How to check whether Windows XP/Server 2003/Vista/7 installed on your PC/Laptop is a 32 or 64 Bit(x86 or x64) ?

What is 32-bit and 64-bit OS?

32 bit(x-86) and 64 bit(x-64) refer to the way a computer’s CPU (processor), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. 64-bit(x-64) version is beneficial when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.

Do you know whether your windows vista, windows 7, windows server 2003, or windows XP is a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system? Microsoft usually labels them as x86 and x64 respectively. Here are the various methods to check whether those OS installed on your PC/system is a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system(x86 or x64).

For Checking in Windows XP:

Method 1:

Click Start, then click on Run or Start Search.

Type msinfo32.exe and then press Enter key.

Under “System Information“, review the value for the System Type item:

For 32-bit editions of Windows XP, the value of the System Type item is x86-based PC.

For 64-bit editions of Windows XP, the value of the System Type item is x64-based PC.

Method 2:

Click Start, Run, type sysdm.cpl, and click OK.

Click the General tab. The operating system information appears as follows:

For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version appears under System.

For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version appears under System.

Method 3:

Click Start, Run, type winmsd.exe, and click OK.

In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.

If the value that corresponds to processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows XP operating system.

If the value that corresponds to processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows XP operating system.

For Checking in Windows Server 2003:

Method 1

Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.

Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:

For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.

For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.

Method 2

Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.

In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.

If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.

If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

For Checking in Windows Vista:

Method 1:

Click Start, then click on Run or Start Search.

Type msinfo32.exe and then press Enter.

Under “System Information“, find the value for the System Type item:

For 32-bit editions of Windows vista, the value of the System Type item is x86-based PC.

For 64-bit editions of Windows vista, the value of the System Type item is x64-based PC.

Method 2:

Click Start, type system in the “Start Search” box, and then click system in the “Programs” list.

The operating system information appears as follows:

For a 64-bit version of windows vista operating system: 64-bit Operating System appears for the “System type” under “System“.

For a 32-bit version of windows vista operating system: 32-bit Operating System appears for the “System type” under “System“.

Method 3:

Click Start, type system in the “Start Search” box, and then click System Information in the “Programs” list.

The operating system appears as follows:

For a 64-bit version of windows vista operating system: x64-based PC appears for the “System type” under “Item“.

For a 32-bit version of windows vista operating system: x86-based PC appears for the “System type” under “Item“.

For Checking in Windows 7:

Windows 7 is available in both 32-bit (x-86) and 64-bit(x-64) versions. The Windows 7 package that you buy includes both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs. Though all computers are compatible with 32-bit Windows, not all are compatible with 64-bit Windows.

The computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor to run 64-bit Windows 7. To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable in Windows 7, do the following:

1. Click Start –> Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.

2. In Windows 7, click View and print detailed performance and system information.

3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you’re currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. Note that if your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won’t see the 64-bit capable listing.

Note:

Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs and Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version.

However, If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won’t work on the 32-bit version of Windows. Device drivers designed for the 64-bit version of Windows don’t work on computers running a 32-bit version of Windows.

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