to installing some software, especially drivers.

Finding
out if you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows isn’t difficult,
though, and there are multiple ways for you to do so. In this
article, let’s look at four of the most simple and easy ways to
determine which version of Windows is running on your PC.

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System Information

My
pick for the simplest and most straightforward way to determine if
you’re using 32-bit or 64-bit Windows lies within Windows’ system
information.

To locate this, press the Windows + X keys, then click on System. A new About window will pop up, first showing your PC’s protection status.

Halfway down this page, you’ll find the Device Specifications heading.

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Here,
the information listed as your System Type will plainly state
which version of Windows you’re running.

Command Prompt

Another
simple way to figure out the architecture of your processor and if
you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows is by using the Command
Prompt.

Type cmd into the search bar of your Windows Start Menu. The best match should be Command Prompt. Rather than opening it like you would normally, right-click on the search result and select Run as Administrator.

When the Command Prompt terminal has opened, type in the set pro command. After hitting the Enter key, the prompt will return a list of information about your machine’s processor and operating system.

Here, there are three ways to determine which version of Windows you’re running:

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• PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE
• PROCESSOR_IDENTIFIER
• ProgramFiles(x86)

The processor-specific flags should indicate whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit processor.

Unless you’ve changed your PC’s hardware, the presence of the ProgramFiles(x86) flag should tell which version of Windows you’re running. This will only appear if you’re on a 64-bit version of Windows.

Program Files

This
simple trick is a spinoff of the Command Prompt method. Again, if
your machine has never gone through a hardware change since
installing Windows, the presence of multiple Program Files folders
tells you everything that you need to know.

First,
navigate to your C: drive in Windows Explorer.

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If you’re running a 32-bit version of Windows, you should only see the Program Files folder (and all programs inside of it will be 32-bit).

However, for 64-bit versions of Windows, the Program Files folder will contain 64-bit applications, while the Program Files (x86) folder will contain all 32-bit applications.

The 64-bit versions of Windows have backward compatibility with 32-bit applications, but the 32-bit versions of Windows cannot run 64-bit applications. This is why the folders are structured this way.

If you’d like to know more, check out Help Desk Geek’s article explaining why 64-bit Windows needs two Program Files folders.

Task Manager

While
this method takes a bit more effort than the others, it also provides
information specific to the applications you’re currently running.

• To get started, press the Windows + X keys, then click on Task Manager. Another common shortcut is by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys.
• When the Task Manager window pops up, the first thing you need to do is be sure that you’re seeing the full details. In the bottom-left corner, if it reads Fewer details then you are. If it reads More details, click the arrow icon to the left of this text to expand this window.
• Now, switch to the Details tab. By default, the information we need to see is not shown here. To display it, right-click on any of the column headings (Name, PID, etc.) and click on Select Columns.
• In this window, fill in the checkbox beside Platform and click the OK button.

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There will now be a Platform column that displays the software architecture of each of your running processes.

It should quickly be easy to figure out which version of Windows you’re running based on this: 32-bit will have no 64-bit applications shown, while 64-bit versions of Windows are apparent if even a single application is 64-bit.

As
the number of newly released systems running a 32-bit architecture
continue to plummet, the confusion between 32-bit and 64-bit versions
of Windows will become less of a problem. Until then, though, it’s
better to be safe than sorry!