In this article, we'll show you how to find out whether your Windows system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows 8/10
Step 1. Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Alternatively, you can right-click on Start (or press ⊞ Win + X) and select System from the menu. In this case, skip the next two steps
Step 2. Click "Options"
Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left corner of the Start menu. The settings window will open.
Step 3. Click on System
It's a monitor-shaped icon in the preferences window.
Step 4. Click About
This tab is at the bottom of the left column of options. System information will open.
Step 5. Find the line "System Type"
It's at the bottom of the System section at the bottom of the window. To the right of System Type, you will see 64-bit or 32-bit; this is the capacity of the system.
Method 2 of 2: Windows 7
Step 1. Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen or press the ⊞ Win key.
Step 2. Right click on Computer
It's on the right side of the Start menu. A menu will open.
- If there is a Computer icon on your desktop, right-click it.
- If you have a laptop with a trackpad, place two fingers on the trackpad (instead of right-clicking).
Step 3. Click Properties
It's near the bottom of the menu.
Step 4. Find the line "System Type"
It is located under the line "Installed memory". To the right of System Type, you'll see 64-bit or 32-bit; this is the capacity of the system.
Advice
- You can find out the bit depth of a Windows computer by looking at its specifications in a store or on the Internet.
- Running a 32-bit program on a 64-bit system is sometimes necessary if you want to use an old program on a new computer.