Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Operating System: PART 2

Hi Friends!

This post is a follow up of the previous one in which we learnt about our OS fundamental: the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit OS.

In this post, let's move a step forward and learn to find out our system's capability and if we can install 64-bit OS on our system or not.

So let's get started:

Determine what version of OS your system is running:

I guess Win Vista and 7 users must be aware of this knowledge base. click on Start->(Right-click) Computer

After that, you just need to see under 'System' section, the value of your 'System type:'

(Apologies, the image is getting dimmed, but I hope it serves it purpose!)

For Win XP Users: (taken from msdn, Article ID: 827218)

  #1: View System Properties in Control Panel:
  Click Start-> Run-> (type) sysdm.cpl -> OK -> (navigate to) General tab. Your OS will be listed as      (under System):

• 64-bit OS: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version 'year' (the year will vary from system to system)
• 32-bit OS: Windows XP Professional  Version 'year' 

  #2: View System Information window:
  Click Start-> Run-> (type) winmsd.exe -> OK -> System Summary -> Item -> Processor. If value of      processor starts with

• x86: your system is running a 32-bit OS
• ia64 or AMD64: you have a 64-bit OS on your machine

Now comes the million dollar question: Can my system run a 64-bit Windows??

Let's try to decipher this:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Performance Information and Tools -> Click on 'View and print detailed performance and system information'

In the 'System' section, you can find which version are you currently running under 'System type'. Under '64-bit capable', you can find if you can run a 64-bit version of Windows.

Note: If you are already running 64-bit version, then there will not be any 64-bit listing

In this posts, we learnt methods to determine, which version of Windows are we using and if out system is 64-bit capable or not.

Always try to install the correct version of software on your system. This will reduce the chances of you receiving weird errors!

Feel free to share your knowledge by leaving a comment.