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If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other. Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel. Click Start, and then click Run. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
- Overview
- Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 & Vista: 64-Bit or 32-Bit?
- Windows XP: 64-Bit or 32-Bit?
- Check the 'Program Files' Folder Name
- Is Windows 64-bit or 32-bit?
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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 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.
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.
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\
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.
FAQ
•What's the difference between Windows 32-bit and 64-bit?
The difference between Windows 32-bit and 64-bit is processing power. A 64-bit processor can handle more data simultaneously, so it's more capable overall. Most new processors are based on the 64-bit architecture and are fully compatible with 32-bit operating systems.
•How do I run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows?
Windows XP is a major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. It was released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, and later to retail on October 25, 2001. It is a direct successor to Windows 2000 for high-end and business users and Windows Me for home users.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)
For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System. For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System .
Jun 6, 2024 · Finding your Windows version, and whether you have a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system, only takes a minute. This wikiHow teaches you how to identify which version of Windows you are already running.
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Jun 9, 2017 · To check whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows on Windows 10, open the Settings app, navigate to System > About, and then look for the "System Type" line. All Windows 11 installations are 64-bit.
