As a Windows computer user, you've probably already come across when it comes to processor architecture and operating system versions. This is a fundamental factor for the installation of certain programs that require a much larger level of task processing and, therefore, a greater amount of resources. In that sense, If you are faced with downloading a program of this type, it is very possible that you have options: 32-bit and 64-bit. Therefore, we will explain how to know if my Windows installation is 32 or 64 bits in order to download the correct alternative.
This is something that we can know through three different paths and here we will show you which ones so that you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
What is a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?
When we talk about the bits of an operating system or program, we refer to the architecture of the processor.. The latter is nothing more than the internal structure of the processor, which defines the way in which it interacts with other components such as RAM. This has a direct impact on the number of tasks that the processor is capable of supporting and for this reason there are 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows. The 64-bit ones are generally oriented to tasks that require high computing power, such as video editing, for example. It is for this reason that the software oriented to this type of task is always for 64-bit operating systems.
How to know if my Windows 32 or 64 bit is important to get the correct version of any program we want to install.
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures?
There is a fundamental difference between these two architectures and it is computing power, that is, the 64-bit architecture is capable of executing more processes in less time.. Likewise, there is a factor that has a lot to do with the one we mentioned before and that is the fact that by executing more tasks in less time, it also manages more resources. This is something quite remarkable when installing Windows, since the 32-bit version is limited to recognizing up to 4GB.
For its part, when installing Windows in its 64-bit version, we have the possibility of incorporating the amount of RAM memory that we want. Programs like Photoshop are an example of software optimized for 64-bit systems, taking advantage of all available resources to provide the best possible experience.
How do I know if my Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit?
At the beginning we commented that how to know if my Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit is something that we can take several different paths for. Each one has its specific steps, but, in the end, they will provide us with the same information that we need.
Method 1: About
For the first method where we will see the version of Windows we have, follow these steps:
- Right click on the Start Menu.
- Enter in «System«.
- Check if your version is 34-bit or 64-bit in the section «Type of system«.
Method 2: System Information
The second way of how to know if my Windows is 21 or 64 bits is through a command that we will enter in the option «Run»Of the operating system.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows+R key combination.
- Enter the following command: MSINFO32
- Hit Enter.
- Locate the entry «Type of system» on the right side of the new window that is displayed. There you will see: x64-based PC o x32-based PC.
Method 3: CPU-Z (Third Party Application)
If you don't want to use the native options, then we recommend a really useful third-party alternative for these cases and best of all, very easy to use.
This is CPU-Z, a classic in the world of computing and especially for technical personnel who use it frequently, precisely to obtain detailed information about the equipment on which they work.. CPU-Z is an application capable of obtaining all the details of your computer's hardware, including the architecture of the processor and the Windows installation.
For get It, follow this link and download the version you want, there is an installable and a portable one. If you will be using the program frequently then install it, otherwise use the portable option. When executing CPU-Z, it will start scanning your computer and in a matter of a few seconds, its window will be displayed.
If you want to go directly to the version of the operating system you have installed, then go to the last tab, identified as «About«. Just below the information about CPU-Z, you will see the complete data of the Windows installation you have on your computer, from its architecture, through its executable version, to the type of system.
It should be noted that CPU-Z is a very light application and it will not drain your computer's resources. In addition, a couple of clicks will suffice to start it up and obtain the information we want.