How to check for have a 64-bit or 32-bit CPU windows

This article also describes how to manually determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. Generally, a computer’s bit count indicates how much data it can process, the speed with which it can process the data, and the maximum memory capacity.

In windows 8

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 Systemheading.

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.

In window 7

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.

Window Xp

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 < Year> appears under System.
   • For a 32-bit version operating system, Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.
   

    Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.

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.

Windows Server 2003,

If 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 Editionappears 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.