How to determine the bitness of a Windows system. How to find out the bitness of the operating system

Often novice users are interested in how to find out the bit depth or “bit depth” operating system. This procedure absolutely uncomplicated and done using a simple algorithm. However, first, let's clarify what this characteristic is and why it is needed.

Bit depth: what is it?

In a science such as computer science, bit capacity is understood as the ability of a device to simultaneously process a certain number of bits. There are 2 types of Windows operating systems. They are designated as x86 (32bit) and x64 (64bit). Let's briefly describe each.

A 32-bit operating system can theoretically support up to 4GB RAM. However, in practice this figure is even less. Even if you install RAM on your computer larger size, the system will only see the allocated 3.5-4 GB. 64-bit OSes have more high performance. In addition, they support much more RAM.

How to find out how many bits are in the OS?

There is a fairly simple way to find out Windows bit depth XP sp3. To do this, right-click on the My Computer icon. Next, select Properties and go to the General tab. Let's see what's written underneath Microsoft Windows XP. If this is a 64-bit operating system, then the bit capacity characteristic is indicated. On x86 OS you won't see anything here.

You can open this tab using a different algorithm. In the Start menu - Run you need to enter sysdm.cpl. After you click OK, the System Properties tab will appear. In it, see the characteristics as described above.
If the above method did not help you, then use the following advice. Click Start - Run. After that write winmsd.exe. This opens the System Information window. In it we are interested in the Processor tab. It displays such a characteristic as bit depth. If the value here is x86, then you have a 32-bit version. A 64-bit system must have the x64 feature.

It’s easy to find out the OS bit depth, just like checking Windows authenticity 7 online. To do this, you just need to perform a simple series of steps and determine the bit size of your version of the operating system. This feature is useful when purchasing components for a computer, installing new programs or games. So it is recommended to learn it if you have not done so yet, and remember it so as not to get into trouble later.

Any operating system has a certain bit depth. However, not all of them are installed on all types of computers. Everything here is a little confusing for the untrained user. Therefore, it is worth understanding this issue. How to find out the system capacity? We will talk about this a little later in the article. In the meantime - a little "educational education".

What is bit depth?

In those days when mammoths still walked the Earth, an OS like MS-DOS appeared. Its capacity was only 16 bits. But processors at that time were only 16-bit. So such a system corresponded perfectly to existing realities. But over time, processors with support for 32-bit architecture appeared. It is also designated as x86. Naturally, MS-DOS is hopelessly outdated. And everyone’s favorite Windows came onto the scene.

With the development of technology, 64-bit processors appeared. The brainchild of Bill Gates had to urgently evolve. Support for x64 architecture was implemented in the legendary Windows XP. Since then, each version of Windows has traditionally supported new architecture. And this is good, since 64-bit processors have a number of advantages over outdated 32-bit ones. The size of the XP system (32 bits) could not reveal the full potential of the new processors.

Difference between 32 and 64

The only difference is that processors with 64-bit architecture work much faster than their outdated counterparts. And operating systems optimized for this bit depth show simply miracles of performance. Naturally, only if programs optimized for 64 bit are used. But the point is not even that, but the fact that nowadays many utilities and software products They completely refuse to work with 32-bit systems. Even the emulation mode will not help here.

At the same time, the most popular processors (and operating systems) to this day are 32-bit solutions. However, in about five years, 64-bit architecture will completely displace these “old guys”. And then catharsis will come. And 32-bit processors supported only 3.5 gigabytes of RAM. While 64-bit systems can support from 4 to 256 gigabytes of RAM (and this is not the limit). However, let's see how to find out the bitness of a Windows family system.

Using Windows Features

How to determine the system bit depth using standard Windows tools? Very simple. Just right-click on the “My Computer” icon and select the “Properties” menu item. The window that appears will contain a lot of information. The line we need is located somewhere under the name of the operating system and is called “System Type”. This way you can both find out the bitness of the XP system (or another version) and learn a lot of useful information.

There is another way:

• Go to the "Start" menu, select the "Run" command and address bar write systeminfo.
• After that, press "Enter".
• A window will appear that will provide comprehensive information about the computer's operating system.

This method is best suited for those who want to try working with command line Windows. In addition, this method provides more detailed information about the operating system. You can learn a lot of interesting things.

Using special programs

There is another answer to the question of how to find out the bit capacity of the system. Information programs like Everest or AIDA will help with this. They are able to provide information about everything that is in the computer: processor, RAM, motherboard bridges, the motherboard, hard drives, operating systems and much more. But there is one "but". These programs are not free. But even trial versions can tell a lot. And if you encourage piracy, then you don’t have to worry about this at all.

Everest and AIDA 64 are far from the only programs that can provide information about the installed operating system. Many applications that are created to clean and optimize the OS? They can do this too. Although you shouldn't rely on them too much. They can sometimes make mistakes. Nevertheless, they show the bit depth of the operating system quite accurately. You just need to take into account that not all of them are free. And for the full version you will have to pay a lot of money.

Why you should install a 64-bit system

If you have a processor that supports x64 architecture, and you are still on a 32-bit system, then it makes sense to urgently replace it. Because then the system will work much faster, even if you only have 2 gigabytes of RAM.

How can I find out what the system capacity is? This can be done in the same AIDA 64 program. And if you see that you have a 64-bit processor and a 32-bit system, urgently put everything in order. In addition, the presence of a 64-bit operating system will play a positive role in the further “upgrade” of the computer.

In addition to the purely technical side of the problem, there is another one. The fact is that the future belongs to 64-bit architecture. Therefore, the transition to these systems will be carried out en masse in the near future. So why not switch now? Moreover, you don’t need to pay for it. Just download the desired image, burn it to disk and install the operating system.

Conclusion

Now you know everything about how to find out the system capacity. The difference between 64-bit and 32-bit architecture is significant. Modern processors They work best with 64-bit operating systems. Therefore, we urgently need to switch to them. However, it is worth considering that 32-bit operating systems feel great on 64-bit processors. But 64-bit ones won’t even install on 32-bit processors. So be careful and careful. Although you won’t be able to do much harm here, you shouldn’t relax.

Many PC programs are oriented towards 32-bit or 64-bit, but not all users know how to find out the bit depth.

This is important data that you need to know when downloading almost any software - from games to utility utilities and antiviruses.

You can find out this data using computer resources.

The essence of the concept

What is OS bit depth? This important indicator processor operation directly connected to RAM. Therefore, often this indicator is decisive when choosing a computer or processor.

Bit capacity is the number of bits that can be simultaneously processed and transmitted by a particular system. Accordingly, 32 or 64 bits (higher bit OS in present moment are not used by ordinary users). At the same time this concept applicable to various buses and systems in the processor.

This indicator is indicated by the corresponding symbols. These are x32 and x64.

Some users have probably seen an uncharacteristic x86 bit size designation on their PCs. This does not mean that the OS is super-efficient and is capable of processing 86 bits simultaneously. This is simply a 32-bit designation used in some modern variants.

At the same time, there is no direct link to the operating system version. For example, Windows 7 exists in both 32 and 64 bit versions. The same applies to Vista and others.

The higher the bit depth, the greater the amount of RAM that can be used correctly.

How to find out the indicator?

Why might you even need to find out the bit depth? Almost all programs currently being developed are created in two versions - for 32 and 64 bits. This ensures the most complete functionality, performance and correct operation on various operating systems.

At the same time, some utilities designed for 32 bits may not run at all on 64 bits, and vice versa. Therefore, when downloading software, this indicator is very important. How can we find out?

Windows Vista and higher

On Vista, 7, 8 and 10 operating systems it is very easy to find out this information. You just need to look at it in the properties. At the same time, accessing properties is not too complicated and does not require a long search.

Follow the algorithm given below:

1. If you have a My Computer shortcut on your Desktop, just right-click on it;
2. If there is no such shortcut, then click the Start button and find the computer in the program list or tile, and right-click on it from there;
3. In the window that pops up, find the Properties line at the end and click on it;
4. A window will open with all the data about the OS;
5. There, find the System information block and in it the line System Type - it is opposite it that indicates the bit capacity of your PC.

In Windows 10, this tab can be found in another way. Just hold down the Win+Pause/Break keys on your keyboard at the same time. After this, the corresponding window shown in the picture above will immediately open.

Windows XP

In older OS releases, it is a little more difficult to find out the bit depth. You must follow this algorithm:

1. On the desktop, find the My Computer shortcut;
2. Click on it with the right mouse button;
3. In the drop-down menu, select Properties, as in the example above, and click on it;
4. A small window with System Properties will open;
5. In it, in top menu go to the General tab;
6. Look at the block called System;
7. If only the OS version and other data are indicated there, and the bit depth is not clearly indicated anywhere, it means that it is 32 bits, since by default at the time of XP development this was present in most processors;
8. If it has 64 bits, then this will be explicitly stated in the System block.

The table below shows exactly how the bit depth can be specified in Properties, and what it actually means.

In Windows XP, there is also a way to call the required window using hot keys. It is similar to what is given above (for Windows 7, 8, 10). You need to press Win+Pause/Break.

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 come across the designation x86, which is often mistakenly 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 a separate type of processor, but a designation of 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.

The 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 located on the computer will be irretrievably lost when performing this operation, so copy them to your computer in advance. third party media so as not to lose 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.

Via command line

Through computer properties

Via BIOS

This method is suitable for cases when it is not possible to log in to the system for any reason.

So, if you have a 64x processor, then you can use the operating system, games and applications on both 64x and x32. But you cannot do the opposite: Windows will not install, and games and applications will not work correctly, overload the computer, or will not start at all. Therefore, you should always use a product designed for the bit size of your processor.