32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions (2024)

FAQs

What is 32-bit Windows and 64-bit Windows? ›

What does it mean if my PC is 32-bit or 64-bit? The bit version of your Windows PC indicates how it handles data. A 32-bit PC processes data in smaller chunks, while a 64-bit PC can handle larger chunks, which often results in better performance and compatibility with certain software.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About . At the right, under Device specifications, see System type.

It boils down to which Windows version you use and which software you want to use, or rather which kind of processor is required. You should always use 64-bit versions if your system has a 64-bit architecture. This will ensure your programs run smoothly and quickly even when used intensively and in parallel.

Select PC and devices > PC info. Under Windows you'll see which edition and version of Windows your device is running. Under PC > System type you'll see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Click Start, type system in the search box, and then click System in the Control Panel list. The operating system is displayed as follows: For a 64-bit version operating system: 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.

The 64-bit versions of Windows use the Microsoft Windows-32-on-Windows-64 (WOW64) subsystem to run 32-bit programs without modifications. The 64-bit versions of Windows don't provide support for 16-bit binaries or 32-bit drivers.

Using 64 bit operating system with 64 bit processer, the system can perform an increased number of calculations per second. As a result, it increases the processing power and makes a computer run faster. This is limited in case of 32 bit operating system. You can multi-task, switch between various application etc.

Windows 10 is a solid operating system that can allow you to work, play, and interact with useful apps. And Windows 11 can help you in the same way, but with enhanced features for gaming and interface layouts.

64-bit programs require more memory to run than their 32-bit versions. So on older 64 bit machines, with less RAM onboard - it makes more sense to run a 32 bit OS. That situation can easily be mitigated by installing more RAM. But if you don't have that luxury - then sticking with a 32 bit OS is your best recourse.

How can I tell if I am running 32 or 64-bit office? ›

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

Click Search in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Type system in the search box, and then click Settings. Click System. The bit version of your PC's operating system will be displayed in the System type field under the System heading.

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer? Most programs made for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows except for most Antivirus programs. Device drivers that are made for the 32-bit version of Windows will not work correctly on a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows.

Windows 11 exist in 64 bit only.

There is no 32 bit version of Windows 11 available.

A 64-bit system uses 64-bit memory addresses, which allows for a much larger addressable memory space compared to the 4 gigabytes (GB) limit of a 32-bit system. This means that a 64-bit system can utilize more random-access memory (RAM) and handle larger files and datasets more efficiently.

Since the applications aren't optimized, more data may be brought into memory. This would cause swapping on a 32-bit machine, producing long delays. On a 64-bit machine, however, more RAM is available, not causing any page swap delays and providing superior performance.