Determine the operating system bit count - 32bit or 64bit

Most of the time while installing or choosing a correct download package of any program you fall in the confusion that "Am I using 32-bit OS or 64-bit?".

Lets find that out without the help of any third-party tool.

Locate the operating system that is running on your computer in this section, and then follow the steps to determine the bit count of your operating system.

Windows Vista

If you have Windows Vista, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other.

Method 1: View System window in Control Panel

1. Click Start

Type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list.

2. The operating system is displayed 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: View System Information window

1. Click Start

Type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.

2. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, the operating system is displayed 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.

If you cannot determine the operating system bit count with these methods, go to the "Next Steps" section.

Windows XP

If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other.

Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
3. Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.

Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.

Method 2: View System Information window

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.

If you cannot determine the operating system bit count with these methods, go to the "Next Steps" section.

Windows Server 2003

If you have Windows Server 2003, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other.

Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
3. Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.

Method 2: View System Information window

1. Click Start, and then click Run
2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.

If you cannot determine the operating system bit count by using these methods, go to the "Next Steps" section.

Notes

• To find the computer’s bit count, see the documentation that was included with the computer, or contact the hardware manufacturer.
• Intel Itanium-based computers can run only 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run 32-bit versions of Windows. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows run only on Itanium-based computers and on AMD64-based computers.