How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits? If you have ever asked yourself this question, here we are going to clear up your doubts. It is true that practically all processors today have a 64-bit architecture, but there are still many computers that use 32-bit processors. And knowing it is important.
When we download an application or operating system, we will find ourselves before this dilemma: 32 or 64 bit? For example, some browser applications such as Chrome o Edge They offer one or another version depending on the characteristics of each team.
But before addressing how to answer the question at the head of this post, let's first see where these numbers come from and what is the difference between one and the other.
32-bit vs 64-bit: Main differences
In computing, both the CPU and the operating system and drivers use the same architecture. In other words, they work through the same language. This can be the 32-bit or the 64-bit.
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits
These numbers refer to how the computer stores data. The naming itself is quite illuminating: one of the systems does it in 32-bit pieces, while the other uses 64-bit pieces. differences existing between the two.
RAM
The fundamental difference between both architectures is that 64-bit processors can handle much more RAM. A 32-bit operating system has a clear limitation and can only take advantage of a maximum of 4 GB, even if our computer has a higher RAM memory. In contrast, a 64-bit system can theoretically reach several million Terabytes. We say in theory because currently there is no computer capable of reaching such an astronomical figure.
As a consequence of this, 32-bit computers can find themselves with insufficient RAM memory when they have 3 or 4 applications open at the same time. This does not happen with 64 bits.
Compatibility
Using the applications one by one, the user will not notice too many differences between one system or another, except for some especially memory-demanding programssuch as Photoshop, to name one of the best known and widely used.
Another important fact to keep in mind: while a 64-bit CPU can use both a 32-bit and a 64-bit operating system or program, the 32-bit cannot do the same with the 64-bit, since they are restricted only to the systems and software of the same architecture.
However, 64-bit systems are unable to run older 16-bit programs, even though they are largely deprecated.
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits
After knowing the differences between one and another architecture, let's see how to find out which is the one of our computer. If it is a recently purchased computer, it will certainly be 64-bit, but it may be the case that it comes with a 32-bit operating system installed. These are the methods to follow to find out:
On windows
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits
To check if a Windows computer is 32 or 64 bits, do the following:
En Windows 10:
- We will first access the start menu and in the box we will write "About your PC". In this way, the corresponding option will appear with the basic information of our team.
- There you have to look at the paragraph titled as "Type of system", where the architecture of our processor and our operating system is shown (see in the image above).
En earlier versions of Windows:
- We right click on "My PC".
- Select the option «Properties».
- Next, a window appears where the section "Type of system" with information about the bits of the processor and the operating system.
There is obviously the option, valid for any version of Windows, of access C: and see how many program files folders there are. If "Program Files (x86)" appears, the operating system used is 64-bit. It should be noted that in Windows x86 is equivalent to 32 bits and x64 to 64 bits.
On GNU / Linux
In this case you have to go to the "System configuration", either after searching for this option in the launcher or by searching within the “Options” icon, then pressing the “Details” icon.
The screen shown below contains all the information about the RAM memory, hard drive, processor and graphics card of our computer. The data that interests us is the one entitled "OS type".
Another way to do it is by accessing the terminal of the operating system, using the following commands:
- arch
- join me -m.
Either of the two will show us information about the system architecture.
On Mac
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits
The steps are as follows:
- First we go to the toolbar and click on the apple icon.
- Then we select "System information".
- There, in the section "Hardware", all the information about the processor will appear.
Another way to do this is by opening the system terminal and entering the "getconf LONG_BIT" command, after which a response will appear with the information about the processor and the bits.