How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version

Your Current Operating System is: Unknown OS Platform

To check whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10, open the Settings app by pressing “Windows+I”, and then head to System > About. On the right side, look for the “System type” entry. It will show you two pieces of information whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system and whether you have a 64-bit capable processor.

There are two methods that you can use to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 8. If one method does not work, try the other method. 

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  2. Type system in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
  3. Tap or click System.
  4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, 64-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, 32-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  2. In the search box, type system information.
  3. Tap or click System, tap or click System Information, and then click System Summary.
  4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, x64-based PC is displayed in the System type field under the Item heading. 
    If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, x86-based PC is displayed in the System type field under the Item heading.  

 

If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. If one method does not work, try the other method.

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Click Start , type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list.
  2. 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.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Click Start , type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.
  2. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, the operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, x64-based PC appears for the System type under Item.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, x86-based PC appears for the System type under Item.

 

If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. If one method does not work, try the other method.  

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  3. Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version  appears under System.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, Windows XP Professional Version appears under System.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
  3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with IA-64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
f you have Windows Server 2003, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. If one method does not work, try the other method.

Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  3. Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
  3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with EM64T or IA-64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.

* Notes

  • To find the computer’s bit count, see the documentation that was included with the computer or contact the hardware manufacturer.
  • Intel Itanium-based computers can run only 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run 32-bit versions of Windows. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows run only on Itanium-based computers and on AMD64-based computers.
  1. Hold down the Option key and choose System Information or System Profiler from the Apple menu.
  2. Select the Hardware section of the window that appears.
  3. Locate the Processor Name.
  4. Compare your Processor Name to information below to determine whether your Mac has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor.
Processor Name 32- or 64-bit
Intel Core Solo 32 bit
Intel Core Duo 32 bit
Intel Core 2 Duo 64 bit
Intel Quad-Core Xeon 64 bit
Dual-Core Intel Xeon 64 bit
Quad-Core Intel Xeon 64 bit
Core i3 64 bit
Core i5 64 bit
Core i7 64 bit