How to find out which Windows is installed on a computer 32 or 64. How to find out the bitness of the operating system and processor in Windows. And what about the amount of RAM?

Many on our site are wondering what bit size (bit depth) Windows should be installed on their computer, 32 or 64 bit? In this article we will clarify the situation with the choice of 32 or 64 bit systems.

First, let's figure out what the bit depth (bit depth) of an architecture is.

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (CPU) processes information. 64-bit Windows handles large volumes RAM(RAM) is more efficient than a 32-bit system. Wikipedia has 2 pages about 32 (x86) and 64 bit architecture:

• 32 (x86) - a processor architecture with the same instruction set, first implemented in Intel processors.

  The name is derived from the two numbers that ended the names Intel processors early models - 8086, 80186, 80286 (i286), 80386 (i386), 80486 (i486). During its existence, the set of commands has constantly expanded, maintaining compatibility with previous generations.

  Besides Intel architecture was also implemented in processors from other manufacturers: AMD, VIA, Transmeta, IDT, etc. Currently, there is another name for the 32-bit version of the architecture - IA-32 (Intel Architecture - 32).

• 64 - 64-bit extension, instruction set, for the x86 architecture, developed by AMD, allowing programs to run in 64-bit mode.

  It is an extension of the x86 architecture with almost complete backwards compatible. Microsoft and Oracle use the term "x64" to refer to this instruction set, but the file directory for the architecture in Microsoft Windows distributions is called "amd64" (cf. "i386" for the x86 architecture).

The x86-64 instruction set is currently supported:

1. AMD - Z-series processors (for example, AMD Z-03), C-series (for example, AMD C-60), G-series (for example, AMD T56N), E-series (for example, AMD E-450), E1 , E2, A4, A6, A8, A10, FX, Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom, Phenom II, Turion 64, Turion 64 X2, Turion II, Opteron, FX, latest Sempron models;
2. Intel (with minor simplifications) called "Intel 64" (previously known as "EM64T" and "IA-32e") in later models Pentium processors 4, as well as in Pentium D, Pentium Extreme Edition, Celeron D, Celeron G-series, Celeron B-series, Pentium Dual-Core, Pentium T-series, Pentium P-series, Pentium G-series, Pentium B-series, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme , Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Atom (not all) and Xeon;
3. VIA - Nano, Eden, QuadCore processors.

Yes, all this is difficult to understand. I’ll explain in my own words, 64-bit OS architecture is an improved 32 (86) bit architecture. It has newer computational instruction sets and can also work with large volumes RAM. If we take the Windows OS family, then a 32-bit OS can actually handle only 3.2 gigabytes of RAM, and 64 theoretically up to 4 terabytes. What does this tell us?

What to choose: 32 or 64?

About the fact that it is advisable to install the OS based on the amount of RAM. For example, if you have 3GB of RAM or less, it is better for you to install a 32-bit system, and if you have more than 3GB, it is better to install a 64-bit system. But don't forget about what processor you have. In our service, we have long noticed that if the processor has low frequency(from 1 to 2.4 GHz), then on a 64-bit OS the computer runs slowly, even if it has 4 or more GB of RAM installed. According to our service, it is better to install 32-bit systems and no more than 4GB of RAM on such computers. Besides large manufacturers laptops with low-frequency processors are also installed with 32-bit systems from the factory, even with 4GB of memory. Installing the 64-bit version of Windows requires a processor that can run 64-bit Windows. Benefits of using 64-bit operating system are especially obvious when working with large amounts of random access memory (RAM), such as 4 GB or more. In such cases, a 64-bit operating system handles large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit system. A 64-bit operating system works faster when running multiple programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. In any case, what to install is up to you, and we will answer your questions below.

How can I tell if my computer has 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?

To use Windows or determine which version of Windows your computer is running (32-bit or 64-bit), follow these steps.

Open the System component. To do this, click the Start button, right-click Computer, and select Properties. In Windows 8, open Control Panel and go to System.

In the System section, you can view the system type.

If the computer is running Windows control XP, follow these steps.

Click the Start button.

• If the window that appears does not say “x64 Edition,” your computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows XP.

  If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows XP.

How can I determine if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?

For a computer to run a 64-bit version of Windows, it must have a 64-bit processor. To find out if your processor supports 64-bit computing in Windows, follow these steps:

1. In search type MSINFO, or
   

Open the Performance Counters and Tools section. To do this, click the Start button and select the Control Panel component (in 8 we immediately go to the Control Panel). In the search box, type Performance Counters and Tools, and then select Performance Counters and Tools from the list of results.

Do one of the following:

• In Windows, select the Show and print detailed information about your computer and system performance.

In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you are using (under System Type) and whether you can use a 64-bit version of Windows (under 64-bit support). (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, the 64-bit support section does not appear.)

To determine whether a computer running Windows XP can run the 64-bit version of Windows, follow these steps:

Click the Start button.

Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

• If the System section says "x64 Edition", the processor supports running a 64-bit version of Windows.

  If there is no "x64 Edition" label, the processor may also be compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. To pinpoint this possibility, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Windows 7 migration advisor.

Can I upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows, or move from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows?

If you want to migrate from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows or vice versa, you should back up your files and select Full Windows installation. Then you need to restore files and reinstall programs.

Notes

To install the 64-bit version of Windows on a computer running 32-bit Windows, you will need to boot the computer using the 64-bit Windows installation disc or files.

If a computer that boots with the 64-bit version of Windows installation disc or files does not support that version of Windows, a manager error message will be displayed Windows boot. Instead you will need to use installation disk or 32-bit Windows files.

Transfer Tool Windows data does not move files from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows. If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you will need to manually transfer the files to external media.

Can I run 32-bit programs and drivers on a 64-bit computer?

Most programs designed for 32-bit versions of Windows will also run on 64-bit versions of Windows. Some antiviruses are exceptions.

Device drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows. If you try to install a printer or other device with a 32-bit driver, it will not work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.

Can I run 64-bit programs and drivers on a 32-bit computer?

If a program is specifically designed to run on 64-bit Windows, it will not run on 32-bit Windows. (However, most programs designed for 32-bit versions of Windows also work on 64-bit versions of Windows.)

Device drivers designed for 64-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 32-bit versions of Windows.

Do I need 64-bit device drivers when running 64-bit Windows?

Yes. All devices require 64-bit drivers to run on 64-bit Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

What are the disadvantages of 64 bit Windows?

• Stutters when there is a small amount of RAM.
• It is difficult to find drivers for old devices, for example, printers, scanners, TV tuners, etc.
• Some older programs and games do not work on 64-bit architecture.
• Some old Windows, for example Windows 7 Starter cannot run on a 64-bit system.

Well, that’s all we wanted to tell you in this article, we hope you’ll do it right choice! If you need good computer tips, click on the link and learn more about your computer.

If we missed something in the article, write to us in the comments and we will add it. Also, if the material was useful to you don't skimp on likes!

Few people have heard before that two seemingly identical Windows operating systems can actually be different and have different bit depths. This article will tell you what bit depth is and how to find out whether a system on Windows is 32- or 64-bit.

The capacity of the Windows operating system is a very important indicator that determines which applications and programs the OS can run and which it cannot. There are two types of bit depth:

• 32(86)-bit, or x32 (x86)
• 64-bit, or x64

32-bit operating systems use a maximum of 3 gigabytes of RAM and cannot open programs designed for 64-bit ones, but the latter are able to install any programs without limiting the use of RAM. Therefore, there is no point in buying a computer with 4 gigabytes of built-in memory when it has a low-bit OS - the computer uses only 3 GB when operating.

Ways to find out the bit depth

The number of bits of a Windows system can be determined in many ways, and for different versions OS has its own special features for this. The main ones are universal and suitable for all OS editions from Microsoft. But some work on newer versions, while others only work on older ones, so if one method doesn't work, you can try another.

Through the "My Computer" window

The most common and well-known option, as it works on both Windows 7 and newer systems. In order to find out which system is 32 or 64 on Windows you need:

Via the keyboard shortcut Win+I

Not a well-known, but simple way to determine whether a processor is 32 or 64 bit for Windows 8 and 10 operating systems.

Via command line

This method is suitable for those who understand the operation of a computer better than the average statistical user, as it implies a certain amount of experience. It will help you find out not only the bit capacity, but also a lot of other properties of the computer and information about it. It is not recommended to use it if there is a possibility of changing something without the possibility of returning to the previous settings.

To determine the bitness of Windows OS via the command line, you need to:

Other ways

The simplest and most suitable method for all Windows operating systems is to press the “Win+Pause” key combination. This combination will open the “System” window, where you can find all the required information, including checking whether the system is 32-bit or 64-bit.

These are the most convenient ways find out the bitness of your operating system Windows 7 and higher, you can see more about them in the video:

There are two types of processors: 32-bit and 64-bit. These numbers indicate the processor bit depth. The processor you use will determine which version of the operating system you use, how you choose programs and games, and how much RAM you can install on your computer. You can also come across the designation x86, which is often mistakenly mistaken for a separate processor bit size. But first of all, let's determine what type of operating system is installed on your computer.

How to find out the bitness of installed Windows

There are several ways to find out how many bits your Windows operating system uses. Look for x32 or x64 as these are the main indicators of the system's bit capacity, while x86 can refer to either a single-core or dual-core system. First, let's look at the simplest and fastest option.

Through computer properties

Through system information

Differences and benefits of different numbers of cores

So, there are two types of processors: single-core (x32) and dual-core (x64). Sometimes you can see the designation x86 - this is not separate species processors, but a designation for the microprocessor architecture. Most often, the x86 number indicates that the processor is single-core, but it can also be used for a 64-bit processor. Therefore, you should not rely on it; always look for the designation in x36 or x64 format.

The performance and operating speed are, accordingly, higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one. If you use a 32-bit processor, you can install as much random access memory (RAM) as you want on your computer, but the system will only use 4 GB of the total memory. With a 64-bit processor, you can use up to 32 GB of RAM.

Performance and speed are higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one

Requirements for a 64-bit system

The main advantage of x64 processors is that they support programs, games and operating systems written not only for 64-bit processors, but also for 32-bit ones. That is, if you have an x32 processor, then you can only install a 32-bit operating system Windows system, but not 64-bit.

Which bit is better?

From all of the above we can conclude that if you are choosing between one and two cores, then the second option is preferable, since most modern programs and games require 64 bits. It is possible that in the future the 32-bit system will be completely abandoned, since its power is not enough for anything.

How to upgrade to Windows 7 x64

If you want to increase system performance and the amount of available RAM, as well as expand the number of supported applications and games, then you need to switch to a 64-bit operating system. The only way to do this is to erase the old 32-bit system and install a new one.

Please note that all files on your computer will be irretrievably lost when performing this operation, so copy them to third-party media in advance to avoid losing anything important. So, after you begin installing the new operating system, you will be asked to select a language and confirm the start of the operation, as well as select the system version. Select the one that has x64 bit and go through the installation process.

Select the architecture type and continue the installation process

Why won't 64-bit Windows install?

If the installation is unsuccessful, it means that your processor does not support a 64-bit system and is designed only for x32. There is only one way out of this situation - to purchase new processor, which will suit your requirements.

How to determine the processor bit size

There are several ways to determine how many cores your computer's processor contains and uses.

A 32-bit computer does not have the same capabilities as a 64-bit computer. If you don't know what type of Windows OS you are using, here we will tell you how you can find out.

What does the term "bit" mean?

32 and 64 - what's the difference?

Command line

Look at the banner at the top of the window - it will contain information: 32- or 64-bit system. If this information is not available, then (in most cases) you are dealing with a 32-bit version of Windows.

Windows 10 and 8

Method 1

Hotkeys for calling this window are: Windows+ Pause/Break.

Method 2

In the window that opens, information will be mentioned: 32-bit or 64-bit system.
If there is no information, then (in most cases) this is a 32-bit version of Windows.

Method 3

Windows 8

Vista and 7

Image: © John Schnobrich - Unsplash.com

In some cases you may need to know how many bits: 32 or 64 Windows installed on the user's computer Windows. This question is especially relevant for those who like to play modern computer games, since it is the latter that most often require a certain bit depth of the operating environment. When installing a device driver, you may also need to know what like you have Windows installed.

Windows type definitions

You can find out what type of bitness your Windows is by following certain steps. This article will talk about those methods that allow you to determine the bit depth in different versions Windows. It should be said that they are all quite simple and do not require virtually any skills from the user.

What is bit depth?

Before you start answering the question " how to find out whether a system is 32 or 64 bit", you need to figure out what it is - bitness. Bit capacity of any hardware device is called its ability to process a specified number of bits simultaneously. That is, this value determines how much information, for example, the processor processes per unit of time. It is clear that the higher the bit depth, the higher the operating speed.

Types of operating systems

Depending on the bit depth, today there are two types of Windows systems:

• 32-bit (or x 86) - the traditional type still used today;
• 64-bit (or x64) is currently the most common and promoted version.

An important difference between these versions of operating systems is not only the support for the corresponding types of processors, but also the ability to work with a certain amount of RAM. For example, for the 32-bit version of Windows, the maximum allowable amount of RAM is limited to 3.5 GB. At the same time, its modern 64-bit analog allows for an increase to 200 GB. With all this, visually determine what kind of version Windows, most likely it won’t work: they are absolutely identical.

So, how to see how many bits: 32 or 64? There are several ways to do this, which will be discussed further.

Method 1: the easiest

The easiest way, which does not require special skills: we simply press the “Win” key and, without releasing it, then press “Pause”. In the window that opens, in the line “System type” the bit depth of your Windows will be indicated. This method is suitable for all modern Windows versions(from 7 to 10).

Method 2: System Properties window

This method, like the previous one, leads to the system properties window and allows you to answer the question “how to find out on xp 32 or 64”. The difference is that we only use a mouse instead of a keyboard. This method is suitable for all current versions of Windows, but is especially useful Windows users X. P. To determine the system type, do the following:

• Click on the “Start” button.
• Right-click on the “My Computer” icon.
• Select “Properties”.

This way we will be taken to the same window where we can find out the type of our system.

In order to answer the question " how to find out windows 7 32 or 64"There is another simple way that involves Start menu items. So let's use it:

• Click on the “Start” button.
• In the search bar, type “System Information”.
• In the window that opens, find the words “Type”.

DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Information about which Windows bit depth, can also be viewed in the dialog box DirectX diagnostics. To do this, we perform the following steps:

• Press the combination “Win ​​+ R”.
• In the field that opens, enter the word “dxdiag”.
• In the “Operating system” column the bit size of your Windows will be indicated.

Method 4: Computer Settings

This method will allow you to find out the system type for users of Windows 8 and higher. It is perfect for those who like to use innovations in the interface latest versions Windows. In this case, all the necessary information is obtained by using the “Charm” panel. And to do this you need to do the following:

• Move the cursor to the lower right corner of the screen.
• In the panel that appears, click on the icon labeled “Options”.
• Next, select “System Information”.

Another method that is relevant for the latest versions of Windows, including Win10, is the following. It is as simple as all the previous ones:

• Click “Start” and then select “Settings”.
• Next step: go further through the “System” menu items, and then to the “System Information” sub-item.

So, now you know several ways to see how many bits there are: 32 or 64 in any version of Windows. As you probably already understood, all the methods described in the article are extremely easy to use. This means that the question of the bit content of programs installed on your computer will no longer be a problem for you.