How to Check Your Windows Version: 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

You need to know whether your Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit before installing software, drivers or upgrading your operating system. A 64-bit programme will not run on a 32-bit system, and installing the wrong version can cause errors.

This guide shows you exactly how to check — on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and older versions — in under 30 seconds.

How to Check on Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click System in the left menu.
3. Scroll down and click About.
4. Under Device specifications, find System type.

It will say one of:

• 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor — you are running 64-bit Windows on a 64-bit CPU
• 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor — you have a 64-bit CPU but are running 32-bit Windows (you can upgrade)
• 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor — both your OS and CPU are 32-bit

Note: Windows 11 only comes in 64-bit. If you see "64-bit operating system", you are all set.

How to Check on Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > About.
3. Look for System type under Device specifications.

The same three labels apply as above. If you see "32-bit operating system, x64-based processor", you can do a clean install of 64-bit Windows 10 to unlock better performance and more RAM support.

How to Check on Windows 8.1

1. Move your mouse to the bottom-right corner to open the Charms bar, or press Windows + C.
2. Click Settings > Change PC settings.
3. Select PC and devices > PC info.
4. Check the System type line.

Alternative: Right-click the Start button > System. The System type appears under the System section.

How to Check on Windows 7 or Vista

1. Click Start and type System in the search box.
2. Click System under Control Panel.
3. Look for System type:
   • "64-bit Operating System" = 64-bit
   • "32-bit Operating System" = 32-bit

Alternative: Click Start, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Under System Summary, check System Type: "x64-based PC" means 64-bit, "x86-based PC" means 32-bit.

Important: Windows 7 reached end of life in January 2020. If you are still using it, consider upgrading to Windows 10 Pro (€14.86) or Windows 11 Pro (€20.65) for continued security updates.

Universal Method: Command Prompt

This works on any version of Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, press Enter.
2. Type: systeminfo and press Enter.
3. Look for System Type in the output:
   • x64-based PC = 64-bit
   • x86-based PC = 32-bit

You can also use wmic os get osarchitecture for a one-line answer.

32-Bit vs 64-Bit: What Is the Difference?

Bottom line: Nearly all modern PCs run 64-bit processors. If you are on 32-bit Windows with a 64-bit CPU, switching to 64-bit Windows unlocks more RAM, better performance and access to all modern software.

Should You Upgrade to 64-Bit Windows?

If your System type shows "32-bit operating system, x64-based processor", you can upgrade. You will need a clean install (backup your data first), but the benefits are worth it:

• Use more than 4 GB RAM
• Run modern 64-bit applications (many newer apps no longer support 32-bit)
• Better security features
• Required for Windows 11

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8.1, now is the time to upgrade. Both have reached end of life and no longer receive security patches.

→ Windows 11 Pro — €20.65 at Licendi  |  Windows 10 Pro — €14.86