How to Check if Your Windows PC is Running 32-bit or 64-bit Version?

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This article will walk you through the steps to determine whether your computer is using the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows. It is vital to know this configuration as certain software and hardware may only be compatible with one version. Following the instructions in this article will ensure that you have the correct version for your needs.

Determine the Operating System Bit Count

Windows 11

Windows 11 is only available for 64-bit systems. It requires at least 4 GB of RAM and thus there is no 32-bit of Windows version.

Windows 10

  1. Click the Start button
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Select System
  4. Choose About and check the bit version on the System type field

Windows 8.1

  1. Go to Start Screen
  2. Type “computer” in the search bar
  3. Click on “Computer” from the search results
  4. Click on “Properties“
  5. Look for “System” section
  6. Check “System type” for the bit version (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows 7 or Windows Vista

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Right-click Computer and select Properties.
  3. Find the System type entry. It will say either “32-bit Operating System” or “64-bit Operating System.”

Alternatively, you can go to the System Information tool which is built-in in Windows OS to check the same information.

  1. Click the Start button
  2. Type in “System Information” in the search bar
  3. Click the System Information app
  4. Look for “System Type.” It will show either “x86-based PC” for 32-bit or “x64-based PC” for 64-bit

Windows XP Professional

If you are still using Windows XP, you can check if you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version by following two different methods. 

Method 1: Check System Properties (in Control Panel)

  1. Click the Start button, and then click Run (or press Windows + R keys).
  2. Type sysdm.cpl, and click OK.
  3. Go to the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
  4. For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
  5. For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version < Year> appears under System.

Method 2: View System Information window

  1. Click Start and then click Run.
  2. Type winmsd.exe in the Run box and click OK.
  3. Select System Summary in the navigation pane 
  4. Locate Processor under Item in the details pane. 
  5. Note the value (if the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows).
  6. If the value starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.

By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to easily check which version of Windows your computer is running. Remember that a 64-bit version of Windows can handle more memory and processing power than a 32-bit version. Therefore, if you’re planning on upgrading your hardware or running resource-intensive applications, you may consider upgrading to a 64-bit version of Windows. You can also connect with our QuickBooks error support team.

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