How to determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system?

Note :
Intel Itanium-based computers can only run 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run a 32-bit Windows operating system. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows only run on Itanium-based computers and AMD64-based computers.
Note 2 :
Click on Start > Run. Type 'winmsd' to display the 'System Information' window.
Look at the 'Item' column for the following entries:
OS Name - If the OS is a 64-bit version, it is listed in the Value column. If not, then it is a 32-bit version by default.
Processor - Find the processor module to determine if the CPU is a 64-bit CPU, such as 'ia64'. This is an Itanium 64-bit CPU.

Windows Vista
Method 1
1.Click Start Start button , type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list.
2.The operating system appears as follows:
•For a 64-bit version operating system: 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
•For a 32-bit version operating system: 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
Method 2
1.Click Start Start button , type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.
2.The operating system appears as follows:
•For a 64-bit version operating system: x64-based PC appears for the System type under Item.
•For a 32-bit version operating system: x86-based PC appears for the System type under Item.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Method 1
1.Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2.Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
•For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version <> appears under System.
•For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version<> appears under System.
Note is a placeholder for a year.
Method 2
1.Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2.In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
•If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
•If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Method 1
1.Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2.Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
•For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
•For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.
Method 2
1.Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2.In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
•If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
•If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.


5 comments to "How to determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system?"

  • I am a self-taught geek. So, I sometimes look into articles like this. My question is what is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit. Why is it important for me to know.
    Thanks

  • Here is the full list of differences
    http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/windowsxp/articles/581/1/The-difference-between-64-and-32-bit-processors

    nutshell :
    Main difference to a user is how it performs and what it can support. A 32 bit processor only supports 3 GB of ram while a 64 bit can support alot more.

  • Thanks for the link. It seems it has lot of info for me to play with.

  • Its my interest no probs at all ..but don't hesitate me shoot a mail about your other questions on any articles...you can find my contact info in the contact link.
    And I just saw your blog and I like it. So I added it in my blogs list.
    If you have nay probs plz stop me to remove.

  • Using regedit(Registry editor) in windows we can check the processor details
    check out this url
    32 bit or 64 bit

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