Find out the bitness of the Windows xp operating system. Bit sizes of processors and operating systems
Which is installed on your computer. However, the processor bit capacity does not always match the operating system bit capacity. Because of this, many novice users are seriously confused. In this article we will talk about how to find out the bit depth of the operating system. Windows systems.
In order to find out the bitness of the Windows 7 (or Windows 8) operating system, you need to open the system properties window. To do this, click right click Click on the “Computer” icon on the desktop and select “Properties”. You can also open this window through the Control Panel. To do this, follow the path: Start - Control Panel - System and Security - System.
In the window that opens, you can get acquainted with basic information about the computer, as well as find out the bitness of the operating system.
You can find out the bitness of the Windows Xp operating system in exactly the same way as in Windows case 7. You need to right-click on the “My Computer” icon on the desktop. After this, the system properties window will open in front of you.
At the top of the System Properties window, you will see information about the installed operating system. If x64 is indicated here, this means that your computer has a 64-bit operating system installed. If there is no information about the bit depth, then the operating system is 32-bit.
In addition, you can determine the bit depth of the operating system by indirect signs. For example, a 64-bit operating system has two Program folders Files. One of the folders is called “Program Files”; programs that run in 64-bit mode are installed there. The second folder is called “Program Files (x86)” and programs that operate in 32-bit mode are installed here.
You can also open Task Manager from the Processes tab.
If on the Processes tab there is running processes with a “*32” notation, this means that you are using a 64-bit operating system.
Why use a 64-bit operating system
Using a 64-bit operating system provides the user with several advantages:
- Performance gains in 64-bit applications. However, you need to understand that there are very few 64-bit applications, and the possible performance gain is very small.
- Using a 64-bit operating system allows you to use more than 3 Gigabytes random access memory. Therefore, if you have 4 or more gigabytes installed on your computer, then you definitely need to install the 64-bit version of Windows.
At the same time, all 32-bit applications work perfectly on a 64-bit operating system. The only exception is 32 drivers. If your components do not have 64-bit drivers, you will not be able to upgrade to a 64-bit operating system.
There are two types of processors: 32-bit and 64-bit. These numbers indicate the processor bit depth. The processor you use will determine which version of the operating system you use, how you choose programs and games, and how much RAM you can install on your computer. You can also find the designation x86, which is often mistaken for a separate processor bit size. But first of all, let's determine what type of operating system is installed on your computer.
How to find out the bitness of installed Windows
There are several ways to find out how many bits your Windows operating system uses. Look for x32 or x64 as these are the main indicators of the system's bit capacity, while x86 can refer to either a single-core or dual-core system. First, let's look at the simplest and fastest option.
Through computer properties
Through system information
Differences and benefits of different numbers of cores
So, there are two types of processors: single-core (x32) and dual-core (x64). Sometimes you can see the designation x86 - this is not separate species processors, but a designation for the microprocessor architecture. Most often, the x86 number indicates that the processor is single-core, but it can also be used for a 64-bit processor. Therefore, you should not rely on it; always look for the designation in x36 or x64 format.
Performance and operating speed are, accordingly, higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one. If you are using a 32-bit processor, you can install as much random access memory (RAM) as you want on your computer, but the system will only use 4 GB of the total memory. With a 64-bit processor, you can use up to 32 GB of RAM.
Performance and speed are higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one
Requirements for a 64-bit system
The main advantage of x64 processors is that they support programs, games and operating systems written not only for 64-bit processors, but also for 32-bit ones. That is, if you have an x32 processor, then you can only install a 32-bit Windows operating system, but not a 64-bit one.
Which bit is better?
From all of the above we can conclude that if you are choosing between one and two cores, then the second option is preferable, since most modern programs and games require 64 bits. It is possible that in the future the 32-bit system will be completely abandoned, since its power is not enough for anything.
How to upgrade to Windows 7 x64
If you want to increase system performance and the amount of available RAM, as well as expand the number of supported applications and games, then you need to switch to a 64-bit operating system. The only way to do this is to erase the old 32-bit system and install a new one.
Please note that all files on your computer will be irretrievably lost when performing this operation, so copy them to third-party media in advance to avoid losing anything important.
So, after you begin installing the new operating system, you will be asked to select a language and confirm the start of the operation, as well as select the system version. Select the one that has x64 bit and go through the installation process.
Select the architecture type and continue the installation process
Why won't 64-bit Windows install? If the installation is unsuccessful, it means that your processor does not support a 64-bit system and is designed only for x32. There is only one way out of this situation - to purchase new processor
, which will suit your requirements.
How to determine the processor bit size
There are several ways to determine how many cores your computer's processor contains and uses.
Through computer properties
Via command line
Via BIOS
This method is suitable for cases when it is not possible to log in to the system for any reason.
If you do not know what bitness of the operating system is installed on your computer, then about this we'll talk in this article.
Typically, users do not often ask this question. Most often, you may need to find out the bitness of the Windows operating system if you want to install any program, game or driver on your computer.
Starting with Windows XP, operating systems may have different type bit depth:
– 32-bit OS – x32(can be designated x86);
– 64-bit OS – x64.
The main feature of 64-bit operating systems is that they are able to work with a large amount of RAM. Even if your computer or laptop has 4 GB of RAM installed, then everything running applications on 32-bit systems they will use no more than 3 GB. Therefore, if you have 4 GB of RAM or more, it makes sense to install a 64-bit Windows operating system.
It should also be noted that if you download a program for a 64-bit OS, but you have a 32-bit OS installed, you will not be able to install it on your computer. In the event that everything is the other way around: you downloaded it for a 32-bit OS, but a 64-bit OS is installed, the program will be installed and will work.
Let's summarize. A 32-bit operating system does not use more than 3 GB of RAM, no matter how much is installed on the computer. And second, programs for 32-bit Windows operating systems will work normally in 64-bit ones, but not vice versa.
Now let's move on to the main topic of the article, and consider how to determine the bitness of the operating system Windows installed on your computer.
To find out the bitness of the Windows 7 operating system, on the Desktop, right-click on the “Computer” shortcut and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
If you don’t have such a shortcut, go to the “Start” menu and right-click on the “Computer” button there. Go to "Properties".
A window will open in which you will see all the basic information about the computer. The “System type” line will indicate the Windows bit depth.
If you need find out the bitness of the Windows 8 system, press the key combination “Ctrl+E”, the “Computer” window will open. Right-click on an empty space in it and go to “Properties”.
There is another way to open a window with basic system information. Press "Ctrl+I" to open the side pop-up panel. Select on it "Computer Information".
In the “System” window, the “System type” field will indicate the bit depth.
An article about that is already on the site. By following the link, you can familiarize yourself with it.
Most quick way, which will help you find out the bitness of the operating system - press the key combination Win+Pause. It works in all mentioned versions of Windows.
Now you know how to determine the bit depth of the Windows 7, 8, 10 operating system and can choose the right one software, applications and drivers that will correspond to it.
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Sooner or later, every user is faced with the question of the bit capacity of their own processor and operating system. Despite the fact that both are determined quite simply, the issue of choosing the bit depth of a new operating system is very confusing and primarily depends on the user’s requirements for his computer.
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit
The system bit depth, also sometimes called “bit depth,” does not necessarily have to correspond to the processor bit depth and modern computers has only two main types: 32 and 64.
Difference between architecture and bit depth
Despite the external similarity of the values 86 and 32, there is a big difference between them.
86 is a processor architecture, correctly written as x86, and defines the microinstruction set of the processor. The number 32 is the processor bit, which is correctly written as “32-bit”. It determines the register width of the processor.
Typically, the x86 architecture is 32-bit oriented, and the x64 architecture is 64-bit oriented. However, this statement is not always true. For example, there are 64-bit processors based on the x86 architecture and 32-bit processors based on a third, completely different architecture. But still, these cases are very rare and you can remember that x86 corresponds to 32 bits, and x64 is oriented to 64 bits.
Difference between x86 and x64
As mentioned above, the processor architecture mainly determines its bit depth, and the bit width determines the register width. The register width determines the amount of data to be processed at a time and the amount of RAM that the computer can use. A 32-bit register is capable of simultaneously interacting with 2 32 addresses (covers 2 32 bits of information flow, which is equal to 4 gigabytes), and a 64-bit register can interact with 2 64 (covers the previous information flow squared, which is impossible to implement even on the most powerful computers).
To make it clearer: the register width is like the throughput of an intersection, RAM is like the number of cars, and the processor is a traffic controller. A processor with x86 architecture can easily control an intersection with throughput 4 gigabytes - so many machines can be run on it. A processor with x64 architecture is theoretically capable of controlling an extremely large intersection. In computer language, this means that such a processor can provide correct operation computers not only of our own, but also of the future generation. At Windows installation there is a choice between x86 and x64
Thus, installing more than 4 gigabytes of RAM on a computer with an x86 processor will not lead to its practical expansion.
Despite the extremely large and unclaimed register width for 64-bit processors, creating an intermediate stage between a 32-bit and 64-bit processor is almost pointless. In general, there is not much difference in implementation complexity between the x86 and x64 architectures. It's just that when developing the 32-bit registry, which is still used by most programs, RAM amounts beyond 4 gigabytes seemed impossible, as 2 64 seem to be now.
How to choose the system bit size
Continuing the above allegory, we can say that the bit depth of the operating system determines what kind of intersection will be created.
All x64 processors support a 32-bit operating system as well as a 64-bit one, but x86 processors only support 32-bit systems.
If you have a processor with x86 architecture, then you have no choice. If you have an x64 architecture, it's worth installing a 64-bit system, even if you don't have 4 gigabytes of RAM. The reason for this choice is simple: most new programs and extensions are released exclusively for 64-bit systems, and 32-bit systems are unwittingly being forced out of the market.
In fact, 64-bit systems have only two significant advantages: support for more than 4 gigabytes of RAM and support for 64-bit operating software. All 32-bit programs are also supported without any difficulty.
Yes, positive points few, but almost no downsides. The only exception is if you are using some very old hardware that does not have a 64-bit driver. For example, 32-bit drivers that will not work on a 64-bit system.
The difference in performance between systems of different capacity is a myth. It arose for a reason different requirements operating systems, but they are purely conditional. In addition, some programs or games have settings that are only available on x64, which is why performance comparisons for different games arise on the Internet. If there are such functions or settings, then they are all disabled and in fact there is no difference.
Video: Differences between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems
How to find out the system capacity
Many users do not even suspect that they have been using a 64-bit system instead of 32 for a long time. This is very easy to check.
Checking through Computer Properties
Checking through the root directory
Checking via the command line
Video: how to find out the bitness of a Windows system
How to find out the processor bit depth
Before installing the 64-bit version, you should make sure that its installation is possible and find out the architecture of your processor.
Processor size on the command line
Find out the bit depth through the BIOS
Find out the bit depth via the Internet
Open any browser and type “find bit depth online.” Links to many sites will appear, go to any of them. The site will automatically detect the bit size of your processor.
The bit-processor website can automatically determine the bit size of your processor
Video: how to find out the processor bit depth
How to install a 64-bit system
All licensed editions and most torrent distributions include a 64-bit version of the operating system by default, and you will only need to select at the beginning of installation which option you want to install.
At the very beginning - before starting the installation - you will see a choice of bit depth.
The choice of bit depth at the very beginning of installation does not matter
At this point it doesn't matter what you choose. This is an overhead of your BIOS and all modern installers have a procedure that allows you to select the bit depth during the installation process.
If you have an installer with two versions, but at this stage there is no choice between bits, then you have an x86 architecture and installing the 64-bit version is impossible.
After this, there will be a short download of the installer, then the selection of the region and the stage of selecting the system bit size.
The choice of system architecture at the end of the installation will determine the capacity of the installed system
This choice will decide which version will be installed. Although the difference is represented by the choice between architectures, it is actually the system bit depth that is chosen. Select x86 - a 32-bit system is installed, select x64 - a 64-bit system is installed.
If you are unable to select a version or there is simply no choice, there are only two possible reasons: you downloaded the installer image with only one bit version or you have an x86 architecture and your computer does not support 64-bit systems.
Video: how to install a 64-bit system on Windows 7
IN Lately 64-bit systems are increasingly displacing their competitors, and processors with x86 architecture are moving to mobile devices. This is another step towards progress and you shouldn’t resist it.
What bit capacity does my computer have - 32 or 64? This question arises for every user trying to install Windows 7, add device drivers or install any program. We will not go into lengthy discussions about what bit depth is. It is enough to know that it comes in two types - 32 (sometimes x86 is used) and 64-bit. This number expresses the number of bits in the numbers processed by the processor. Knowing this parameter is necessary so that applications, games and the operating system itself install and work correctly.
Differences between x32 and x64
The main difference between 32-bit systems and 64-bit systems is the amount of memory supported. 32-bit systems only work with RAM up to 3.5 GB. Simply put, if you have, say, 8 GB of RAM, then only 3.5 GB will be used on the x32, and the rest will not give anything in terms of performance.
It is possible to flash the system when adding more RAM, but this is a rather complicated and unsafe procedure and is not recommended.
If you have more than 4 GB of RAM or are planning to increase it, then it is better to immediately install a 64-bit system.
Now let's see how to find out the system bit depth using the built-in Windows tools This information can be obtained from a number of sources, which you will learn in detail below.
View bit depth
In all versions of Windows, starting with XP, system information is written in the same places; The only difference is the order of access, but you will quickly figure out where to find the information you need.
Find the “Computer” shortcut – it’s on your desktop or in the Start menu. Right-click on it and open “Properties”. 
Look at the System Type field. It will contain the information you are interested in. By the way, if you pay attention to the address in Explorer, you will understand that you can also get to this information through the “Control Panel”. 
On a Windows 8.1 computer, you can view the bit depth using the sidebar. 
In it you need to click the “Settings” button, and then go to the “Computer Information” section.
Another easy way to find out the bit depth is to open the System Information window. You can find it using search string in the Start menu. 
In the window that appears system application Pay attention to the "Type" line. It will contain the information you are looking for.
If the methods described above do not work for you, try determining the bit depth using command line.
Remember that x86 is 32-bit Windows. In the command line window you will quickly find the information you need.
View on installation media
IN Windows environment It’s quite easy to see the bit depth. But how can you find out the bit depth of a system recorded on installation disk or flash drive? To do this, you need to open the media through “My Computer” and go to the “SOURCES” folder. There is a file called "idwbinfo.txt".
If you don't have installation media, and the ISO image with Windows distribution, then you can open it with free program UltraISO.
Inside text file There is information about the bit depth. If the “BuildArch” parameter is x64, then the system is 64-bit; if the value is x86 (x32) then it is 32-bit. 
If the distribution contains several Windows versions, then during installation you should see a selection menu. Specify the system of the required bit depth and continue the installation.