How-To

Is my Computer Running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?

By Steve Krause

Updated November 28, 2023

While nearly every computer on the market today is running a 64-bit OS, we still occasionally get the question: “How can I tell if my Windows install is 32-bit or 64-bit?” It’s important to know the answer to this question, as the software you install on Windows can come in either 32 or 64-bit versions. Whatever the reason you may have, here’s how you can quickly check based on the version of Windows you’re running.

Windows 11

Right-click the Start button (or press the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + X) and Click System.

Windows 10

For Windows 10, the process is exactly the same as Windows 11 although the About page is a little different. Use Windows Key + X and select System from the menu. Under the About section, you’ll see your System type.

Windows 8

Windows 8 users have several ways to check whether they’re running 32 or 64-bit. The easiest is to use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + X to bring up the power user menu and click System. You can do this from either the modern Start screen or the desktop.

That will bring up the System window so you can see the System type.

Windows 7

Click the Start button.  Then Right-Click Computer and select Properties.

The System information page will come up. On the right side Scroll down until you see System Type. Listed under System Type will be either 32 or 64-bit Operating System.

32-bit vs 64-bit versions of Windows. Does it matter?

• Most 32-bit applications will work on a 64-bit system
• 64-bit applications will NOT work on a 32-bit system
• If you have a 64-bit computer, use 64-bit programs whenever possible – they’ll run faster because they can take advantage of your 64-bit OS and hardware.