The parameter responsible for the number of bits in the operating system is called “bit depth,” but it is also sometimes called “bit depth.” In order to install various applications or drivers, you need to know the OS bitness parameter.
Windows 7 OS is divided into 2 categories: x86 (32 bits) and x64 (64 bits). Let's look at some of the nuances of each type of OS:
- A 32-bit system is designated x86. The value 86 has nothing to do with the number of bits; this has been the case historically since the original Windows options. They were installed on x86-compatible PCs. RAM is supported up to 4 GB (actually the figure is less).
- 64-bit system. Denoted x64. RAM is supported in much larger quantities. Performance on this OS can be higher (with proper software optimization).
A 32-bit OS can be installed without errors on a 64-bit processor, but a 64-bit OS will not install on a 32-bit processor. Exist software solutions, which work only in a certain bit depth.
Method 1: Computer Properties
Method 2: Information
Method 3: Control Panel
So, literally with a couple of clicks you can find out the bit depth of the Windows 7 OS.
Many on our site are wondering what bit size (bit) Windows should be installed on a computer, 32 or 64 bit? In this article we will clarify the situation with the choice of 32 or 64 bit systems.
First, let's figure out what the bit depth (bit depth) of an architecture is.
The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (CPU) processes information. 64-bit Windows version handles large volumes random access memory(RAM) is more efficient than a 32-bit system. Wikipedia has 2 pages about 32 (x86) and 64 bit architecture:
- 32 (x86) - a processor architecture with the same instruction set, first implemented in Intel processors.
The name is derived from the two numbers that ended the names Intel processors early models - 8086, 80186, 80286 (i286), 80386 (i386), 80486 (i486). During its existence, the set of commands has constantly expanded, maintaining compatibility with previous generations.
In addition to Intel, the architecture was also implemented in processors from other manufacturers: AMD, VIA, Transmeta, IDT, etc. Currently, there is another name for the 32-bit version of the architecture - IA-32 (Intel Architecture - 32).
- 64 - 64-bit extension, instruction set, for the x86 architecture, developed by AMD, allowing programs to run in 64-bit mode.
It is an extension of the x86 architecture with almost complete backwards compatible. Microsoft and Oracle use the term "x64" to refer to this instruction set, but the file directory for the architecture in Microsoft Windows distributions is called "amd64" (cf. "i386" for the x86 architecture).
The x86-64 instruction set is currently supported:
- AMD - Z-series processors (for example, AMD Z-03), C-series (for example, AMD C-60), G-series (for example, AMD T56N), E-series (for example, AMD E-450), E1 , E2, A4, A6, A8, A10, FX, Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom, Phenom II, Turion 64, Turion 64 X2, Turion II, Opteron, FX, latest Sempron models;
- Intel (with minor simplifications) called "Intel 64" (previously known as "EM64T" and "IA-32e") in later models Pentium processors 4, as well as in Pentium D, Pentium Extreme Edition, Celeron D, Celeron G-series, Celeron B-series, Pentium Dual-Core, Pentium T-series, Pentium P-series, Pentium G-series, Pentium B-series, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Atom (not all) and Xeon;
- VIA - Nano, Eden, QuadCore processors.
Yes, all this is difficult to understand. I’ll explain in my own words, the 64-bit OS architecture is an improved 32 (86) bit architecture. It has newer instruction sets for calculations and can also handle larger amounts of RAM. If we take the Windows OS family, then a 32-bit OS can actually handle only 3.2 gigabytes of RAM, and 64 theoretically up to 4 terabytes. What does this tell us?
What to choose: 32 or 64?
About the fact that it is advisable to install the OS based on the amount of RAM. For example, if you have 3GB of RAM or less, it is better for you to install a 32-bit system, and if you have more than 3GB, it is better to install a 64-bit system. But don't forget about what processor you have. In our service, we have long noticed that if the processor has a low frequency (from 1 to 2.4 GHz), then on a 64-bit OS the computer runs slowly, even if it has 4 or more GB of RAM installed. According to our service, it is better to install 32-bit systems and no more than 4GB of RAM on such computers. In addition, large manufacturers of laptops with low-frequency processors also install 32-bit systems from the factory, even with 4GB of memory. Installing the 64-bit version of Windows requires a processor that can run 64-bit Windows. Benefits of using 64-bit operating system are especially obvious when working with large amounts of random access memory (RAM), such as 4 GB or more. In such cases, a 64-bit operating system handles large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit system. A 64-bit operating system works faster when running multiple programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. In any case, what to install is up to you, and we will answer your questions below.
How can I tell if my computer has 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?
To use Windows or determine which version of Windows your computer is running (32-bit or 64-bit), follow these steps.
Open the System component. To do this, click the Start button, click right click Click Computer and select Properties. In Windows 8, open Control Panel and go to System.
In the System section, you can view the system type.
If the computer is running Windows control XP, follow these steps.
If the window that appears does not say “x64 Edition,” your computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows XP.
If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows XP.
Click the Start button.
How can I determine if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?
For a computer to run a 64-bit version of Windows, it must have a 64-bit processor. To find out if your processor supports 64-bit computing in Windows, follow these steps:
- In search type MSINFO, or
On Windows, select the Display and Print option detailed information about computer performance and system.
Open the Performance Counters and Tools section. To do this, click the Start button and select the Control Panel component (in 8 we immediately go to the Control Panel). In the search box, type Performance Counters and Tools, and then select Performance Counters and Tools from the list of results.
Perform one of the following actions.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you are using (under System Type) and whether you can use a 64-bit version of Windows (under 64-bit support). (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, the 64-bit support section does not appear.)
To determine whether a computer running Windows XP can run the 64-bit version of Windows, follow these steps:
If the System section says "x64 Edition", the processor supports running a 64-bit version of Windows.
If there is no "x64 Edition" label, the processor may also be compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. To pinpoint this possibility, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Windows 7 migration advisor.
Click the Start button.
Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
Can I upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows, or move from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows?
If you want to migrate from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows or vice versa, you should back up your files and select Full Windows installation. Then you need to restore files and reinstall programs.
Notes
To install the 64-bit version of Windows on a computer running 32-bit Windows, you will need to boot the computer using the 64-bit Windows installation disc or files.
If a computer that boots with a 64-bit version of Windows installation disc or files does not support that version of Windows, a manager error message will be displayed Windows boot. Instead, you will need to use the installation disc or files from the 32-bit version of Windows.
Transfer Tool Windows data does not move files from 64-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows. If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you will need to manually transfer the files to external media.
Can I run 32-bit programs and drivers on a 64-bit computer?
Most programs designed for 32-bit versions of Windows will also run on 64-bit versions of Windows. Some antiviruses are exceptions.
Device drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows. If you try to install a printer or other device with a 32-bit driver, it will not work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.
Can I run 64-bit programs and drivers on a 32-bit computer?
If a program is specifically designed to run on 64-bit Windows, it will not run on 32-bit Windows. (However, most programs designed for 32-bit versions of Windows also work on 64-bit versions of Windows.)
Device drivers designed for 64-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 32-bit versions of Windows.
Do I need 64-bit device drivers when running 64-bit Windows?
Yes. All devices require 64-bit drivers to run on 64-bit Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.
What are the disadvantages of 64 bit Windows?
- Stutters when there is a small amount of RAM.
- It is difficult to find drivers for old devices, for example, printers, scanners, TV tuners, etc.
- Some older programs and games do not work on 64-bit architecture.
- Some old Windows, for example Windows 7 Starter cannot run on a 64-bit system.
Well, that’s all we wanted to tell you in this article, we hope you make the right choice! If you need good computer tips, click on the link and learn more about your computer.
If we missed something in the article, write to us in the comments and we will add it. Also, if the material was useful to you don't skimp on likes!
There are two types of processors: 32-bit and 64-bit. These numbers indicate the processor bit depth. The processor you use will determine which version of the operating system you use, how you choose programs and games, and how much RAM you can install on your computer. You can also come across the designation x86, which is often mistakenly mistaken for a separate processor bit size. But first of all, let's determine what type of operating system is installed on your computer.
How to find out the bitness of installed Windows
There are several ways to find out how many bits your Windows operating system uses. Look for x32 or x64 as these are the main indicators of the system's bit capacity, while x86 can refer to either a single-core or dual-core system. First, let's look at the simplest and fastest option.
Through computer properties
Through system information
Differences and benefits of different numbers of cores
So, there are two types of processors: single-core (x32) and dual-core (x64). Sometimes you can see the designation x86 - this is not a separate type of processor, but a designation of microprocessor architecture. Most often, the x86 number indicates that the processor is single-core, but it can also be used for a 64-bit processor. Therefore, you should not rely on it; always look for the designation in x36 or x64 format.
Performance and operating speed are, accordingly, higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one. If you are using a 32-bit processor, you can install as much random access memory (RAM) as you want on your computer, but the system will only use 4 GB of the total memory. With a 64-bit processor, you can use up to 32 GB of RAM.
Performance and speed are higher for 64-bit processors, since two cores work at once, rather than one
Requirements for a 64-bit system
The main advantage of x64 processors is that they support programs, games and operating systems written not only for 64-bit processors, but also for 32-bit ones. That is, if you have an x32 processor, then you can only install a 32-bit Windows operating system, but not a 64-bit one.
Which bit is better?
From all of the above, we can conclude that if you are choosing between one and two cores, then the second option is preferable, since most modern programs and games require 64 bits. It is possible that in the future the 32-bit system will be completely abandoned, since its power is not enough for anything.
How to upgrade to Windows 7 x64
If you want to increase system performance and the amount of available RAM, as well as expand the number of supported applications and games, then you need to switch to a 64-bit operating system. The only way to do this is to erase the old 32-bit system and install a new one.
Please note that all files on your computer will be irretrievably lost when performing this operation, so copy them to third-party media in advance to avoid losing anything important. So, after you begin installing the new operating system, you will be asked to select a language and confirm the start of the operation, as well as select the system version. Select the one that has x64 bit and go through the installation process.
Select the architecture type and continue the installation process
Why won't 64-bit Windows install?
If the installation is unsuccessful, it means that your processor does not support a 64-bit system and is designed only for x32. There is only one way out of this situation - to purchase new processor, which will suit your requirements.
How to determine the processor bit size
There are several ways to determine how many cores your computer's processor contains and uses.
Every user personal computer or laptop should understand very well how to find out whether it has a 64- or 32-bit system installed. This is an important skill and should not be ignored.
Actually, if you don’t know how to determine the bit depth of Windows, you don’t have to think about ease of use, because at best, the potential of this operating system will be only partially used, which indirectly means a loss of money and time.
Background
Many experienced computer owners still remember the times when everything was a chip with 32-bit command addressing. It is worth noting that in reality, the computing cores could easily operate even with 128-bit data, but the internal structure features imposed a number of restrictions. That is why manufacturing companies and Intel) decided to introduce 64-bit solutions to the market by slightly refining the chip logic.
The famous Athlon 64x2 turned out to be so successful in terms of architecture and performance that gradually 64-bit technologies found their way into every second home computer. The only thing left to do was customized applications. This is how a version appeared designed to work with 32- and 64-bit processors. Soon the market began to offer corresponding third party programs. It was from this moment that the question became important for users: “How to find out whether a 64- or 32-bit system is installed on a computer?”
System and Applications
It would seem that everything is obvious - a 64-bit operating system works on the corresponding one, and a 32-bit one. In practice, the ability to run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit processor is often used, so the above “obviousness”, alas, is not it. As a result, many users began to have a logical question: how to find out whether a 64- or 32-bit system is installed on a computer? It was especially difficult for beginners who had recently purchased a computer with a pre-installed operating system.
Understanding how to find out whether a system is 64-bit or 32-bit is necessary in order to select the right applications. So, with the appropriate operating system and processor, it is more preferable to use 64-bit programs - they make optimal use of RAM and also work faster.
Determination methods
There are several ways to find out what system is installed. Users who have Windows versions installed, from the infamous Vista to the modern G8, just need to click the mouse a couple of times: Start - Computer - right-click menu - Properties. In the window that appears, there is a line “System type”, where the bit depth is indicated.
The following option is based on the information module from the DirectX library package. You need to press the Win+R button combination and type dxdiag (don’t forget to “execute”, Enter). The "Operating system" line will indicate the bit depth.
And, of course, we cannot ignore third party applications. For example, after downloading the test version of AIDA64 and running the program, you need to select the “Operating system” section, then the tab with the same name, and in the “OS kernel type” line read about the bit depth.
Quite recently, a note was published on the site’s blog to help those who are planning to update their computer or buy/assemble a new one. Namely, it talked about how much RAM a computer needs, depending on the tasks it faces: How much RAM do you need?
Our next note according to the plan was an article about support for various amounts of memory by the operating system - about the bit capacity of the operating system; that not all memory sizes are supported by all versions of Windows. Special thanks to all the readers who mentioned the topic of bit depth in the comments on the blog: after reading them, I realized that a short blog post on this topic is not enough. We need detailed material on this topic.
That is why it was decided to write an article (educational education, if you will) on this issue and post it here on ITexpertPortal.com - in the archive of free training materials and articles on important topics in computer literacy.
So, let's return to the main topic, the bit depth of operating systems and support for different amounts of memory. First let's answer the question:
What is bit depth anyway?
Scientific definition: In computer science, the bit capacity of an electronic (in particular, peripheral) device or bus is the number of bits (bits) simultaneously processed by this device or transmitted by this bus. The term applies to components computing, peripheral or measuring devices: computer data buses, processors, etc. The bit depth of a computer is the bit depth of its machine word.(source - Wikipedia).
I think everything is simple and clear. Bit capacity is the ability to simultaneously process a certain number of bits, to put it simply.
In fact, everything is not so simple, and no article is enough to cover this issue completely and “scientifically”. Therefore, we will not delve into the course of PC architecture, but will touch upon purely practical issues that we have to deal with and that are important to us, the users.
What does the amount of RAM have to do with it?
There are two versions of the Windows operating system (at least for now - only two). It doesn’t matter what exactly we take from modern and current systems: XP, Vista or 7.
All these systems exist in two versions - 32-bit and 64-bit. For example:
Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (or x86 - equivalent designations)
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit ( or x64 - equivalent designations)
Windows Vista Ultimate x86 (x86 - this is the designation for the 32-bit version)
Windows Visa Ultimate x64 (respectively - 64-bit version)
Of course, there are architectural differences between 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows. You can talk about them for a long time, but there is no point, believe me. 🙂
The most important features and differences that directly affect the user and which he has to deal with:
1. Maximum amount of RAM.
2. Bit size of the operating system.
3. Processor capacity.
This is what we will talk about in more detail...
Maximum amount of RAM.
A 32-bit operating system can address (i.e., can use, "see") no more than 4 GB of RAM. This is the most important difference, and the most significant. If your computer has, say, 2 GB installed, then a 32-bit operating system works fine with that amount.
If you install 4 GB of memory and run a 32-bit OS, then it simply will not see such a volume. All she will be able to use is approximately 3.5 GB of the 4 GB. It cannot provide the remaining volume for running programs. Of course, if you install, say, 8 GB of memory into your computer, and at the same time remain on a 32-bit system, then it will also not see more than 3.5 GB of the total installed volume.
The 64-bit operating system can work with much larger amounts of memory - up to 192 GB (for Windows 7). Those. if you, say, wanted to install 8 GB of memory, then you definitely need to switch to a 64-bit OS, otherwise you simply will not be able to use such a large amount of available space.
We considered, so to speak, the “extremes”, up to 2 GB and 8 GB and more. What about the golden mean? What if you already have it installed or plan to upgrade the memory to 4GB? In this case, is it necessary to switch to a 64-bit OS so that the computer can use not 3.3, but all 4 GB of memory?
Not everything is so simple... 64-bit versions of the OS use noticeably more memory. All variables are no longer 32-bit, but 64-bit. Typically this increases the size of applications by 20-40%, which leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of memory consumed. File formats such as music or video are not affected.
Install 64-bit versionWindows, to make better use of 4 GB of memory does not make sense, even if the 32-bit version only recognizes up to 3.5 GB of memory. The problem lies in the fact that you will receive the missing memory, but immediately lose it because the 64-bit version requires more memory. So the transition to 64 bits is relevant only with larger memory capacity: 6, 8 GB or more.
So, if you decide to install a lot of memory, and here a 64-bit OS is definitely needed, then you may be interested in the question:
What features does 64-bit Windows Vista/7 have?
Visually - none. Those. Externally, it is a regular OS, no different from the 32-bit version. You can determine whether it belongs to a 64-bit architecture only by going to the “system properties” item in the control panel - the bit depth is indicated there.
Technically, there are slight differences. The first thing is that the 64-bit OS “sees” large amounts of memory and knows how to work with them. Secondly, it allows you to run 64-bit applications.
The 64-bit OS allows you to run regular 32-bit programs. In the usual way, no settings are required for this. Everything as usual. It’s just that a 64-bit system has a subsystem for executing 32-bit applications. Therefore, you can successfully install and work with both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Now there are few such x64 applications, although their number is constantly growing. This is especially true for resource-intensive programs - graphic and video editors, and so on. Those. all programs that primarily need large amounts of memory available for operation. For example, so that some video editor can use more than 4 GB of available memory.
For example, Adobe stated that modern applications Adobe CS5 series - there will be only 64-bit. This means that, say, Photoshop CS5, Dreamweaver CS5 and so on. will only be able to run on a 64-bit system. They simply won't run on a 32-bit OS. Why?
Because 32-bit applications can run on a 64-bit OS, but not vice versa!
The next technical point is 64-bit OS require 64-bit drivers. As a rule, all modern (not older than two years) PC devices, laptops and peripherals have two versions of drivers on the included installation disk - 32 and 64-bit. Therefore, with modern devices There will be no problems - as usual, we insert the disk with the driver into the drive and start the installation, the installer itself will determine the version of Windows and launch the driver corresponding to the bit size.
If there is no disk or it does not have a 64-bit driver, you need to visit the official website of the developer specific device to download such a driver. The same applies to outdated equipment.
BE SURE to check for 64-bit versions of ALL necessary drivers even BEFORE you start installing the 64-bit version of Windows!
Processor capacity.
Where to get/how to identify 64-bit applications?
64-bit software can be determined without difficulty. On the packaging in system requirements, as a rule, it is indicated that this program 64-bit. This may also be indicated separately on the packaging.
If you purchase some software via the Internet, then its 64-bit architecture is also indicated.
Here's an example: my licensed boxed version of Windows Vista Ultimate. Includes two installation disk— 32 and 64-bit OS versions:
Don't pay attention to the "English language" in in this case, it's just that the OS was purchased in the United States.
But this is in this case - Vista Ultimate (only Ultimate) was delivered this way, in two versions. As a rule, the same Windows, for example (or any other program) is sold OR 32-bit OR 64-bit, as indicated on the box, as I already mentioned.
These are the differences and features of 64-bit operating systems Windows systems, meaningful to the user ends.
Otherwise, everything is exactly the same as on the usual 32-bit Windows XP/Vista/7.