Determining if You Have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows

by Barry Dysert
(last updated August 22, 2016)

2

Some Windows programs are designed for the 32-bit version, some for the 64-bit version, and many programs can run in either environment. Whatever the case, you may want to know whether you're running the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Windows. (This tidbit of information is particularly important if you want to upgrade some of the device drives on your system—you need to use either 32-bit or 64-bit drivers that match your 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.)

How you check to see whether you are running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows depends on the version of Windows you are using:

  • If you are using Windows 7, click the Start button, right-click Computer, and select Properties.
  • If you are using Windows 8 or Windows 10, display the Control Panel (a good way is to press Win+X to display a Context menu at the bottom-left of the screen, then choose Control Panel), click System and Security, and finally click System.

Regardless of whether you are using Windows 7 or 8, you'll see information about your system. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Seeing whether you're running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.

Look near the middle of the dialog box and you should see information labeled "System Type." This is where you can see whether you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

 This tip (11883) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Changing Your Internet Home Page

Regardless of the browser you use, there's a way to change its settings so that you can specify where it goes when you ...

Discover More

Where Is that File I Just Downloaded?

Downloading files from the Web is a pretty common occurrence. Keeping track of your downloads used to be a bit of a ...

Discover More

Adjusting the Taskbar for Multiple Displays

When you have multiple displays attached to your computer you might want to change how the Taskbar looks on your extra ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Pin Items to the Start Screen

You can improve your efficiency at launching applications by using the Start Screen. This tip shows you how to pin items ...

Discover More

Changing the Default Desktop Icons

When you first install Windows, it places only a limited number of icons on your desktop. You can, however, tell Windows ...

Discover More

Using the Device Manager

If you want granular control over all the devices on your system, getting familiar with the device manager is time well ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two less than 5?

2016-08-22 19:59:22

bob phillips

Thanks. The WIN+X is new to me. Just like win 10 is new to me.

2016-08-22 06:24:08

Jan Heijkamp

Look on C:.
If you see a program files(x86) folder you have a 64 Bits OS

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2020 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.