How to find out 64 bit support. How to find out the bitness of the operating system and processor in Windows
First, let's figure out what the bit depth (bit depth) of an architecture is.
The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (CPU) processes information. 64-bit Windows handles large volumes random access memory(RAM) is more efficient than a 32-bit system. Wikipedia has 2 pages about 32 (x86) and 64 bit architecture:
- 32 (x86) - a processor architecture with the same instruction set, first implemented in Intel processors.
The name is derived from the two numbers that ended the names Intel processors early models - 8086, 80186, 80286 (i286), 80386 (i386), 80486 (i486). During its existence, the set of commands has constantly expanded, maintaining compatibility with previous generations.
Besides Intel architecture was also implemented in processors from other manufacturers: AMD, VIA, Transmeta, IDT, etc. Currently, there is another name for the 32-bit version of the architecture - IA-32 (Intel Architecture - 32).
- 64 - 64-bit extension, instruction set, for the x86 architecture, developed by AMD, allowing programs to run in 64-bit mode.
It is an extension of the x86 architecture with almost complete backward compatibility. Microsoft and Oracle use the term "x64" to refer to this instruction set, but the file directory for the architecture in Microsoft Windows distributions is called "amd64" (cf. "i386" for the x86 architecture).
The x86-64 instruction set is currently supported:
- AMD - Z-series processors (for example, AMD Z-03), C-series (for example, AMD C-60), G-series (for example, AMD T56N), E-series (for example, AMD E-450), E1 , E2, A4, A6, A8, A10, FX, Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom, Phenom II, Turion 64, Turion 64 X2, Turion II, Opteron, FX, latest models Sempron;
- Intel (with minor simplifications) called "Intel 64" (previously known as "EM64T" and "IA-32e") in later models Pentium processors 4, as well as in Pentium D, Pentium Extreme Edition, Celeron D, Celeron G-series, Celeron B-series, Pentium Dual-Core, Pentium T-series, Pentium P-series, Pentium G-series, Pentium B-series, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme , Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Atom (not all) and Xeon;
- VIA - Nano, Eden, QuadCore processors.
Yes, all this is difficult to understand. I’ll explain in my own words, the 64-bit OS architecture is an improved 32 (86) bit architecture. It has newer instruction sets for calculations and can also work with large volumes random access memory. If we take the Windows OS family, then a 32-bit OS can actually handle only 3.2 gigabytes of RAM, and 64 theoretically up to 4 terabytes. What does this tell us?
What to choose: 32 or 64?
About the fact that it is advisable to install the OS based on the amount of RAM. For example, if you have 3GB of RAM or less, it is better for you to install a 32-bit system, and if you have more than 3GB, it is better to install a 64-bit system. But don't forget about what processor you have. In our service, we have long noticed that if the processor has low frequency(from 1 to 2.4 GHz), then on a 64-bit OS the computer runs slowly, even if it has 4 or more GB of RAM installed. According to our service, it is better to install 32-bit systems and no more than 4GB of RAM on such computers. Besides large manufacturers laptops with low-frequency processors are also installed with 32-bit systems from the factory, even with 4GB of memory. Installing the 64-bit version of Windows requires a processor that can run 64-bit Windows. Benefits of using 64-bit operating system are especially obvious when working with large amounts of random access memory (RAM), such as 4 GB or more. In such cases, a 64-bit operating system handles large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit system. A 64-bit operating system works faster when running multiple programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. In any case, what to install is up to you, and we will answer your questions below.
How can I tell if my computer has 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?
To use Windows or determine which version of Windows your computer is running (32-bit or 64-bit), follow these steps.
Open the System component. To do this, click the Start button, click right click Click Computer and select Properties. In Windows 8, open Control Panel and go to System.
In the System section, you can view the system type.
If the computer is running Windows control XP, follow these steps.
If the window that appears does not say “x64 Edition,” your computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows XP.
If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows XP.
Click the Start button.
How can I determine if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?
For a computer to run a 64-bit version of Windows, it must have a 64-bit processor. To find out if your processor supports 64-bit computing in Windows, follow these steps:
- In search type MSINFO, or
On Windows, select the Display and Print option detailed information about computer performance and system.
Open the Performance Counters and Tools section. To do this, click the Start button and select the Control Panel component (in 8 we immediately go to the Control Panel). In the search box, type Performance Counters and Tools, and then select Performance Counters and Tools from the list of results.
Perform one of the following actions.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you are using (under System Type) and whether you can use a 64-bit version of Windows (under 64-bit support). (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, the 64-bit support section does not appear.)
To determine whether a computer running Windows XP can run the 64-bit version of Windows, follow these steps:
If the System section says "x64 Edition", the processor supports running a 64-bit version of Windows.
If there is no "x64 Edition" label, the processor may also be compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. To pinpoint this possibility, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Windows 7 migration advisor.
Click the Start button.
Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Can I upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows, or move from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows?
If you want to migrate from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows or vice versa, you should back up your files and select full installation Windows. Then you need to restore files and reinstall programs.
Notes
To install the 64-bit version of Windows on a computer running 32-bit Windows, you will need to boot the computer using the 64-bit Windows installation disc or files.
If a computer that boots with a 64-bit version of Windows installation disc or files does not support that version of Windows, a manager error message will be displayed Windows boot. Instead you will need to use installation disk or 32-bit Windows files.
Transfer Tool Windows data does not move files from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows. If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you will need to manually transfer the files to external media.
Can I run 32-bit programs and drivers on a 64-bit computer?
Most programs created for 32-bit Windows versions, will also work on 64-bit versions of Windows. Some antiviruses are exceptions.
Device drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows. If you try to install a printer or other device with a 32-bit driver, it will not work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.
Can I run 64-bit programs and drivers on a 32-bit computer?
If a program is specifically designed to run on 64-bit Windows, it will not run on 32-bit Windows. (However, most programs designed for 32-bit versions of Windows also work on 64-bit versions of Windows.)
Device drivers designed for 64-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 32-bit versions of Windows.
Do I need 64-bit device drivers when running 64-bit Windows?
Yes. All devices require 64-bit drivers to run on 64-bit Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.
What are the disadvantages of 64 bit Windows?
- Stutters when there is a small amount of RAM.
- It is difficult to find drivers for old devices, for example, printers, scanners, TV tuners, etc.
- Some older programs and games do not work on 64-bit architecture.
- Some old Windows, for example Windows 7 Starter cannot run on a 64-bit system.
Well, that’s all we wanted to tell you in this article, we hope you’ll do it right choice! If you need good computer tips, click on the link and learn more about your computer.
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The CPU capacity is the number of bits that the CPU can process in one. Previously, 8 and 16 bit models were in use, today they have been replaced by 32 and 64 bit ones. Processors with 32-bit architecture are becoming less and less common, because... they are quickly being replaced by more powerful models.
Finding out the processor bit size may be a little more difficult than expected. To do this you will need either the ability to work with « Command line» , or third-party software.
One of the easiest standard methods Finding out the bit depth of the processor means finding out what the bit depth of the OS itself is. But there is a certain nuance here - this is a very inaccurate method. For example, if you have a 32-bit OS installed, this does not mean that your CPU does not support 64-bit architecture. And if the PC has a 64-bit OS, then this means that the CPU has a 64-bit capacity.
To find out the system architecture, go to its . To do this, just right-click on the icon "My computer" and select from the drop-down menu . You can also right-click on the button "Start" and select from the drop-down menu "System", the result will be similar.
Method 1: CPU-Z
- This software solution, allowing you to find out detailed characteristics processor, video card, computer RAM. To see the architecture of your CPU, you just need to download and run the necessary software.
In the main window, find the line "Specifications". At the very end the bit depth will be indicated. It is designated as follows - "x64"- this is a 64-bit architecture, and "x86"(rarely comes across "x32") is 32 bit. If it is not indicated there, then see the line "Set of Instructions", an example is shown in the screenshot.
Method 2: AIDA64
is a multifunctional software for monitoring various computer indicators and conducting special tests. With its help, it is quite possible to find out any characteristic of interest. It is worth remembering that the program is paid, but it has a demo period, which will be quite enough to find out the bit capacity of the central processor.
Instructions for using AIDA64 look like this:
Method 3: Command Line
This method is a little more complicated and unusual for inexperienced PC users compared to the first two, but it does not require installation third party programs. The instructions look like this:
It is quite easy to find out the bit depth yourself, but do not confuse the bit capacity of the operating system and the central processor. They depend on each other, but may not always be identical.
One of the most important parts computer is the processor - CPU (Central Processing Unit) - this is actually the “brain”, which processes incoming information in the form program code. Simply put, this is a chip that processes information and controls all computer devices: motherboard, keyboard, RAM, executes program commands, etc.
One of the main parameters of any processor is its bit depth- the number of bits that it will process through the installed registers in one clock cycle, exchanging with RAM. Currently, there are processors with 64-bit and 32-bit (or rather, it is quite rare to find 32-bit now). They are marked as follows:
- 32-bit - marked as x86;
- 64-bit - marked as x64.
Quite often the following questions arise: what is better than a 64-bit or 32-bit processor and why, and what RAM to install or which operating system is better - 32 or 64 bit? And it all comes down to the question:
How to find out the processor bit size?
The simplest solution is the utility CPU-Z- a utility that will collect all information about the main devices of the computer. You can download CPU Z from the website completely free of charge.
Right in top corner can be downloaded latest version from the manufacturer to English language. Download the file and run it. Anyone who wishes can work with the English original. But this utility is also available in Russian.
cpu z in russian
You can download cpu z in Russian, for example, .
You can download both the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version - whatever you like. Download the program to your computer and run the executable file (after unzipping). After launch we see the following window:
On the CPU tab ( CPU), in line Set of instructions look, if there are numbers 64, then it is 64-bit. Otherwise -32-bit.
IN in this case the bit depth is indicated by the EM64T instruction.
The better a 64-bit processor
If your computer has a 32-bit processor, then it is technically impossible to access more than 4 GB of RAM. Those. even if you have, for example, 6 GB of RAM installed, only 4 GB will be used.
If 64-bit is installed, you can install more than 4 GB of RAM. But in this case, the operating system must also be 64-bit. Because even with a 64-bit processor, if 32 operating systems are installed, you get the same result - no more than 4 GB of RAM will be used. Here's a simple conclusion:
To use more than 4GB of RAM, you must have a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit operating system.
How can I find out the bit depth of the installed operating system?
Easily! Click in the lower left corner Menu —Control panel I- system and safety —System. Or My computer, right-click to select Properties.
This tab contains basic information about the computer. As you can see from the picture, everything is fine here - the required operating system is installed.
And for a snack - what the inquisitive mind of a lazy person is capable of.
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There is currently a massive shift to 64-bit operational applications and processors. As equipment is updated, the ability to use modern software, both system and application, increases. Many users wonder about the differences between versions of programs, operating systems, and the hardware they use.
Let us try to bring order and clarity to these issues. First, a few definitions:
- bit depth – the number of digits in a number in positional number systems. Treated like normal decimal numbers, and used in computer science binary, hexadecimal and octal systems. One digit in binary system called a bit and can have only one of the values: 0 or 1;
- processor bit capacity – the number of binary bits on the processor data bus. Defines largest size a number processed in one machine operation or stored in processor registers. The higher this indicator, the more productive the processor is and the larger the amount of memory it can address;
- bitness of the operating system - the ability of compiled machine code from executable files system programs and libraries execute n-bit processor instructions: arithmetic and address commands, where n is the bit capacity of the processor installed on the hardware platform used to operate this system.
The table below shows several examples for machines from the category personal computers, following in chronological order.
For example, we took the most widespread Intel platform(other manufacturers may be indicated in brackets) and the most common Microsoft Windows OS.
| Years | Processor(s) | Processor size | operating system | Is there a 64-bit version of the OS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-1982 | 8086, 80186 | 16 | CP/M, MS DOS | |
| 1982 | 80286 | 16 | MS-DOS, Windows 3.1 | |
| 1985 | 80386 | 32 | MS DOS, Windows 3.1/NT/95 | |
| 1989 | 80486 | 32 | MS DOS, Windows 3.1/NT/95/98 | |
| 1993-2000 | Pentium | 32 | MS DOS, Windows 3.1/NT/95/98/ME/2000/Vista/XP | Windows Vista/XP* |
| 2003 | Athlon 64 (AMD) | 64 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7* |
| 2004 | Pentium D, Xeon | 64 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7* |
| 2008 | Intel Core | 64 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7/10 | Windows 2000/Vista/XP/7/10* |
Important!* 64-bit OS versions, not compatible with 32-bit processors
The internal structure of the 8086 processor (architecture) turned out to be successful enough to give rise to a whole family of processors that have been consistently improved over time. The next model received the designation 80186, and subsequently, right up to the Pentium, the third digit in the designation of microcircuits consistently increased.
It was precisely because of the way the chips were designated, in general, an internal problem of the manufacturer, that the “mysterious” x86 designation appeared. The consumer is usually not at all interested in such things. x86 is just a collective name for 186, 286, 386, etc. It should not be confused with x64. It's very simple: the architecture of 32-bit computers is called x86, and 64-bit computers are called x86-64.
Before the 80386, the processor bus was 16-bit, and this had to be taken into account when writing code. Since programs very often use 32-bit numbers, and sometimes 64-bit ones, the 16-bit processor had to process them “in several steps” (machine instructions), which slows down the programs.
With the advent of the 80386 processor, computer performance began to increase sharply, for the reasons noted in previous paragraph. Now large numbers can be processed in one machine command. But it's not just performance. The opportunity to increase addressable memory turned out to be very valuable - up to 4 gigabytes (although slightly less is available for applications, about 3). In addition to the expansion of registers and buses, the clock frequency processors, a pipeline, superscalar architecture, etc. appeared. The era of 32-bit machines saw revolutionary changes in technology.
In the early 2000s, 64-bit processors appeared. Not all of them were successful. For example, Intel Itanium (IA-64 architecture), for all its advantages, turned out to be poorly compatible with many 32-bit programs, which worked even worse on it than on other machines. For which it received the nickname “Itanic” (from the word Titanic) and was soon discontinued.
64-bit AMD processors(Advanced Micro Devices) turned out to be much more practical, since it was another x86 extension, and very high degree backward compatibility. This means that 32-bit programs run on such processors without loss of speed and with support for any machine code.
Created AMD architecture commands for new processors received several names that mean the same thing:
- x86-64;
- Amd64;
- Intel64.
Oracle and Microsoft use the term x64 for this architecture, so it can be added to this list as well.
OS
Since operating systems, from the point of view of the processor, are no different from all other programs, all software must be compatible with this processor. To do this, compilers and assemblers must generate a suitable set of instructions so that it is executable on the selected processor.
When a new, more advanced processor appears, not just improved, but with such important property as another doubling of the bit depth, for software Five situations are possible:
- running old programs on a new processor;
- emulation, running in a virtual machine environment;
- recompiling executable files for a new processor;
- changing program code and recompiling;
- writing program code from scratch.
The first case requires full backward compatibility for the new processor. The second requires increased performance and memory from a new machine, since virtual machine itself consumes enough resources. Other cases require the release of new software versions.
In reality, all of these situations can occur in various combinations, and therefore, when using versions of programs that are already familiar and loved by users, everything is possible: from the fact that the program works much better than before, to the complete impossibility of launching it. Programs rarely consist of only one executable file, often accompanied by many dynamic libraries (dll files) And additional utilities. All of them may have features that will interfere with the program's operation or limit its functionality.
The table below lists some of the differences between the common operating systems used on PCs.
| operating system | Depth, bits | Core | Minimum memory for work | Hard drive minimum | Processor frequency, minimum | Number of tasks | Number of users | Status for 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP/M | 8 | Monolithic | 16 KB | 1-5 MHz | 1 | 1 | Historical | |
| 86-DOS | 16 | Monolithic | 32 KB | 4-16 MHz | 1 | 1 | Historical | |
| MS DOS | 16 | Monolithic | 64 KB | 4 MHz | 1 | 1 | Historical | |
| Windows 3.1 | 16 | MS-DOS 3.1 and higher | 640 KB | 6.5 Mb | 4 MHz | 1 | 1 | Historical |
| Windows 95 | 16 | Monolithic | 4 MB | 50 Mb | 16 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | Historical |
| Windows 98 | 32 | Monolithic | 16 MB | 195 Mb | 66 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | Historical |
| Windows ME | 32 | Monolithic | 32 Mb | 200 Mb | 155 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | Historical |
| Windows 2000 | 32 | Hybrid | 32 Mb | 2 Gb | 133 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | Historical |
| Windows XP | 32, 64 | Hybrid | 64 Mb | 1.5 Gb | 233 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | |
| Windows Vista | 32, 64 | Hybrid | 384 Mb | 20 Gb | 800 MHz | Multitasking | 1 | Historical |
| Windows 7 | 32, 64 | Hybrid | 1 Gb/2 Gb* | 16 Gb/20 Gb* | 1 GHz | Multitasking | 1 | Main support stopped |
| Windows 8 | 32, 64 | Hybrid | 1 Gb/2 Gb* | 16 Gb/20 Gb* | 1 GHz | Multitasking | 1 | Not supported |
| Windows 10 | 32, 64 | Hybrid | 1 Gb/2 Gb* | 16 Gb/20 Gb* | 1 GHz | Multitasking | 1 | Supported |
On a note!* – slash (/) separates x86 (32 bit) and x86-64 (64 bit) platforms.
How to determine the bitness of a computer
Find out the features and disadvantages of the systems in the article -
First way
One way is to go to the menu Computer BIOS. Different machines may have different keys for this, used at the beginning of boot. Usually the prompt to go to BIOS menu is located at the bottom of the screen and the user has some time to enter there, i.e. have time to press the required key. If the user does nothing, the download continues as normal.
This way you can definitely find out the brand of the processor. True, its bit capacity is not indicated here, but since the processor is clearly identified, it is very easy to find its bit capacity in search engines Internet.
Second way
When the system is loaded, you need to access its properties. To do this you need to do the following:
Third way
For determining installed processor you can use the command line.
How to determine the bitness of the operating system
One of the methods is already shown above, this is the third method with the “systeminfo” command. For those who don't like to deal with the Command Line, there is another way:
Answers to frequently asked questions
Users are often interested in questions to which they want to have very clear answers, without having to delve deeply into the topic. Here are some of them along with the answers.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What x86 processor? | Any 32-bit PC compatible |
| Do I need 64-bit device drivers when running 64-bit Windows? | Necessarily. Drivers are installed according to the selected operating system |
| How to change the bitness of the operating system? | No way. Only by reinstallation. You must first save all important data |
| 32 or 64 bit: which system to install and how to determine? | If the processor is 32-bit, then you can only install the 32-bit version of the OS. If the processor is 64-bit, then you should be guided by all other system requirements |
| Why should you install a 64-bit version of the operating system? | If your computer is quite modern (no older than 7-8 years), then it definitely supports 64- bit systems, and it is this option that opens up all the possibilities of this computer fully |
| Which "seven" is better - 32 or 64 bit | Here we rather need to talk about hardware; if the computer is quite new, then it’s better, of course, 64-bit |
| Can I run 32-bit programs and drivers on a 64-bit computer? | In the vast majority of cases, it is possible if the amd64 architecture (aka x86-64) is used. In addition, Windows 7, for example, has a Windows XP emulation mode that gives additional features for this. However, there are cases of incompatibility and you will have to use 64-bit versions of such applications |
| What are the disadvantages of 64 bit Windows? | Increased memory requirements and more disk space. But this is only a problem for older computers |
Video - Choosing between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows
How to find out what bit processor (32 or 64-bit) your computer has
First, let's define what bit depth is and why this data may be useful to you. Bit capacity shows how many bits the processor can process simultaneously.
All Linux systems are available in two variations - for 32-x bit processors and for 64-bit. Of course, this division did not appear just like that. Some of the most important differences that any user may encounter are:
- Maximum amount of RAM used
It so happens that 32-bit systems simply cannot “see” the amount of RAM that goes beyond 4 gigabytes. This difference can be called the most significant and important. On 64-bit systems, the system can “see” and work correctly with 192 gigabytes of RAM. Therefore, before increasing the amount of RAM, you should find out whether they will be available in the system. - Processor size
The processor capacity allows you to install operating systems of a certain capacity. To install a 64-bit system, you must use a 64-bit processor. - Operating system bit size
Externally, operating systems of different bit levels are no different. There are only minor technical differences. The main thing concerns, again, RAM, its volume and correct operation with her. Still, at 64 bit system you can run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications, which a 32-bit system cannot boast of.
Commands to display information about the processor:
If you work in Linux system, then you can easily find out the bit capacity of your system and processor. To know exactly what bit size your processor is, enter the command in the terminal.