This means a 64-bit system. Windows bit depth: what is x86 and x64? Which Windows bit depth should you choose and why?

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 random access memory, then only 3.5 GB will be used on x32, the rest of the volume 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 become familiar with 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. Click on it right click 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 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 size of the system recorded on the 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 your distribution contains multiple versions of Windows, you should be presented with a selection menu during installation. Specify the system of the required bit depth and continue the installation.

Greetings, dear friends. Today we’ll talk, as you understand from the title, about Windows bit depth .

Not many computer users have heard that Windows has a certain bit depth - x32, x64 and x86 and even fewer users actually know what it is, where to get it/change it and why it is needed. There are even a number of myths associated with these bit depths.

While surfing the internet the other day I noticed interesting thing- there is very little intelligible information on this issue, which actually prompted me to write this article.

Introductory information about Windows bit depth

Let me start, perhaps, with the fact that the bit depths Windows as of today there are two: 32 -bit and 64 -bit, i.e. distributions are divided into x32 And x64 respectively. As for x86- this is nothing more than a designation 32 -x bit version (i.e. if you see x86, then know what we are talking about x32). Why two names are absolutely not clear, but know that if you Not installed specifically 64 -bit operating system, then your Windows It has 32 -x bit depth.

However, just in case, you can see the bit depth in the system in the simplest way: find the shortcut" My computer", right-click on it and select properties (the screenshot below is relevant for Windows 7, in case of Windows XP the window will be slightly different, but the meaning is the same):

Let's figure out how distributions and bit depth differ Windows x32 from Windows x64 and is it worth switching to 64 -bat.

Note: not only the system, but also programs (and drivers) have a bit depth, that is, there are 32 -bit and 64 -bit, and therefore, following the text below, can see and use either a limited amount of memory or all of it.

Is it worth exchanging awl for soap and vice versa?

The main and perhaps the only difference x64 from x32 is that the version x64 can work with memory up to 32 GB and run simultaneously and 64 -bit, and 32 -bit applications, while traditional x32 can only address up to 4 GB memory, run only 32 -bit programs for which only 3 GB(to put it simply, even if on the computer 4 GB(and more) memory, then 32 -bit system will display and work only with 3 -me, and the rest of the memory will simply remain idle, because neither the system nor the programs will simply see it).

Version x64 the situation is different: for 32 -bit applications are all available 4 (and more) GB , and for 64 -bit applications are generally all the RAM that is physically installed in the computer. I repeat that 64 -bit system can run both applications, but not vice versa.

IN general outline like this. The rest is a bunch of technical and not very detailed details that, in general, you don’t really need to know, and therefore I’ll simply give some results that will explain why it’s worth/not worth (it’s up to you to decide anyway) to switch to x64.

Which Windows bit depth should you choose and why?

Go. All the pros and cons of switching to bit depth Windows x64:

64 -bit version Windows, formally looks and feels exactly the same as a regular 32 -bit, i.e. there are no special innovations or bonuses in it, however, people with multi-core processors can experience an increase in productivity when using such a system and 64 -bit applications in it (which, however, is not relevant for everyone and not always);
x64 able to see and work with RAM 4 and more GB. And here x32 only sees 3 GB, even if physically the RAM strips cost more. That is, people who have a large amount of memory in their computer will get more performance for 64 -bit system and fewer problems with insufficient RAM;
Not for all computers and hardware in it, manufacturers have released 64 - bit versions of drivers, which can become a problem when switching to such a system. Check the availability of drivers on the website of the manufacturers of motherboards, video cards, etc., it is possible that you simply will not be able to migrate from 32 -discharge system;
Majority x32 applications work great in x64 systems, but not vice versa;
Formally, the meaning of the transition mainly lies in the amount of memory on board the computer. If less 4 GB, then there is almost no point in crossing. If it’s more (or you want to put more), then it’s worth it. Naturally, for most systems, applications and games, the rule “The more memory, the better” is relevant. Why? Read in my article ""
My opinion is clear x64, because a large number of memory and, sometimes, improved performance for multi-cores, definitely rules.

Briefly something like this.

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How to find out the bitness of Windows

I already said above how to look at the bit depth, however, just in case, I’ll tell you one more way (relevant for Windows XP):

Click " Start- Execute."
Type in the window that opens: winmsd.exe and press the button OK.
In the details pane, in the column " Element"find item" Type". If the system is 32-bit, then the item " Type"will make a difference" X86 based computer"If the system 64 -bit, then point " Type"will make a difference" Itanium-based computer".

This was an option for those who used the method above, but the bit depth is not determined or not specified.

Afterword

Something like this. I hope that now you know about Windows bit depth, if not all, then much more than before.

In general, I am a supporter of progress, and everything is clearly moving towards a complete transition to x64 systems and applications. And this is good, because the more memory and the faster it is, along with the processor, the higher the performance and the more comfortable it is to work.

Perhaps, like this. If you have any other questions, write in the comments;)

PS: My articles on the topic of nimbleness x64-systems here: " " and here: " ".

I was once very confused when I saw x86 or x64 in the description of programs and could not understand why, if for 64-bit they indicate x64, then for 32-bit x86, and not x32. The latter should be much more familiar and logical, and x86 is not only impossible to remember, this figure defies logic: mathematically 86 is more than 64, but in reality it turns out to be half as much. In this way, you can even make a riddle from the numbers “x86 x64 x32”. But in fact...

x86 is equal to x32, and also equal to x64

With all this confusion, in reality everything turns out to be simple and, as always, the mistake goes to those authors who write a combination of x86 and x64 together. This is simply wrong, despite the fact that almost everyone writes this way.

The fact is that x86 is a microprocessor architecture and hardware platform that is applicable to thirty-two bit and sixty-four bit programs. The name x86 is derived from the name of the first intel processor i8086 and a number of subsequent ones, in which 86 was always added at the end. After some time, the digital designations of new processors began to be replaced by names, so the public learned about Pentium and Celeron, but the x86 platform has not changed to this day.

There are two meanings, but three symbols? x86, x32 and x64 - how to write correctly?

And if x86 is the architecture of the processor, then x32 and x64 are its bit capacity - the address space, as well as the amount of information that the processor can process in one clock cycle.

When they write about program compatibility by indicating x86 bit depth, implying a 32-bit platform, this is incorrect and only misleading. It is correct to specify x86_32bit or x86_64bit. Or the intuitive abbreviated x32 or x64.

So we can summarize: now x86 is indicated in the old fashioned way (even Microsoft is guilty of this), when this platform was singular and no one knew 64-bit yet. When the x64 platform appeared, they began to indicate it as is, but the previous 32-bit platform remained in most cases as x86. And now it is not relevant, it is wrong and it confuses those who do not understand the essence. And now you understand it. :)

x32 or x64? What to choose? What's better?

Very often the question arises: should I choose an x32 or x64 operating system? That is, thirty-two bit or sixty-four bit?
This question is rhetorical, theoretical and controversial. Obviously x64 is better, but not always and not if you use Windows. No, any Windows x64 works a little faster than Windows x32, but only if you have all the programs and all the drivers for a 64-bit system. Very often, if the computer is modern, everything system drivers He usually has accessories for it. But the problem then lies in the programs and especially video and audio codecs. Something will definitely not happen. And if thirty-two-bit programs can run on an x64 system, then drivers and codecs for it are also required x64. Year after year this problem disappears, but it has not yet been completely dispelled. There are no such problems with x32 systems, and it is better to choose one for your home.
p.s. before 2010 there really was a dilemma of choosing 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. The reasons are described in the paragraph above. Five years have passed since then and this problem is no longer observed. Of course, it is better to install 64-bit without even thinking about it, unless, of course, there are some special important reasons in favor of 32-bit.

Quite recently, a note was published on the site’s blog to help those who are planning to update their computer or buy/assemble a new one. Namely, it talked about how much RAM a computer needs, depending on the tasks it faces: How much RAM do you need?

Our next note according to the plan was an article about support for various amounts of memory by the operating system - about the bit capacity of the operating system; that not all memory sizes are supported by all versions of Windows. Special thanks to all the readers who mentioned the topic of bit depth in the comments on the blog: after reading them, I realized that a short blog post on this topic is not enough. Needed detailed material about this theme.

That is why it was decided to write an article (educational education, if you will) on this issue and post it here on ITexpertPortal.com - in the archive of free training materials and articles on important topics in computer literacy.

So, let's return to the main topic, the bit depth of operating systems and support for different amounts of memory. First let's answer the question:

What is bit depth anyway?

Scientific definition: In computer science, the bit capacity of an electronic (in particular, peripheral) device or bus is the number of bits (bits) simultaneously processed by this device or transmitted by this bus. The term applies to components computing, peripheral or measuring devices: computer data buses, processors, etc. The bit depth of a computer is the bit depth of its machine word.(source - Wikipedia).

I think everything is simple and clear. Bit capacity is the ability to simultaneously process a certain number of bits, to put it simply.

In fact, everything is not so simple, and no article is enough to cover this issue completely and “scientifically”. Therefore, we will not delve into the course of PC architecture, but will touch upon purely practical issues that we have to deal with and that are important to us, the users.

What does the amount of RAM have to do with it?

There are two versions of the Windows operating system (according to at least so far - only two). It doesn’t matter what exactly we take from modern and current systems: XP, Vista or 7.
All these systems exist in two versions - 32-bit and 64-bit. For example:

Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (or x86 - equivalent designations)
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit ( or x64 - equivalent designations)
Windows Vista Ultimate x86 (x86 - this is the designation for the 32-bit version)
Windows Visa Ultimate x64 (respectively - 64-bit version)

Of course, there are architectural differences between 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows. You can talk about them for a long time, but there is no point, believe me. 🙂

The most important features and differences that directly affect the user and which he has to deal with:

1. Maximum amount of RAM.
2. Bit size of the operating system.
3. Processor capacity.

This is what we will talk about in more detail...

Maximum amount of RAM.

A 32-bit operating system can address (i.e., can use, "see") no more than 4 GB of RAM. This is the most important difference, and the most significant. If your computer has, say, 2 GB installed, then a 32-bit operating system works fine with that amount.

If you install 4 GB of memory and run a 32-bit OS, then it simply will not see such a volume. All she will be able to use is approximately 3.5 GB of the 4 GB. It cannot provide the remaining volume for running programs. Of course, if you install, say, 8 GB of memory into your computer, and at the same time remain on a 32-bit system, then it will also not see more than 3.5 GB of the total installed volume.

The 64-bit operating system can work with much larger amounts of memory - up to 192 GB (for Windows 7). Those. if you, say, wanted to install 8 GB of memory, then you definitely need to switch to a 64-bit OS, otherwise you simply will not be able to use such a large amount of available space.

We considered, so to speak, the “extremes”, up to 2 GB and 8 GB and more. What about the golden mean? What if you already have it installed or plan to upgrade the memory to 4GB? In this case, is it necessary to switch to a 64-bit OS so that the computer can use not 3.3, but all 4 GB of memory?

Not everything is so simple... 64-bit versions of the OS use noticeably more memory. All variables are no longer 32-bit, but 64-bit. Typically this increases the size of applications by 20-40%, which leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of memory consumed. For such file formats, like music or video, it has no effect.

Install 64-bit versionWindows, to make better use of 4 GB of memory does not make sense, even if the 32-bit version only recognizes up to 3.5 GB of memory. The problem lies in the fact that you will receive the missing memory, but immediately lose it because the 64-bit version requires more memory. So the transition to 64 bits is only relevant for memory larger volume: 6, 8 GB or more.

So, if you decide to install a lot of memory, and here a 64-bit OS is definitely needed, then you may be interested in the question:

What features does 64-bit Windows Vista/7 have?

Visually - none. Those. Externally, it is a regular OS, no different from the 32-bit version. You can determine whether it belongs to a 64-bit architecture only by going to the “system properties” item in the control panel - the bit depth is indicated there.

Technically, there are slight differences. The first thing is that the 64-bit OS “sees” large amounts of memory and knows how to work with them. Secondly, it allows you to run 64-bit applications.

The 64-bit OS allows you to run regular 32-bit programs. In the usual way, no settings are required for this. Everything as usual. It’s just that a 64-bit system has a subsystem for executing 32-bit applications. Therefore, you can successfully install and work with both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

Now there are few such x64 applications, although their number is constantly growing. This is especially true for resource-intensive programs - graphic and video editors, and so on. Those. all programs that primarily need large amounts of memory available for operation. For example, so that some video editor can use more than 4 GB of available memory.

For example, Adobe stated that modern applications Adobe CS5 series - there will be only 64-bit. This means that, say, Photoshop CS5, Dreamweaver CS5 and so on. will only be able to run on a 64-bit system. They simply won't run on a 32-bit OS. Why?

Because 32-bit applications can run on a 64-bit OS, but not vice versa!

Next technical point — 64-bit OS require 64-bit drivers. As a rule, all modern (not older than two years) PC devices, laptops and peripherals have two versions of drivers on the included installation disk - 32 and 64-bit. Therefore, with modern devices There will be no problems - as usual, we insert the disk with the driver into the drive and start the installation, the installer itself will determine the version of Windows and launch the driver corresponding to the bit size.

If there is no disk or it does not have a 64-bit driver, you need to visit the official website of the developer specific device to download such a driver. The same applies to outdated equipment.

BE SURE to check for 64-bit versions of ALL necessary drivers even BEFORE you start installing the 64-bit version of Windows!

Processor capacity.

Where to get/how to identify 64-bit applications?

64-bit software can be determined without difficulty. The system requirements on the packaging usually indicate that this program 64-bit. This may also be indicated separately on the packaging.

If you purchase some software via the Internet, then its 64-bit architecture is also indicated.

Here's an example: my license boxed version Windows Vista Ultimate. Includes two installation disk— 32 and 64-bit OS versions:

Don't pay attention to the "English language" in in this case, it's just that the OS was purchased in the United States.

But this is in this case - Vista Ultimate (only Ultimate) was delivered this way, in two versions. As a rule, the same Windows, for example (or any other program) is sold OR 32-bit OR 64-bit, as indicated on the box, as I already mentioned.

This is where the differences and features of 64-bit Windows operating systems that are significant for the user end.

Otherwise, everything is exactly the same as on the usual 32-bit Windows XP/Vista/7.

Some users are looking for an answer to the question of how to switch from 32 to 64 bits in the Windows operating system. The fact is that starting with Windows 7, it began to release editions of the system simultaneously in 32 bit (x86) and 64 bit (x64) versions of the operating system.

Previously, the Windows operating system was 32-bit. Gradually, with the development of processor architecture, it became possible to support a 64-bit system (it started with Windows release XP Professional x64 Edition).

Currently, computer manufacturers ( desktop computers, laptops), mainly 64-bit Windows operating systems are installed on manufactured devices, because all modern central processors support x64 instruction sets.

Microsoft provides the ability to change a 32-bit system to a 64-bit one bit Windows. When changing the system bit depth, Windows activation will not fail, because the license does not depend on the bitness of the operating system.

Main differences between 32 bit Windows and 64 bit Windows

The Windows operating system has two bit versions: 32-bit and 64-bit, which are designated 32-bit (x86). 64-bit (x64).

A 64-bit system processes large volumes of calculations more efficiently than a 32-bit OS. In Windows 64-bit, resource-intensive applications spend less time running than in a similar 32-bit system. The system works faster when simultaneous work several applications.

The main difference, besides the increase overall performance, is support for working with a certain amount memory. In the 32-bit version of Windows, due to the nature of the system architecture, only less than 4 GB of RAM installed on the computer is used.

If your Windows x86 computer has up to 3 GB of RAM, the operating system uses all available memory. If the PC has 4 GB of memory installed, then the system will use a little more than 3 GB of RAM. Even with shared RAM (RAM) of 6 GB, 8 GB, etc. on Windows 32-bit, there will still be only less than 4 GB of memory available.

On 64-bit Windows this problem does not exist because similar system supports up to 16 TB of RAM, sufficient for any modern computer configuration.

Running applications on the Windows operating system different types(x86 and x64) has differences:

in Windows x64 you can install 64 and 32 bit programs (64 bit applications, by default, are installed in the folder Program Files, and 32 bit in the Program Files (x86) folder on system disk);
In Windows x86, only 32-bit programs are installed, and installation of 64-bit applications is not supported.

Most programs created for Windows support 32-bit. These applications can be installed on a computer with any bit depth, they will work, provided that the program supports a certain version of Windows (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.).

IN Lately Many application developers produce two types of programs: for 32 and 64 bit systems. Therefore, it makes sense to install programs on your computer in accordance with the bitness of the operating system. 64-bit applications run more efficiently than 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows.

With these considerations in mind, all that remains is to find out how to switch from 32 bits to 64. But it’s not that simple.

Prerequisite for migrating Windows from 32 bit to 64 bit

Is it possible to change a 32 bit system to a 64 bit Windows? Yes, this is possible, but when changing the system bit depth, there are nuances. Without meeting certain conditions, it will not be possible to change from 32 bit to a 64 bit system.

The main condition for switching to a different bit system: support for 64-bit instructions by the central processing unit (CPU) installed on the computer. Without this condition, installing 64-bit Windows on a PC will not be possible.

How to determine the bit depth of the Windows operating system, what bit capacity is supported by the processor installed on the computer? The easiest way to determine this is using the operating system. To determine the processor parameters in terms of 64-bit support, you can use third party applications, for example, etc.

The main differences between the type of processors, depending on the support of instructions for the corresponding bit depth (x86 and x64):

x64 processor - supports installation of 64 and 32 bit Windows on a computer.
x86 processor - only a 32-bit version of Windows can be installed on the computer.

It follows that the 32-bit version of Windows can be installed on any computer (subject to minimum requirements to PC equipment), and 64-bit Windows is installed only on computers with 64-bit processors.

For installation 64 bit Windows The computer must have at least 2 GB of RAM.

You can find out the type of processor on your computer by following the instructions below for the operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (Windows 8), Windows 7.

How to find out whether a processor supports x64 instructions in Windows 10

To find out whether the processor installed on your computer supports 64-bit instructions in the Windows 10 operating system, follow these steps:

On the Desktop, click on the “This PC” (My Computer) icon. If this icon is not on the Desktop of your computer, use this method to return the “My Computer” icon to the Desktop.
In the opened context menu select Properties.
In the "System" window (View basic information about your computer), in the "System" section, in the "System type" parameter, you will see the operating system bit type and processor instruction type support.

In this case, the designation: “x64 processor” means that CPU supports installation of a 64-bit operating system (Windows 10 64-bit is installed on the computer).

How to find out whether your processor supports 64-bit Windows 8.1 (Windows 8)

On Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 operating system, do the following:

Move your mouse cursor to the lower right corner of the screen, select "Options".
The System window will display “View basic information about your computer.” In the parameters “System” => “System type”, the bit depth of Windows and what bit capacity the central processor supports are indicated.

On this computer 32-bit Windows 8.1 OS is installed, the PC has a processor with support for x64 instructions. You can install 64-bit Windows 8.1 on this system.

How to find out if the processor is 64-bit supported in Windows 7 or not

On Windows 7 operating system, do the following:

Right-click on the Computer icon (My Computer) on your Desktop.
From the context menu, select Properties.
In the View basic information about your computer window, click on Windows Experience Index.

In the "Assess and improve your computer performance" window, click on "Display and print detailed information about your computer and system performance."
In the “Performance Meters and Tools” window that opens, in the “Additional information about your computer” section, in the “System” parameter, opposite the “64-bit support” item, “Yes” or “No” will be written.

The computer has a 32-bit operating system, the processor supports 64-bit OS. This computer supports the upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit.

Pros and cons of switching to 64-bit Windows

Before changing the system type from 32 bit to 64 bit, you need to weigh all the pros and cons this decision. At first glance, it seems that the benefit of changing the system bit depth is obvious, but not everything is so simple.

The main advantages of a 64-bit operating system:

Using the entire amount of RAM (more than 4 GB) installed on the computer.
More high speed operation of the system and programs.

The main disadvantages of a 64-bit operating system:

The system and applications consume more RAM.
Lack of x64 drivers for legacy hardware.

Most users, after Windows shifts 32 bit to 64 bit system, they want to get a benefit in computer performance. In modern games, in heavy graphics applications The most optimal use of computer resources is realized in a 64-bit system. Therefore, many users are interested in switching due to computer games, programs that only work on Windows with 64 bits, etc.

If it's enough modern computer there is more than 4 GB of RAM, and due to some misunderstanding it has 32 bit installed Windows version, it obviously makes sense to switch to a 64-bit system.

Users of computers with outdated hardware and 2-4 GB of memory need to weigh everything carefully. In most cases, play modern games or you won’t be able to use “heavy” programs due to lack of memory. The system and running programs will take up more space in the computer memory than similar applications in 32 bit Windows. Weak processor will not have a positive effect. In some cases, 64 bit system will run slower on your computer than 32 bit Windows.

Please note that the drivers required for normal operation computer equipment. Download drivers from the manufacturer's website in advance. If this is not possible, to install the necessary drivers after installing the system, use specialized programs, for example, etc.

Depending on the hardware, drivers may support both bits, or it may be necessary separate driver for each bit level.

How to switch from 32 bit to 64 bit Windows

To switch to a 64-bit system, there is only one option: pure transfer Windows installation with loss of data on the system disk. The procedure is as follows:

Download the operating system to your computer Windows system, 64-bit. Read where you can download the original Windows image 10, Windows1, Windows 7.
Create bootable USB flash drive or burn the system image to DVD.
Turn on the computer, before booting the system, enter the BIOS (UEFI), select to boot bootable media with Windows.
Install the operating system on your computer.
After the system installation is complete, install the necessary drivers.

When installing the operating system, pay attention to two points:

In one of the installation windows you need to select the appropriate Windows edition suitable bit depth (multi-images of Windows are now common, including systems in one image different editions, of different bit depth).
In the "Select installation type" window, select "Custom: Windows installation only (for experienced users)" in Windows 10 or in Windows1, or " Full installation (Extra options) in Windows 7.

After installation is complete, Windows 10 64-bit will appear on your computer.

Conclusions of the article

It is possible to change a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit Windows within the same edition. For a successful transition, the computer must have a processor that supports x64 instructions and sufficient RAM.