32-bit or 64-bit? This is the question we all ask ourselves when downloading any program, application or even operating system. When downloading the installer, we are always given the option of using the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Nowadays some programs such as Chrome or Edge already offer by default the version that fits the CPU of your computer. However, they are an exception and many of us opt to always choose the 64-bit version without knowing exactly why. Fortunately, this doubt ends today.
In today’s article we are going to show you what it means for a program to be 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64), how to know how many bits your processor or your version of Windows has and what advantages and disadvantages there are in choosing one version over the other. Don’t worry because although it all seems very technical, it is very easy to understand. Here we go!
What does 32 or 64 bits mean?
When we talk about 32 or 64 bits we refer to the way in which the processor of your computer (the CPU) handles the information, programs, drivers and even the operating system that you have installed on your PC. They all use the same architecture and, to put it simply, speak the same language. That is why it is so important that when installing a program you choose the correct version, only in this way it will work correctly.
As for their nomenclature, this is not random. Both 32 and 64 bits refer to the way in which data is stored, the former in 32-bit pieces while the latter in 64-bit pieces. What does this mean in terms of operation? Think of it as when you do something on the PC, the code continuously moves data between the CPU, which does the work, and RAM, which stores the information. To find the data, the processor uses addresses (yes, like a letter carrier). If the processor is 64-bit, it can use much longer words and addresses than a 32-bit processor.
Being able to use longer addresses, the 64-bit processor can use much more memory than a 32-bit processor, and it can also move it much better, since its data channels are much larger. How much memory are we talking about? The theoretical limit is 16 Exabytes, which is equivalent to 16 million Terabytes.
How to know if my processor (CPU) is 32-bit or 64-bit
Knowing whether your computer’s CPU is 32-bit or 64-bit is very simple. In fact, you can check it without doing much at all, just by remembering when you bought your PC. Any computer purchased within the last 10 years (and maybe more) will have a 64-bit architecture. Only very old computers will still use a 32-bit processor.
If you don’t remember exactly when you bought your PC, don’t worry. There is a very simple method with which you will be able to check it in just a few seconds. Just follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R
- Type “cmd” and press Enter
- Execute the command “echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE%”
If you have a 64-bit processor you will receive the message “AMD64”, otherwise you have a 32-bit CPU.
What is the difference between a 32-bit CPU and a 64-bit CPU?
Now that you have the basic notions about both terms, it is time to talk about their main difference. This is, without a doubt, the way in which both make use of your computer’s memory. A 32-bit processor is not capable of handling as much RAM as a 64-bit processor. In fact, no matter how much RAM your PC has, if you have a 32-bit processor you can only use a maximum of 4 GB. If you have a 64-bit processor, things change, since it can use up to a total of 16 million TB (16 Exabytes).
Advantages of having a 64-bit operating system
As we have just explained, due to its limitations, a 32-bit operating system cannot use more than 4 GB of memory. This disappears when using a 64-bit OS. It is capable of handling much larger volumes of data than a 32-bit OS. But… What do we use all this memory for? Quite simply, so that each and every program on your computer works optimally.
To give you a simple example. If you use a 64-bit version of Windows you can have more windows and applications open as well as more memory available to run heavy applications such as video editors, databases and games.
Another important advantage of 64-bit is that it provides greater security. By being able to use much more memory, 64-bit operating systems can use techniques that make virus attacks more difficult. In addition, the vast majority of existing viruses were programmed to attack 32-bit systems, and do not work on 64-bit systems.
Finally, it is also interesting to note that 64-bit operating systems are backward compatible, something that does not happen with the 32-bit version. Thus, if you have the 64-bit version of Windows, you will be able to use 32-bit programs without any problem, but never the other way around. These will be installed in the “Program Files (x86)” folder.
Disadvantages of having a 64-bit operating system
Frankly, the disadvantages are very few. Although most applications run smoothly on a 64-bit system, some are incompatible. Older, 16-bit applications (almost all of which ran on Windows 3.1, and some of Windows 95) cannot run on 64-bit Windows.
Another common problem is drivers, programs that allow the operating system to communicate with devices such as printers or graphics cards. While in Windows 32 bits you can use old drivers, in Windows 64 bits it is practically impossible.
Finally, a side effect of 64-bit is that the same program uses more memory in its 64-bit version than in its 32-bit version. This is not necessarily a bad thing if the program can run faster and safer, but it must be taken into account if your computer has a tight amount of RAM.
How to know if Windows 10 is 32-bit or 64-bit
Even if you have a 64-bit CPU, it is always advisable to check which version of your operating system you have installed on your computer. If your computer is refurbished or second hand, you may have the wrong version of Windows installed. Fortunately, checking whether your OS is 32-bit or 64-bit is very simple and very fast. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Go to Windows Settings (Windows Key + I)
- Select the “System” option
- Slide down the left side menu
- Click the option “About”.
- Check the Windows version under “System Type”.
32-bit vs. 64-bit: Which is better?
If you have reached the end of our article, you probably already know the answer to this question. Without any doubt (and if your CPU supports it) always opt for the 64-bit version. Nowadays, 32-bit is obsolete and fewer and fewer programs support this type of architecture. In fact, the new Windows 11 only offers a single 64-bit version. So do not hesitate. Always choose the 64-bit version.
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