64- & 32-bit versions of Windows
What's the difference? Quoting from the Microsoft web site: "The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system."
Most computers sold with Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7 run the 64-bit version.
How do I determine what I'm running?
For users of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
- Click the Start button on your desktop.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click "System."
- The "View Basic Information About Your Computer" window will open. The last item in the category headlined "System," will tell you whether you have a 64-bit or a 32-bit operating system.
For users of Windows XP:
- Click the Start button on your desktop.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click "System."
- The System Properties window will open. This screen gives information about your computer. If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows XP, that fact will appear on the screen. If you're running a 32-bit version, that fact may or may not appear. In other words, you're running a 32-bit version unless Windows tells you specifically that you're running a 64-bit version.