32-bit vs. 64-bit

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What’s the Difference Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit?

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years’ of professional technology experience. He’s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.

Updated on May 16, 2022

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In the computer world, 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the type of central processing unit, operating system, driver, software program, etc., that utilizes that particular architecture.

You’ve probably seen the option to download a piece of software as a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. The difference does, in fact, matter because the two were programmed for separate systems.

What Do They Mean?

• 32-bit hardware and software are often referred to as x86 or x86-32.
• 64-bit hardware and software are often referred to as x64 or x86-64.
• 32-bit systems utilize data in 32-bit pieces, while 64-bit systems utilize data in 64-bit pieces. In general, the more data that can be processed at once, the faster the system can operate.

There are several other advantages to a 64-bit system, most practically the ability to use significantly greater amounts of physical memory (more than the 4 GB allowed by a 32-bit machine).

See what Microsoft has to say about the memory limits for different versions of Windows.

A 64-bit processor can handle 64 bits of data at once, which allows it to compute information faster regardless of the processor’s clock speed. It allows for more memory usage because, with 32-bit processors, only 2 32 addresses of RAM can be accessed (all 32-digit binary numbers).

This restriction means the processor uses a much lower amount of memory than 64-bit processors, which can read double the digits. In fact, with every additional digit, the maximum number of addresses that can be accessed doubles, too, allowing for much more memory than a 32-bit processor.

With 64-bit processors having a larger bit size and therefore the ability to calculate bigger numbers, the computer also ends up dealing with everything at a much more precise level than a 32-bit computer. Pixels on your screen, for example, can be colored and placed more accurately than pixels on a 32-bit computer.

64-Bit and 32-Bit Operating Systems

Most new processors are based on the 64-bit architecture and support 64-bit operating systems. These processors are also fully compatible with 32-bit operating systems.

All editions of Windows 11 and most editions of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista are available in 64-bit format. Of the editions of Windows XP, only Professional is available in 64-bit.

All editions of Windows, from XP up to 10, are available in 32-bit.

Every Mac operating system since v10.8 (Mountain Lion) has been 64-bit.

Like Windows, Linux can be 32-bit or 64-bit. You can see which you’re running with the lscpu command.

Not Sure if the Copy of Windows on Your PC Is 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

The quickest and easiest way to see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is to check what it says in Control Panel. Another simple method is to check the Program Files folder; there’s more information on that below.

To see the hardware architecture, open Command Prompt and enter this command:

echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE% 

You might get a response like AMD64 to indicate that you have a x64 based system, or x86 for 32-bit.

This is another command that works by checking for information in the HKLM registry hive:

reg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment" /v PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE 

That command should result in much more text, but then end with a response like one of these:

PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE REG_SZ x86 PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE REG_SZ AMD64 

The best way to use one of these commands is to copy them here, right-click in the black space in Command Prompt, and then paste the command.

These commands only tell you the hardware architecture, not the kind of Windows version you’re running. They’re likely the same since x86 systems can only install a 32-bit version of Windows, but it’s not necessarily true since a 32-bit version of Windows can be installed on x64 systems, too.

Why It Matters

Knowing the difference is crucial so you’re installing the right kinds of software and device drivers. For example, when given the option between downloading a 32-bit or 64-bit version, a 64-bit software program is the better choice. However, it won’t run at all if you’re on a 32-bit version of Windows.

One notable difference for you, the end-user, is that it’s possible that after downloading a large program, you’ll find that you’ve wasted that time since it won’t run on your specific computer. For example, if you’ve downloaded a 64-bit program that you expect to use on a 32-bit OS.

However, some 32-bit programs can run just fine on a 64-bit system. In other words, 32-bit programs are compatible with 64-bit operating systems. That rule, however, isn’t always valid, and that’s especially the case with some device drivers since hardware devices require the exact version to be installed for it to interface with the software (i.e., 64-bit drivers are necessary for a 64-bit OS, and 32-bit drivers for a 32-bit OS).

Another time when 32-bit and 64-bit differences come into play is when troubleshooting a software issue or looking through a program’s installation directory.

It’s important to realize that 64-bit versions of Windows have two different install folders, since they also contain a 32-bit directory. However, a 32-bit version only has one install folder. What’s confusing is that the 64-bit version’s Program Files folder is the same name as the 32-bit Program Files folder on a 32-bit version of Windows.

One example of why this is the case is so a 32-bit program doesn’t try to use a 64-bit DLL, which won’t work. Instead, when a 32-bit program installs in the 32-bit Program Files folder, and then you run said program, Windows knows that it needs to pull up some 32-bit specific files instead of those used for 64-bit programs.

If you’re confused, look here:

64-bit versions of Windows have two folders:

• 32-bit location: C:\Program Files (x86)\
• 64-bit location: C:\Program Files\

32-bit version of Windows have one folder:

• 32-bit location: C:\Program Files\

As you can tell, it’s a little confusing to plainly say that the 64-bit Program Files folder is C:\Program Files\ since that’s not true for a 32-bit OS.

Beyond how-tos and instructionals that require you to know the difference, another reason understanding these terms is important is if you’re not sure if you should get a 64-bit computer or 64-bit program.

For example, maybe you want a video editing program to have access to larger amounts of RAM than what it could use on a 32-bit system. Or, if you know that a piece of hardware you use doesn’t have a 64-bit driver option, then you know you can’t use it with a 64-bit computer. The same is true for old 16-bit applications that might not work on a 64-bit computer; knowing this can help you decide if you should switch to a 64-bit computer or stick to 32-bit.

What is the name of the 32-bit or 128-bit number used to identify a device on a network?

The Internet Protocol address, commonly referred to as IP address, is the identification number for network hardware connected to a network.

How do you run 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows 10?

Right-click the program, go to Properties > Compatibility, select Run this program in compatibility mode for, and choose the version.

Why is 32-bit called x86 and not x32?

The names of Intel processors all ended in 86 (the first was the 8086). The 32-​bit generation of this architecture is also referred to as “x86.”

32-bit vs. 64-bit

32-bit hardware and software systems, at times referred as x86 or x86-32, work with data in 32-bit pieces. In contrast, 64-bit hardware and software systems, or x64 or x86-64, use data in 64-bit pieces. Theoretically, the more data in general that can be processed at any one time, the faster the system can perform.

An immediate practical advantage that 64-bit systems offer is the use of greater amounts of RAM. Most new computer systems today include new processors based on 64-bit architecture. While it is obvious that these systems support 64-bit operating systems, they are also compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The converse is not true viz. 32-bit hardware cannot support 64-bit operating systems.

Comparison chart

32-bit versus 64-bit comparison chart

32-bit	64-bit
Number of bits	32	64
Architecture and Software Description	32-bit architecture is based on registers, address or data buses 32 bits (4 octets) wide. For software, 32-bit typically means use of 32-bit linear address space.	64-bit architecture is based on registers, address or data buses 64 bits (8 octets) wide. For software, 64-bit means code use with 64-bit virtual memory addresses.
Compatibility	32-bit operating systems (OS) and applications require 32-bit CPUs	64-bit OS requires 64-bit CPU, and 64-bit applications need a 64-bit OS and CPU. 32-bit applications can also run.
Systems Available	All editions of Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, Linux and Windows 10.	XP Professional, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, as well as Mac OS X and Linux
Memory Limits	32-bit systems are limited to 4 GB of RAM.	64-bit systems can theoretically allow up to 16 exabytes (16 billion GB) of RAM. The highest configuration for a Mac Pro Rack desktop computer supports 1.5TB of RAM (12 x 128GB).
Cons	Less RAM access, less efficiency, fewer security features, PC’s starting to get rid of 32-bit compatibility. Microsoft no longer making 32-bit copies	More memory required to run certain games/apps.

Architecture and Software

32-bit and 64-bit are terms referencing on how a processor embedded in the computer, or CPU, handles data. A 32 bit architecture allows the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), or digital circuit, to perform 32-bit integer arithmetic and logical operations.

For architecture with 64-bits, it allows a 64-bit version of Windows to handle large amounts of RAM better than a 32-bit system. Also a 64-bit system has 64-bit address registers, with data registers and the data bus typically equivalent in size as the address registers. So, 64-bit CPU and ALU architectures have matching registers and address, or data, buses in like values.

Compatibility

What is compatible with a 32-bit CPU?

A 32-bit processor cannot run an operating system designed for 64-bit CPUs. Nor does it support 64-bit applications. 32-bit CPUs can only run a 32-bit OS and applications designed for 32-bit operating systems.

Processor (CPU)	32-bit	32-bit	32-bit	32-bit
Operating System (OS)	32-bit	32-bit	64-bit	64-bit
Application program	32-bit	64-bit	No	No
Compatible?	Yes	No

What is compatible with a 64-bit CPU?

64-bit systems are generally backward-compatible and support both 32-bit operating systems and 32-bit applications.

Processor (CPU)	64-bit	64-bit	64-bit	64-bit
Operating System (OS)	32-bit	32-bit	64-bit	64-bit
Application program	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
Compatible?	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

Memory

32-bit systems have a limitation on how much memory they can address (or point to). This limit is 4GB. While memory usually refers to RAM, this limit also includes memory in the other devices in the system like video, audio and network adapters. The combined limit for RAM,graphics(GPU) RAM, PCI memory range and a few other components is 4GB. [1]

The practical implications of this are that 32-bit Windows, for example, cannot take full advantage of 4GB RAM, and it typically shows 3.25GB. Installing more RAM is always an option, but 32-bit systems would simply not be able to use any RAM over its limit. A 64-bit version can address up to 8TB. With current systems unable to take full advantage of capacity, systems now are available with installed RAM far exceeding the 4 GB limits of 32-bit systems.

Choosing an OS for VPS

When using a virtual private server (VPS) like Linode or DigitalOcean, system administrators are often constrained by how much RAM is available. So they often recommend using a 32-bit Linux distribution to use on a VPS rather than a 64-bit operating system.

Pros and Cons

Benefits of 64-bit systems include:

• Ability to use more RAM. 64-bit processors are theoretically capable of referencing 2^64 locations in memory, or over 4 billion times the memory numbers 32-bit processors can reference. Current 64-bit Windows OS 16 TB limit, with no more than 128 GB of physical RAM due to impracticality. As a result, 64-bit processes can create 16TB of virtual, through 8 TB allotted in virtual memory for user processes and 8 TB for kernel processes.
• More efficiency. When additional RAM is installed, 32-bit systems usually cannot take advantage of it because of the addressable space limits. But 64-bit systems can, which often results in significant performance boosts.
• More virtual memory allocation. 64-bit architecture Windows can theoretically offer 8 TB of virtual memory to an application. 32-bit architecture Windows is limited to 2GB. The modern applications, especially for games, video and photo editing, desire more RAM. With the 64-bit efficient use and allocation of memory, those applications optimized for the 64-bit OS can take full advantage of the new space.
• More security features. 64-bit processing offers additional security protections, including, but not limited to hardware D.E.P, kernel patch protection, and improved device drivers.

There are a few cons, which include the following:

• Possible driver compatibility. While there is increasing support for 64-bit OS, for those still embracing older, solid, and often still functional hardware, a transfer will be in order, and sooner than later. It is unlikely that 64-bit drivers will be available for older systems and hardware. These are decisions made case by case.
• Some motherboard RAM limits. A rare occurrence is finding a motherboard supports early 64-bit processors, but not offer support more than 4GB of RAM. What is available can be some benefits of a 64-bit processor, albeit without access to more RAM. It might be time to upgrade your OS.
• Legacy issues. Software will likely not make a transition to 64-bit processing. Older applications, including 16-bit applications, will require virtualization. Otherwise, it might be time for an upgrade.

Windows Systems

Windows 8, both with its Standard and Pro versions, is available in 32-bit and 64-bit distributions. Prior to its launch of Windows 7, Microsoft stated that its Windows 8 would be the last Windows to support 32-bit architecture. With the final move of its apps, drivers and plug-ins to 64-bits, Windows will not provide 32-bit backwards compatibility. For present systems still requiring Windows XP support, it can be found through sandboxed virtualization, which was done in Windows Server 2008.

Subsequently, computers will need 64-bit-capable processors. If you are using Windows, you can check whether your processor is 64-bit by doing the following :

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.
2. Click View and print details.
3. In the System section, check the OS type currently running under System type. For 64-bit capable, it shows if the system can run 64-bit Windows.

Note: if the system is already running a 64-bit Windows version, a 64-bit capable listing will not be shown.

References

• Windows 32 bit and 64 bit – Helpdesk Geek
• 32 bit – Computer Hope
• 32 bit and 64 bit – Quick and Dirty Tips
• A Closer Look at 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows – ni.com
• 32 or 64: What Bit Windows? – PC World
• Wikipedia: 32 bit
• Wikipedia: 64 bit
• 32 and 64 bit FAQ – Microsoft Windows
• 32 and 64 bit Explained – TechSupport Alert
• 32 bit and 64 bit – How To Geek
• 32 vs 64 bit on Seven Forums

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Related Comparisons

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3. DisplayPort vs HDMI
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5. Windows 7 vs Windows Vista
6. HDD vs SSD

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32 biti 64-ə necə dəyişə bilərəm

In computing, there are two types of processors existing, i.e., 32-bit and 64-bit processors. These types of processors tell us how much memory a processor can access from a CPU register. For instance,

A 32-bit system can access 2 32 different memory addresses, i.e 4 GB of RAM or physical memory ideally, it can access more than 4 GB of RAM also.
A 64-bit system can access 2 64 different memory addresses, i.e actually 18-Quintillion bytes of RAM. In short, any amount of memory greater than 4 GB can be easily handled by it.

Most computers made in the 1990s and early 2000s were 32-bit machines. The CPU register stores memory addresses, which is how the processor accesses data from RAM. One bit in the register can reference an individual byte in memory, so a 32-bit system can address a maximum of 4 GB (4,294,967,296 bytes) of RAM. The actual limit is often less than around 3.5 GB since part of the register is used to store other temporary values besides memory addresses. Most computers released over the past two decades were built on a 32-bit architecture, hence most operating systems were designed to run on a 32-bit processor.

A 64-bit register can theoretically reference 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 bytes, or 17,179,869,184 GB (16 exabytes) of memory. This is several million times more than an average workstation would need to access. What’s important is that a 64-bit computer (which means it has a 64-bit processor) can access more than 4 GB of RAM. If a computer has 8 GB of RAM, it better has a 64-bit processor. Otherwise, at least 4 GB of the memory will be inaccessible by the CPU.

A major difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is the number of calculations per second they can perform, which affects the speed at which they can complete tasks. 64-bit processors can come in dual-core, quad-core, six-core, and eight-core versions for home computing. Multiple cores allow for an increased number of calculations per second that can be performed, which can increase the processing power and help make a computer run faster. Software programs that require many calculations to function smoothly can operate faster and more efficiently on the multi-core 64-bit processors, for the most part.

Feature	32-bit OS	64-bit OS
Memory	Maximum of 4 GB RAM	Maximum of several terabytes of RAM
Processor	Can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors	Requires a 64-bit processor
Performance	Limited by the maximum amount of RAM it can access	Can take advantage of more memory, enabling faster performance
Compatibility	Can run 32-bit and 16-bit applications	Can run 32-bit and 64-bit applications
Address Space	Uses 32-bit address space	Uses 64-bit address space
Hardware support	May not support newer hardware	Supports newer hardware with 64-bit drivers
Security	Limited security features	More advanced security features, such as hardware-level protection
Application support	Limited support for new software	Supports newer software designed for 64-bit architecture
Price	Less expensive than 64-bit OS	More expensive than 32-bit OS
Multitasking	Can handle multiple tasks but with limited efficiency	Can handle multiple tasks more efficiently
Gaming	Can run high graphical games, but may not be as efficient as with 64-bit OS	Can run high graphical games and handle complex software more efficiently
Virtualization	Limited support for virtualization	Better support for virtualization

Advantages of 64-bit over 32-bit

• Using 64-bit one can do a lot in multi-tasking, user can easily switch between various applications without any windows hanging problems.
• Gamers can easily play High graphical games like Modern Warfare, GTA V, or use high-end software like Photoshop or CAD which takes a lot of memory since it makes multi-tasking with big software, easy and efficient for users. However, upgrading the video card instead of getting a 64-bit processor would be more beneficial.

Note:

• A computer with a 64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of an operating system installed. However, with a 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit processor would not run at its full capability.
• On a computer with a 64-bit processor, we can’t run a 16-bit legacy program. Many 32-bit programs will work with a 64-bit processor and operating system, but some older 32-bit programs may not function properly, or at all, due to limited or no compatibility.