When installing the Windows operating system on a computer from scratch, the question automatically arises: Windows 32 or 64 bits? There is only one way to answer this question, but to do so we first have to know what exactly we are talking about and what the differences are between one option and another.
It has to be said that this is not a minor issueOn the contrary, it is more important than we think. In fact, installing the wrong option could cause a performance problem on our computer that would worsen over time, becoming a complicated situation in the long term.
32-bit vs 64-bit: Differences
Everything revolves around processor from our computer. There are two types, 32-bit (the oldest) and 64-bit. Nowadays, almost all new computer models coming onto the market come with a built-in 64-bit processor, which means more power.
Of course, 64-bit processors are capable of processing much more information at once. Its capabilities far exceed those of the old processors. However, there are many users who keep their old 32-bit computers, either for sentimental reasons or because they are machines that continue to work or are intended for uses that do not require as much power.
Basically, the differences between one architecture and the other can be summarized in two areas:
- RAM: 64-bit processors can handle a much larger amount of RAM. Due to its limitations, a 32-bit operating system can only take advantage of 4 GB at most; On the other hand, a 64-bit system can reach a capacity of several million Terabytes on paper, although this is a chimera, since there is currently no computer capable of reaching such a figure.
- Compatibility: If we use the applications installed on our computer one by one, we will barely notice any differences between one system or another. But if we work simultaneously with 3 or 4 programs (or with a particularly demanding program) with a 32-bit structure, problems will not take long to appear.
Another thing to mention that you need to know to avoid making mistakes is that the x86 nomenclature refers to the 32-bit architecture. In the case of 64 bits there is no possible confusion, since it is x64.
What is the version of Windows on my computer?
Answering this question is quite simple. In the case of having Windows 11 there is no longer a possible doubt, as we have seen before. For older OS versions, here's how to find out:
In Windows 10
The steps are as follows:
- First of all, let's go to Start Menu and in the box we write "About your PC" to display the basic information of our equipment.
- In the paragraph titled "Type of system" The architecture of our processor and our operating system appears (see the example of the image above).
In earlier versions of Windows
In these cases, the query is performed as follows:
- First we right click on "My PC".
- Then we select the option "Properties".
- In the next window the section "Type of system", which contains all the information about the bits of the processor and the operating system.
It should also be noted another method that is valid for any version of Windows: access C: to see how many program files folders there are. In case of seeing the “Program files (x86)”, we will know that the operating system used will be 64 bits
What is better?
So what is better for our computer? Install Windows 32 or 64 bits? There is something that does not support discussion: The 32 bits are doomed to disappear. It is a simple matter of time. The clearest sign is that the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, Windows 11, is only available in 64-bit mode. So the answer is direct: 64 bit is better.
However, it is possible install 32 bit windows on a 64 bit processor (which, by the way, wouldn't make much sense), but not the other way around.
Upgrade from 32 to 64 bit version
If your computer is old and the 32-bit version of Windows is running, it is possible (and recommended) to perform the update. These are the steps to follow:
- Check the version we have installed, following the methods explained above.
- Take a full backup. Not only do we have to make a copy of our data, but it is also necessary to obtain the 64-bit versions of the drivers for our computer.
- Install 64-bit version, previously downloading the precise tool in the Microsoft download website. Then, once installed, you just have to follow the steps indicated for its execution, which normally consist of clicking on the “Next” button until the process is finished.