which is installed on your computer. However, the bitness of the processor does not always match the bitness of the processor. operating system. 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 Windows operating system.

In order to find out the bit depth of the Windows 7 (or Windows 8) operating system, you need to open a window with system properties. To do this, click right click mouse 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 the basic information about the computer, as well as find out the bit depth of the operating system.

You can find out the bitness of the Windows Xp operating system in exactly the same way as in the case of Windows 7. You need to right-click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. After that, 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 the bit depth is x64, it 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 Files folders on drive C. One of the folders is called "Program Files", and programs that run in 64-bit mode are installed outside. The second folder is called "Program Files (x86)" and programs that run in 32-bit mode are installed here.

You can also open the "Task Manager" under the "Processes" tab.

If the Processes tab has running processes marked "*32" means 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 benefits:

• Performance boost 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 your computer has 4 or more gigabytes installed, then you definitely need to install the 64-bit version of Windows.

At the same time, all 32-bit applications work fine 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.

More recently, a note was published on the site's blog to help those who are going to upgrade their computer or buy / assemble a new one. Namely, it talked about how much RAM a computer needs, depending on the tasks that are set in front: How much RAM do you need?

Our next note on the plan was an article about the support of various amounts of memory by the operating system - about the bitness of the operating system; that not all memory sizes are supported by all versions of Windows. Special thanks to all 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 was not enough. We need detailed material on this topic.

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

So, back to the main topic, to the bit depth of operating systems and to support various amounts of memory. Let's answer the question first:

What is bit depth in general?

Scientific definition: In computer science, the bitness 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 constituent parts computing, peripheral or measuring devices: computer data buses, processors, etc. The bitness of a computer is called the bitness of its machine word.(source - Wikipedia).

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

In fact, everything is not so simple, and in order to fully cover this issue and "scientifically" - no article is enough. Therefore, we will not delve into the course of PC architecture, but will touch on purely practical issues that we have to deal with and that are important for us - users.

And what about the amount of RAM?

There are two versions of the Windows operating system (at least for now - only two). It doesn’t matter what exactly we take from modern and relevant 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 - 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 it's useless, believe me. 🙂

The most important features and differences that directly relate to the user and which one has to face:

1. The maximum amount of RAM.
2. Bit depth of the operating system.
3. Processor capacity.

Here we will talk about this in more detail ...

The 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 can use is about 3.5 GB out of 4 GB. It cannot provide the rest of the volume for running programs. Of course, if you install 8 GB of memory into the computer, say, 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.

A 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 won’t be able to use such a large amount of available memory.

We considered, one might say, "extremes", up to 2 GB and 8 GB and more. But what about the golden mean? What if you already have it installed or plan to upgrade your storage to 4 GB? Is it necessary in this case 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 OS versions 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 occupied. For such file formats like music or video, it is not affected.

Install 64-bit versionWindows to make better use of 4 GB of memory, it makes no 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 get the missing memory, but you will immediately lose it for the reason that the 64-bit version requires more memory for itself. So the transition to 64 bits is relevant only with larger memory: 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 are the features of 64-bit Windows Vista /7?

Visually, none. Those. outwardly, this is a regular OS that does not stand out from the 32-bit version. You can determine whether it belongs to the 64-bit architecture only by going to the "system properties" item in the control panel - the bit depth is indicated there.

Technically, there are small differences. The first, in fact, is that a 64-bit OS "sees" large amounts of memory and can work with them. Second, it allows you to run 64-bit applications.

A 64-bit OS allows you to run regular 32-bit programs as well. 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 work. For example, so that some video editor can use more than 4 GB of available memory in its work.

For example, Adobe has stated that modern applications Adobe CS5 series will be 64-bit only. This means that, say, Photoshop CS5, Dreamweaver CS5 etc. can only run on a 64-bit system. On a 32-bit OS, they simply won't run. Why?

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

The next technical point - 64-bit OS requires 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 attached installation disk - 32 and 64-bit. Therefore, there will be no problems with modern devices - as usual, insert the driver disk into the drive and start the installation, the installer will determine the version of Windows itself and launch the appropriate driver.

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 obsolete equipment.

ALWAYS check for 64-bit versions of ALL required drivers BEFORE you start installing the 64-bit version of Windows!

Processor speed.

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

64-bit software can be determined without difficulty. On the packaging in system requirements, as a rule, it is indicated that this program 64-bit. The same may be indicated separately on the packaging.

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

Here is an example: my license box Windows version Vista Ultimate. The set includes two installation disks - 32 and 64-bit versions of the OS:

Ignore the "English language" 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 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.

There are several basic concepts that distinguish operating systems with different bit depths:

1 64-bit Windows variant formally looks like the previous version. However, users with multi-core processors may notice a speed boost while working with new applications.

2 x32 - a system that allows you to work only with a maximum of four gigabytes of RAM. But x64 makes it possible to use larger volumes, up to 192 GB. It turns out that people who have more RAM installed simply get access to additional resources, which speeds up the work of individual programs and the entire system as a whole.

3 Be sure to remember that not all manufacturers have tried to create drivers for 64-bit systems. And this can become a serious problem while the computer is running. It is best to search and download before reinstalling the OS on the equipment manufacturer's website necessary files. Otherwise, many programs, and the equipment itself, will not work correctly, constantly creating problems.



4 However, most of the most popular applications developed for x32 fully perform their functionality on x64, including drivers.

5 With a small amount of memory, 64-bit versions of Windows usually do not work well, with some programs “slowing down”.
By and large, if four or less gigabytes of RAM are installed on the computer, switch to new version doesn't make sense.

Bit change. Can it be done quickly?( )

After many users get acquainted with the clear benefits of a 64-bit operating system, they want to know how to change Windows to a more convenient one. This is done relatively simply - you need to completely reinstall the shell, choosing the appropriate version. In the same way, there is a return to the previous version of the OS.

In order to install a 64-bit version of the OS on a computer that is already running Windows x32, you need to download workstation using an installation disk or flash drive with a system of the desired bit depth.

If you do not have an installation disk or flash drive, then you can download my free mini-course on

If the device cannot work with this type of shell, a boot manager error message will appear. In addition, a window will pop up asking you to insert a disk with 32-bit software.

The data migration tool cannot move information between operating systems with different bitness. Therefore, you first need to place all the files on a portable device.

Processor Bitness( )



We have already found out that the choice of an operating system directly depends on two main parameters - the amount of RAM and the processor capacity. If the first can be viewed on the “System” tab, then the second is more difficult.

There are many programs in Windows, the most convenient and popular of which is CPU-Z. It is completely free and intuitive - even a beginner can figure it out.

After installation, launch the application and on the tab " CPU (CPU)» looking for a field « Specification (Specification)”, where the necessary information will be indicated.

Usually, after acquiring a computer, people think about what Windows is better use 32 or 64 bit. Below is detailed information how the user can accurately decide what is best for him Windows computer 32 or Windows 64. Careful approach at this stage of setting up your PC will avoid unnecessary labor and time reinstalling the system in the future, as well as ensure optimal performance of your existing computer.

Main differences

Windows uses x86 and x64 processor architectures that determine the length of addresses and data types supported by the OS. Thus, the main difference between 32 and 64-bit OS is the amount of RAM that Windows sees, i.e. if in a 32-bit OS it is possible to use no more than 4 Gb of RAM, then in a 64-bit OS this value reaches 192 Gb.

Now almost all manufactured processors have support for both architectures, and basically on modern computers, after installation, both 32 and 64-bit Windows will function using x64 or x86 processor instructions. However, when it comes to older PCs, installing 64-bit Windows on it is neither possible nor advisable. Therefore, 32-bit operating systems are still very common among users.

What's better?

32-bit Windows is not able to use even the entire amount of 4 Gb of RAM, since most system devices use certain part space.

Although the 64-bit OS has some advantages, it is not without drawbacks.

The main advantages of a 64-bit system include the following:

1. Allows you to use all the available RAM;
2. Most tasks are carried out at a much faster speed.

And the main disadvantage of 64-bit is that it requires more memory, which increases the amount of RAM used by programs.

It turns out that it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer and it is required to consider each specific case separately. For example, a person has a computer with the following parameters:

1. Motherboard: "ASRock FM2A88X PRO3+";
2. Processor supporting: "x86-x64";
3. RAM: "4 GB".

Thus, we basically have a good set of modern equipment, and the RAM can be easily increased over time. In this case, both versions of Windows are suitable, which will successfully function with this configuration, but if you install, for example, 32-bit Windows 7, then after expanding the RAM, the OS will not be able to use it in full (limited to 4 GB).

As a result, the user will have to reinstall his Seven. That is, we can make an unambiguous conclusion that it is advisable to immediately install 64-bit Windows 7.

We find out the bitness of the installed Windows

In order to determine this in Windows XP, you need to do a few simple steps:

To find out this parameter for Windows 7, you need to perform several steps:

You can find out the bitness of Windows 10 by doing the following:

Performance Differences

The performance of 32 and 64-bit Windows differs:

1. The best increase in this indicator in 64-bit Windows XP, Vista and Seven can only be achieved by using optimized 64-bit modifications of applications, for example, computer toys. And if used simple programs without optimization to 64-bit, there will be no increase in speed;
2. When running most programs, there is no significant performance increase after expanding the available RAM to more than 3Gb. The list of some exceptions included only special graphic programs or for a video utility. Of course, the number of such utilities is growing every day. Therefore, for example, for design professionals or for video editing, the use of a 64-bit OS is quite justified.

How to determine the hardware capabilities of a computer?

An important criterion is the ability to work with the main element of the PC - the processor with 64-bit commands, and in order to determine what is necessary, take the following sequential steps:

You can also find out the supported bit depth using special programs. For example, which is available for download on the Internet page "www.cpuid.com". If you open the program, the following window will appear:

In the "CPU" tab, you need to study the "Instructions" section. For example, if “x86-x64” is written here, then installation of both versions of Windows is available on the computer.

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

Not many computer users have heard that Windows has some degree x32, x64 and x86 and even fewer users really know what it is, where to get it / change it and why it is needed. Even a certain number of myths are associated with these bits.

While browsing the Internet the other day, I noticed an interesting thing - there is quite a bit of intelligible information on this issue, which actually prompted me to write this article.

Introductory about Windows bit depth

I'll start, perhaps, with the fact that the bit depths of Windows So far there are two: 32 -bit and 64 -bit, i.e. distributions are divided into x32 and x64 respectively. What's up x86 is nothing more than a designation 32 -x bit version (i.e. if you see x86 then know what it's about x32). Why two names are absolutely not clear, but know that if you not installed specially 64 -bit operating system, then your Windows It has 32 -x bit capacity.

However, just in case, you can see the bit depth in the system in the simplest way: we find a shortcut" My computer", click on it with the right mouse button and select the properties item (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 see how distributions and bit depth differ Windows x32 from Windows x64 and is it worth switching to 64 -bit.

Note: not only the system, but also programs (and drivers) have bit depth, i.e., there are 32 -bit and 64 -bit, and therefore, following the text below, can see and use either limited quantity memory, or all.

Is it worth changing the 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 at the same time 64 -bit, and 32 -bit applications, while the traditional x32 can only address 4 GB memory, run only 32 -bit programs for which only 3 GB(to put it simply, even if the computer 4 GB(or more) memory, then 32 -bit system will display and work only with 3 -mya, and the rest of the memory will simply be idle, because neither the system nor the programs will simply see it).

U version x64 the situation is different: for 32 -bit apps are all available 4 (and more) GB , and for 64 -bit applications 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 terms, this is how it is. The rest is a bunch of technical and not very details, which, 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 (it’s up to you to decide) to switch to x64.

Which bit depth of Windows to choose and why

Go. All the "pros" and "cons" of the transition 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 and bonuses in it, however, people with multi-core processors may experience a performance boost when using such a system and 64 -bit applications in it (which, however, is far from relevant for everyone and not always);
• x64 able to see and work with RAM 4 and more GB. But x32 sees only 3 GB, even if physically the RAM sticks cost more. That is, people who have a large amount of memory in the computer will get more performance on 64 -bit system and less problems with lack of RAM;
• Not for all computers and hardware in it, manufacturers have released 64 -bit versions of drivers, which can be a problem when switching to such a system. Check the availability of drivers on the website of the manufacturers of the motherboard, video card, etc., it is possible that you simply cannot migrate from 32 -discharge system;
• Majority x32 apps work great x64 systems, but not vice versa;
• Formally, the meaning of the transition is mainly in the amount of memory on board the computer. If less 4 GB, then it makes almost no sense to go. If more (or want to bet 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 amount of memory and, sometimes, improved performance for multi-cores definitely rules.