Figuring out whether yous're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows only takes a couple of steps and the tools are already built into Windows. Here's how to notice out what y'all're running.

Whether you lot're running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows makes a pretty big difference. Running a 64-bit version of Windows ways having meliorate security and the ability to utilize more than memory in your system. And, if you take a system that supports information technology, making the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows is costless—even if information technology does require a chip of work. We'll walk y'all through how to discover out whether y'all're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of whatsoever version of Windows from XP through x.

RELATED: What's the Divergence Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?

Checking Your Version of Windows 10

To check whether yous're using a 32-bit or 64-flake version of Windows x, open the Settings app by pressing Windows+i, and and so caput to System > About. On the correct side, look for the "Arrangement type" entry. It will testify you two pieces of data—whether you're using a 32-bit or 64-fleck operating system and whether you take a 64-bit capable processor.

Checking Your Version of Windows 8

If y'all're running Windows eight, head to Control Console > System. You can besides hit Start and search for "system" to detect the page quickly. Expect for the "Organization type" entry to see whether your operating system and processor are 32-fleck or 64-fleck.

Checking Your Version of Windows 7 or Vista

If you're using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, hitting Kickoff, correct-click "Estimator," and and then cull "Properties."

On the "Arrangement" page, wait for the "System type" entry to meet whether your operating system is 32-scrap or 64-scrap. Note that, unlike in Windows 8 and 10, the "System type" entry in Windows 7 does non bear witness whether your hardware is 64-bit capable.

Checking Your Version of Windows XP

There'south nearly no point in checking whether you lot're using a 64-fleck version of Windows XP, considering you're almost definitely running a 32-bit version. Still, you can bank check past opening the Start menu, right-clicking "My Calculator," and and then clicking "Properties."

In the Organization Backdrop window, head to the "General" tab. If y'all're running a 32-bit version of Windows information technology won't say annihilation here other than "Microsoft Windows XP." If you're running a 64-scrap version, it will be indicated on this window.

RELATED: Why Are About Programs Nevertheless 32-chip on a 64-bit Version of Windows?

Checking whether you're running 32-bit or 64-flake is piece of cake, and follows near the same process on any version of Windows. And one time you lot've figured it out, you lot tin determine whether yous want to use 64-scrap or 32-bit apps.