If your Windows operating system is installed on your PC, it is surely 32 or 64 bits. But how to know? Don’t worry, here we will tell you how to determine what OS you have installed, if one of 32 or one of 64 bits.
This tends to confuse many people when they have to choose between the 32-bit operating system and the other 64-bit operating system. What’s more, most people don’t even know the difference. But for that we are here, so you have all the information about it and so you can use all the potential that your hardware can offer you.
Thus, these operating systems (32 and 64) are designed to use a type of processor architecture. That is, a 32-bit Windows operating system takes advantage of the resources that a 32-bit processor can provide. Similarly with the 64-bit.
Differences between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
The most notable difference in this case, are the values that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) stores in the registers. For 32 bits, it would be 2 ^ 32, which would be equal to 4 Gigabytes. In addition, these values are used to map addresses in the physical memory locations present. It is for this reason that only 4 GB of RAM can be accessed in a 32-bit Micrososft Windows operating system.
The opposite occurs with a 64-bit Windows Operating System; Since the record that we mentioned before, you can store values that are around 2 ^ 64. This way you will have 16 EB (ExaBytes) of RAM.
In the case of 64 bits, the register can store 2 ^ 64 values that can be linked to 16EB (exabytes) of RAM. As you can see, it is a difference more than remarkable compared to the 4 GB of RAM of a 32-bit operating system.
If we talk about performance, a 32-bit OS processes 4 bytes of data in the CPU. If we first understand that 8 bits equals 1 byte; then if the data to be processed is greater than 8 bytes, the CPU has to upload another cycle to work optimally. This will allow you to process the remaining bytes (data).
The 64-bit operating system has higher performance
If we see the 64-bit OS when it has to process data of less than 8 bytes, it processes them at once. Even if you have to process data of more than 8 bytes, it will require less time to do so. At first you will not notice much difference if you use your PC in common things. But if you use multiple programs and applications, you can tell the difference.
In fact, today 32-bit processors are almost obsolete. Similarly, computers that have been running for more than a decade probably have 64-bit processors.
Determine if Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit
For the Windows 7 operating system, you must first click on the Start button and then click on Control Panel. Now, select the System and security section of the configuration list. When you are in this section, select the option »See RAM amount and processor speed».
Now, scroll down to the “System” category and look for the System Type. Here you will be told if you are using a 32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7.
Determine if Windows 10 is 32-bit or 64-bit
First, click on the Windows 10 Start button and select Settings. From the list of settings, select “System.” Then, in the column on the left side of the window, select the “About” option.
Then, scroll down until you reach the list of device specifications. Locate the line that says “System type” and here it will inform you if you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.
And so, you have determined what type of operating system you have installed on your Windows PC. If it is a 32-bit, or 64-bit one. It is a very easy procedure to do and you will have this essential information when adding software and hardware to your computer.
32-bit vs 64-bit: what they mean and what their differences are
32-bit vs 64-bit? It is an eternal question, as well as a recurring doubt. When we install a program, buy a mobile phone or have to choose a processor we have to consider this dilemma. But do we really know what we’re referring to? Is it that important? Throughout this article we will know what it means,make a comparison and talk about the advantages and disadvantages between 32 and 64 bits.
What is a bit
Within computing, connoisseurs talk about bits as if such a thing. Much of the processes and concepts are associated with this term. Bits are, so to speak, the DNA of the computer world and everything revolves around them. This is the minimum unit of information and can have two values, 0 or 1. This is what determines that the language of computers is binary.
Thus, to establish communication through any computer system, we must transform our letters and numbers to combinations of zeros and ones.
The bits are grouped into groups of 8 to form a byte. These groupings, in addition to establishing communications, refer to the size of the records, which move data within a program or unit. Processors and operating systems can be 32 (8×4) or 64 bits (8×8).
Processors
Therefore, within a processor, the number of bits can establish several limitations such as the memory we can access or the processing speed.
The first 32-bit processor dates back to 1986. On the other hand, those of 64 began to appear in the 90s. For more than a decade now, virtually all computer processors have been manufactured in 64-bit. As far as smartphones are inplace, 64-bit processors are newer.
We can say that the processor is the most important unit in a pc. And it is responsible for processing and understanding all the information stored. In addition, it also determines the speed with which our device works.
Before going on to establish the main differences between the two and determine the need for one over the other, we must know some of the main characteristics and noteworthy data of each type of processor.
32-bit: features
- The architecture of a processor is made to read a certain number of data units. In this case, such a CPU can operate at most with 32 bits of data at a time (8×4).
- 32-bit operating systems used Windows 95 from the start.
- A 32-bit processor supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. Depending on the processor, a program can extend up to 64 GB.
- The range of values with which a 32-bit processor can operate ranges from 0 to 4,294,967,295.
64-bit: features
This type of technology is more innovative and, a priori, superior in performance, security or speed. But before determining this, we will detail some issues inherent in 64-bit processors.
- In this case, its architecture comprises more data units at once, up to 64.
- 64-bit processors were previously used in supercomputers. More than 10 years ago they began to be massively introduced in conventional PCs.
- They are capable of supporting up to 192 GB,much more than 64-bit processors.
Differences
After having listed some of the features, we can also show some of the differences between both types of processor.
- 32-bit ones are cheaper and consume less resources. Logically, they are less powerful. Put quickly, a 64-bit processor can handle more data simultaneously.
- This is the main key. The 32-bit recognize a maximum of 4GB of RAM, while the second much more. In addition, one 64 will also be able to execute the operations of 32-bit CPUs.
- The computing in 64 is much faster and, if we have a software according to this architecture, the development of the actions will be more efficient.
- In the case of mobile phones, 64-bit processors are also able to better manage the battery.
- Safety is another aspect to consider. 64-bit processors have advanced protection options. For example, device drivers must be digitally signed by obligation. This will make the risk of infections linked to the controllers much lower.
- Some of these security features are not present in 32-bit, so here too they are at a disadvantage.
Operating system
As we have reiterated several times,in theory, a 64-bit processor is clearly superior to a 32-bit processor. However, in reality things change. The differences will be effective as long as the software takes advantage of it.
If we have on our mobile phone or computer with a 64-bitprocessor, the operating system must be the same. Otherwise, their functions and work will not be squeezed to the fullest. This is where we can the real jump in power, in an operating system and a processor that are one hundred percent compatible.
Remember that a 64-bit processor can work with a 32-bit operating system. For example, in the case of Windows 10, both versions are available. You can check in the preferences of your computer which one you are using.
Programs and applications
The other programs and applications that you install and run on your computer must also be analyzed. Likewise, if you have an x64, it doesn’t make much sense to install 32-bit applications. This is not possible in all cases, but more and more softwares make their top version available to users.
Certain video games or high-performance editing and design programs are already developed to make the most of their memory capabilities. It is these that best take advantage of 64 bits.
Which one to choose
Here, the usefulness and needs of each user play a fundamental role. We have listed the advantages of one type of processor over another, as well as the problems that can come if we are not able to combine CPU and software perfectly.
Usually, it has always been said that the use of 32 bits is sufficient for home use. If you don’t use high-performance programs or new RAM-intensive software, you may settle. Do not rush either, to change there is always time. We cannot forget that 32-bit versions of software are still common and numerous, although little by little they are falling into disuse.
However, we must bear in mind that more and more applications have the new x64version. Considering that a 32-bit program can run on a 64-bitprocessor, the final choice seems clear.