Imagine that you just bought a great design program. You want to install it on your computer and when you check the requirements you realize that it puts a 64-bit processor. 64? And you get overwhelmed. How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits? What difference is there between them?
If you've often asked yourself this question and still don't know the answer, we're going to show you how to find this information , whether you're using Windows, Linux, or Mac. Let's get started!
What does 32 or 64 bit processor mean
As you know, one of the most important parts of a computer is the CPU because it's like the brain that controls everything. And it works with bits. But it can support 32 or 64 bits. This depends on other factors.
At first glance, without knowledge, you could say that a 64-bit processor is always going to be better than a 32-bit one. And the truth is that you would not go wrong.
These numbers actually relate to your computer's capacity to process more or less information . To give you an idea, if your CPU is 32-bit, it can process approximately 4.294.967.296 possible values. In contrast, if it's 64-bit, it can process 18.446.744.073.709.551.616. The difference, as you can see, is quite significant, which is why many people prefer a 64-bit computer over a 32-bit one.
On the other hand, when the CPU is 32-bit, then it can only use 4 GB of RAM. And if it's 64-bit, you'll be able to push that limit up to 16GB of RAM.
What does this mean?
- Which will have more or less capacity to process information.
- You will get more or less performance.
- You will suffer less if the computer stops because it is not capable of handling so much information.
Keep in mind that age also plays a role . For about 10-12 years now, almost all computers sold have a 64-bit architecture. But there are some people who still use 32-bit systems with programs that don't prevent them from having a less powerful computer.
Except for Apple, which started later with 64 bits, all the others have already switched to offering powerful and fast computers.
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits
Now that you have a base and that you know what we mean by 32 or 64 bit processors, it's time to show you how you can get this data on your computer.
To do this, you should know that it's not the same if you have Windows, Mac, or Linux , because the data is located in different places depending on the operating system. But don't worry, because we're going to give you the keys for all of them so that finding it won't be difficult at all.
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits in Windows
Let's start with Windows, which, to this day, remains the most widely used operating system . As you know, there are now several versions, from Windows 7 to Windows 11.
The steps you must take to obtain the best and most reliable data about your computer and the bits it has of processor are the following:
- Open Windows File Explorer. Here in the right column you should go to This team. Once you point it out, right-click it (keeping your cursor over those words). A menu will appear.
- Hit properties. You will now enter a new screen. Locate the section «Processor» and there you will know your processor, brand and model. Then mark «Type of system» and this is where you will find if your computer is 32 or 64 bits.
However, it's possible that your computer might say it's 32-bit when it's actually 64-bit . This is because 64-bit systems are always compatible with 32-bit systems, and sometimes the information from the previous steps is incorrect.
What to do then? A double check. To do this, we need to stay at the last step above.
On that screen, we'll need to tap on " Advanced system settings ." This will open a smaller screen with several tabs.
In the Advanced Options menu, at the bottom, click on " Environment Variables …". This will open a new window, and we need to look for " PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE ".
And here's the key: If it says AMD64, it means you have a 64-bit computer . But if it says AMD86 or AMDx86, it means your processor is 32-bit.
How to know if my computer is 32 or 64 bits in Linux
If the operating system you are using is Linux, then the above steps will not work for you. But you will be able to locate the data much easier. How?
- Step 1: open a terminal. You already know that this is like an MSDos window.
- Step 2: Type the command: iscpu and hit enter. You may be asked for your password. give it to her
This will display a small text on the screen. The first two lines will give you the information you're looking for . And it's the same as with Windows. If it says "CPU operating modes 32-bit, 64-bit," then your computer is 64-bit. But if it says "CPU operating modes 32-bit," then it's 32-bit.
32 or 64 bit on Mac
Finally, we have the case of Mac. The truth is that in this sense it is quite easy to obtain the data since you must:
- IRa your taskbar and, where you have the Mac apple icon, press.
- Now you should point to "About This Mac" or "System Information«. It will open a window with your computer information and you will know the name of your processor. In the second window, in the Hardware section, will allow you to obtain the same data. So you can tell if it is 32 or 64 bits.
So if you've ever wondered how to tell if my computer is 32 or 64 bits, you already have the answer within reach of your clicks.