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Microsoft still offers both 32-bit and 64-chip versions of Windows 10. But, whether yous're installing Windows x or Windows 7, you lot should almost certainly skip the 32-scrap version and get the 64-chip version instead.

The 64-bit version of Windows is too known as the "x64" version of Windows, while the 32-bit version is also known as the "x86" version.

Your PC is Almost Certainly 64-bit

64-bit PCs have been mainstream for a long time. Intel's first big 64-fleck consumer CPU was the Core two Duo, which was released in 2006. AMD released the Athlon 64 in 2003. If yous accept a PC you purchased or congenital in the last decade, it's well-nigh certainly a 64-bit PC.

There are some exceptions, of course. Early versions of the very underpowered Intel Atom CPU line were only 32-bit CPUs. But those were so deadening when they were released that it'southward very unlikely many people are still using those discount netbooks and tablets today.

Computers with 64-chip CPUs can run 32-chip operating systems, merely there's actually no reason for them to exercise so anymore. Fifty-fifty on a 64-bit operating organisation, you lot can withal run 32-bit applications just fine.

Why Y'all Should Install the 64-bit Edition

32-bit versions of Windows are limited to 4 GB of RAM, which is a small amount these days when even budget PCs these days usually have 8 GB or more. If you want to actually use more than than 4 GB of RAM—and y'all probably do—you lot'll need a 64-scrap version of Windows.

RELATED: How To Upgrade Or Replace Your PC's RAM

In addition, 32-flake programs (even if they're running on a 64-bit Windows operating organisation) tin can only access 2 GB of RAM each. Modernistic demanding games and professional person tools can easily employ more than 2 GB of RAM.

Given that limitation, information technology's no surprise that many applications now require a 64-fleck operating organisation. For example, if you lot want to play the PC version of Thousand Theft Auto Five and many other PC games released in the last few years, y'all'll demand a 64-bit version of Windows. ZBrush, a 3D modelling tool, discontinued its 32-chip version. Even NVIDIA has stopped working on its 32-bit graphics drivers, then you'll need a 64-bit operating system to get new graphics drivers for NVIDIA hardware.

64-bit versions also have a number of useful security features that 32-bit versions of Windows just don't. For case, an expanded address infinite allows Address Infinite Layout Randomization (ASLR) to improve protect against attacks on programs. Drivers must be signed unless they're installed in a special kicking mode, Kernel Patch Protection prevents applications from patching the Windows kernel in memory on 64-flake versions of Windows, and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) has more than restrictive settings on the 64-bit edition.

Why Would Y'all Want 32-flake Windows?

There are some valid reasons why you lot might want to run a 32-bit version of Windows. If yous're using a very old reckoner with a 32-bit processor, yous don't have a pick. Some manufacturers may only offering 32-bit drivers for particularly ancient hardware devices, and you'd demand a 32-bit version of Windows to run those.

The 32-bit version of Windows as well allows yous to run 16-chip software written for Windows 3.1, which is a characteristic not institute in 64-bit Windows. However, y'all can ever run 16-bit software in DOSBox.

Some older programs may also simply run on 32-scrap versions of Windows if they used dangerous techniques, such equally kernel patching, that have now been blocked on 64-bit versions of Windows for security reasons.

32-fleck versions of Windows should just be used for legacy compatibility purposes. That'south all a 32-bit operating system is really necessary for: old CPUs, aboriginal hardware devices, Windows 3.1 applications, and other applications that need updating to run on a mod version of Windows.

How to Check Whether You're Using 64-bit or 32-fleck Windows

If you're not sure whether your calculator has a 64-chip version of Windows—or even a 64-bit CPU—you can check from within Windows.

On Windows 10, head to Settings > System > About. Expect to the correct of the "Organization type" entry. If you run across "64-bit operating organization, x64-based processor," your computer is running a 64-flake operating system. If you see "32-bit operating system, x64-based processor," your computer is running a 32-bit operating arrangement but is capable of running a 64-bit operating system.

RELATED: How Practice I Know if I'm Running 32-fleck or 64-bit Windows?

On Windows 7, caput to Control Panel > Organization and Security > System. Wait at "Organisation type" to see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-fleck operating system. Windows vii'south Command Panel doesn't show whether your CPU is 64-flake capable, so you'll want to perform an online search for the processor proper name—displayed on the System screen—to find out whether it's a 64-bit CPU if you're currently running 32-bit Windows.

How to Upgrade to 64-bit Windows

If y'all're using a 32-fleck version of Windows on a 64-bit capable processor, in that location'south good and bad news. The skilful news is that you tin upgrade to a 64-bit operating system for free. Your current Windows license tin be used to install either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows. The bad news is that you'll need to reinstall your Windows operating system to make the change.

RELATED: How to Switch From 32-scrap Windows x to 64-bit Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can upgrade to 64-bit by getting 64-bit Windows installation media and performing a make clean install. On Windows vii, the process is similar—but download 64-bit Windows installation media from Microsoft.

Microsoft Should Make 32-bit Windows Harder to Observe

Nosotros recollect Microsoft should make the 32-fleck version of Windows harder to admission. Some people might need it, but average Windows users shouldn't be able to accidentally install a version of Windows 10 (or fifty-fifty Windows 7) that has so many limitations with modern hardware and software.

Backblaze, for example, has noted that many of its customers who use a 32-bit version of Windows seem to have installed it accidentally without realizing the downsides. So, when installing Windows in the future, exist sure to get for the 64-flake version.

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