This is a rather important aspect that must be taken into account, because it significantly affects how certain games and programs will work on your computer. But what if the current Windows bitmap doesn't suit you? Is it possible to somehow change it? The answer is yes, it is possible, under certain circumstances, which we will discuss below. In this article we will look in detail at how to make a 32-bit system 64-bit. Let's figure it out. Go!
And 32-bit systems, as a rule, are installed on weaker computers with a small amount of RAM, since with such a bit depth the OS will not “see” more than 3.5 gigabytes of RAM. And this may be critical for fans of computer games and various powerful software. Let's say your PC has 6 gigabytes of RAM, but you have . In this case, the system will only accept 3.5 GB, and the remaining 2.5 do not seem to exist. Of course, leaving everything as is makes no sense and such an error needs to be corrected. More details on how to do this later in the article.
It is possible and necessary to turn a 32-bit system into a 64-bit one, but only if your processor supports a higher bit depth. It is also worth noting that such a transition will be advisable only if the amount of memory on the PC’s RAM is 4 GB or more. Among other things, there is a problem with the drivers. Since you will have to download and install special drivers specifically for the 64-bit version. Otherwise, the operation of some devices, services, and other PC components may be disrupted.
Now let's move on directly to how to do this.
- First, you need to make sure that your processor supports x64 bit depth. To do this, download and install the special program CPU-Z. With its help, you will receive all the necessary information about the model and parameters of the CPU.
- If everything is fine and the processor supports a higher bit depth, copy all important data from the hard drive to another medium, since you will lose all files during the transition.
- The next step is to download drivers for the 64-bit version for each device and controller in advance, and then write them to a flash drive or disk.
- Insert an optical disc or USB drive with the operating system into your computer. Please note that the Windows operating system you are installing must be x64 version.
- Select "Install", check the box "I accept the terms of the license agreement", then click "Next". Go to the “Advanced” section and specify the area of the hard drive on which the current version of Windows is stored.
- Click on “Hard Disk Options (Advanced)” and then click on the “Format” button.
- After the formatting process is completed, all that remains is to enter the PC name, user name, and set a password (if necessary).
- Next you need to enter your product key.
- Now that you have a new operating system in front of you, you need to install x64 version drivers. You can view devices that stopped functioning after changing the bit depth in Device Manager. To go to the window of this utility, right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut and select “Manage”. Then select Device Manager from the menu on the left. After the list appears in front of you, you can click on the desired item and see for which specific component you need to reinstall the drivers (the corresponding list item will be marked with a yellow warning sign “!”)
Not many people know that in Windows there is such a thing as bit depth - x32 (x86), x64. In this short note we will explain what it is on the fingers. There is nothing complicated here and you need to know this, because this is an important point.
The bit capacity of the operating system is roughly and very approximately, this is the number of smallest units of information (bits) that the processor is able to process in one clock cycle (hertz). In the modern world, there are two options for bit depth: 32-bit or 64-bit. 32-bit systems are also called x86: This is a misnomer, but a common one. There are practically no other options - except for the prehistoric 16-bit programs of the MS-DOS and Win98 era.
How do Window 32 and 64 differ in practice? Not the speed of work - that's for sure. A rough example - on the rear axle of trucks there are both 2 and 4 tires. The presence of 4 tires does not make the truck faster or more powerful - but in some cases, a multi-wheel configuration is more convenient: say, when transporting a particularly heavy load. It’s the same with the 64-bit version of Windows: the system won’t become faster, but...
But old 32-bit Windows can work with no more than 4 gigabytes of RAM, which is not enough for modern programs. Even if 8 or 16 GB of physical memory is installed in the computer, the OS is only able to work with 3.5-3.8 gigabytes of them, and the rest of the volume hangs as dead weight. There are non-standard ways to make Windows see more than 4 gigs, but they work every once in a while, and even then, rather, for a cosmetic effect.
The 64-bit version of Windows works confidently with any amount of RAM (up to 32GB).
The differences are short and clear:
- x64 - works with RAM up to 32GB. Can run 32 and 64-bit programs.
- x32 - works with RAM up to 4GB. Can only run 32-bit programs for which 3 GB of RAM is available.
There are other differences as well. But these are already “iron matters” and you and I don’t need to know them at all, because “The less you know, the better you sleep”...
Bit capacity of programs and drivers
Not only the system, but also programs and drivers can have a bit depth. Most programs were created specifically for 32-bit operating systems. 32-bit applications work fine in a 64-bit environment. On the contrary, it doesn’t work at all: true 64-bit programs are not able to run in 32-bit Windows.
How to find out what bit depth your Windows has?
If you have this question, then most likely you have a 32-bit system - it is more popular and is always installed by default. A 64-bit system is usually installed consciously and intentionally.
It is very easy to understand what bit depth your OS has.
Windows 8, 10
Click right click on Start and select " System". The bit depth will be written in the window that appears.
Windows 7
Find the icon " My computer» click on it right click and select " Properties«.
Windows XP
Start > My computer > Properties> tab " Are common» > Look at System section: if written 64-bit version, or 64-bit Edition, 64-bit. If this is not the case, but there is something like Service Pack 3, then it is 32-bit.
Is it worth switching to a 64-bit system?
Already, it's worth it! The exceptions are perhaps office computers with old processors and 1-3 gigs of memory on board, where no bells and whistles are needed.
Disadvantage: x64 has perhaps the only disadvantage that might make you think about switching - not all manufacturers have released drivers for 64-bit systems. But today, absolutely all popular programs can work with x64, as well as all modern drivers. Therefore, in 95% of cases this will not be a problem.
There are a lot of advantages: faster programs, improved performance for multi-core processors, support for a large amount of RAM.
Technologies are developing and if a couple of years ago no one really knew about 64-bit systems, today technologies are striving to completely switch to them and it’s only a matter of time.
Verdict? In 90% of cases it's worth switching to x64!
Everywhere you look there is a choice between a 32 or 64 bit system. Then everything is repeated, drivers and programs are 32 or 64 bit. What exactly is it? difference between 32 and 64 bit operating system.
The trend is towards cheaper hardware, and everyone is trying to stick in more RAM. But here, like it or not, you come across the question of the difference between a 32 and 64 bit system. The 64-bit version can deal with physical memory (RAM) above 4 GB and up to... I don’t even know those numbers.
I quote Wikipedia: 2 64 addresses, which is equivalent to approximately 17.2 billion gigabytes, 16,300 thousand terabytes, or 16 exabytes of RAM.
And the 32-bit version can access up to 4 GB of RAM. On a computer with a 32-bit system, installing RAM at this threshold does not make sense. There are physically not enough addresses to determine a larger amount of RAM. Simply put, it won't be seen again, and it will be a waste of money.
Naturally, the more RAM, the better the performance of your computer. This is the difference between a 32 and 64 bit system for the average user.
How to check the bitness of the current version
Right-click on My computer – Properties.
In the System type item we see the bit depth.
Check your processor's support for 64-bit systems
- Opening Start
- In the search we enter Counters
- Opening Counter and productivity tools
- Click Display and print detailed results
- In the System section we see 64-bit support
If you have it, then it’s even easier to determine support for 64-bit systems. Open System Properties, it opens similarly to other versions. And we immediately see both the capacity of the system and the processor
Additional Differences
Let's look at a couple more criteria for differences, but they mainly follow from the main one - the supported amount of RAM. And the fact that the 64-bit system is newer, with all the ensuing consequences.
- Increased efficiency. Not only can you install more RAM (easily as much as your motherboard can support), you'll also see more efficient use of that memory.
- Ability to allocate more virtual memory per process. Under 32-bit Windows architecture, applications are limited to 2 GB of RAM. Modern games and applications, such as photo editing, or virtual machines consume a lot of RAM. In 64-bit systems, up to 64 TB can theoretically be allocated for applications. This is more than enough for even the craziest games.
- Advanced Security Features.
- You cannot find 64-bit drivers for older but critical devices on your system. I think everything is clear here
- If your motherboard does not support more than 4GB of RAM. This again applies to old hardware. And there is no point in installing a 64-bit system
- Some older programs are not supported on 64-bit systems
Note: Most programs designed for the 32-bit version can support the 64-bit version too (with the exception of some antivirus programs). But if the program is designed for the 64-bit version, then it will not work on the 32-bit version.
When choosing a version of the Windows operating system, users usually think about the home or professional edition. However, there is another important difference factor - the operating system is 32 or 64 bit.
You've probably heard something about the fact that there are different bit sizes of systems, that they have their own differences. But how to understand them? Let's see where these designations come from and what they mean.
What does the number of bits mean?
The size of the computer architecture depends on the central processor. Currently, most PC processors are divided into these two options - 32 and 64 bits. A 64-bit processor is more powerful than its 32-bit version; it is capable of processing a significantly larger amount of information per unit of time.
To understand the difference, you need to remember that for a computer any information is a sequence of zeros and ones, i.e. binary code. One bit can store one of two possible options - 0 or 1, two bits can store four possible combinations of zeros and ones.
Likewise, a 32-bit system means there are 2 to the 32nd power of address bits, or 4,294,967,296. At the same time, a 64-bit system is two to the 64th power, that is, 18.446.744.073.709.551.616 cells for recording. In other words, approximately 4 million bytes (about 4 gigabytes) versus approximately 18 quintillion bytes (about 18 billion gigabytes).
If you are sure that your computer uses a 64-bit processor, you will also need to install a 64-bit operating system. The 32-bit version of Windows will run on a 64-bit processor, but you won't be able to use all the features of your device. However, you cannot install a 64-bit operating system on a 32-bit processor. However, 64-bit Windows works smoothly with programs written for 32-bit operating systems.
For the average user, there are two main differences between versions of Windows. The main one is that a 32-bit OS can only use up to 4 gigabytes of RAM. So even if your PC has 16 gigabytes of RAM, but is running a 32-bit version of Windows, only 4 GB will be used. There is no such limitation for 64-bit operating systems. Unless there is a minimum threshold - at least 1 GB of RAM.
Another feature is the difference between the Program Files folder. On a 32-bit OS, all programs are installed in this directory. On 64-bit systems, there is additionally a folder called Program Files (x86). This is due to the fact that programs for 32-bit architectures are written differently than for 64-bit ones.
Moreover, in the 64-bit version of Windows, 64-bit programs go into the Program Files folder, while 32-bit applications are sent to the strangely designated x86 directory. By the way, 64-bit systems are designated x64.
Previously, there were also 16-bit operating systems, such as Windows version 3.1. At the same time, programs of a similar order can still be run on 32-bit operating systems, but on 64-bit ones it will no longer work. Unless you use a special emulator for a 32-bit system.
Software bit rate
When installing new programs, pay attention to their bit depth. Some manufacturers offer a choice of 32 and 64 bits, others develop only 32-bit versions, and some automatically detect the version of your OS and install the appropriate version. In any case, if you have a 64-bit version of Windows installed, choose programs of a similar order whenever possible.
Often, the presence of a 64-bit program will not mean better performance than a younger version, but will at least affect its stability. Therefore, pay attention to the designations of software manufacturers, such as the words Version or Edition, before downloading the distribution kit from the official website.
Since the 32-bit version of the program works for everyone, developers often use it as the default solution. But we found out that for a 64-bit OS it is better to use a more modern software solution.
How to find out the OS version?
Having dealt with some of the features of 32 and 64-bit operating systems, let's find out where this designation is written in the Windows we have installed. To do this, just go to the system properties using one of the available methods. For example, using the key combination Win + Break. For Windows 8 and 10, you can right-click on the Start menu and select the “System” menu item.
Basic information about your computer is displayed here: processor type, amount of RAM (installed or simply used, as is the case with 32-bit OSes) and Windows version. In the “System” area, in the “System type” column, there is information about the bitness of both the operating system and the processor used.
The bit size of the processor and operating system must match. Otherwise, you are recommended to upgrade your operating system to a 64-bit version. However, it will not be possible to upgrade a computer with a 32-bit processor to a 64-bit OS.
64-bit as standard
Slowly but surely, 64-bit computers are becoming the modern standard. If in the days of Windows XP all these bit stories confused even experienced users and caused problems for developers, then starting with Windows 7 the situation began to change.
4 gigabytes of RAM has long been sufficient for most purposes. Partly because processor development has not kept pace with offering affordable 64-bit solutions to the general public. At the beginning of 2017, four gigabytes of RAM is still enough to work in a number of areas. However, 64-bit processors are becoming more affordable and 32-bit systems are gradually becoming obsolete.
This is forcing software developers to actively switch to 64-bit architecture, which is gradually becoming a standard. And since the ceiling on the limitations of 64-bit systems is unlikely to be broken in the foreseeable future, this standard is here to stay.
A simple computer user can work for a long time with the installed Windows operating system and not even think about what its bit depth is. However, as time passes, he will need to install a program on his computer that can only work with a 64-bit version of Windows, and this will cause problems if the current operating system is x32 or x86 bit. In this regard, the question may arise: how to find out the bitness of Windows? Let's answer it and take a closer look at the differences between the 32- and 64-bit versions of the operating system.
The basic versions of the Windows operating system were developed a long time ago, and with the release of new software options from Microsoft, they were only further developed. In fact, 32-bit (32-bit) operating systems are already a thing of the past, and they are rarely used, only in cases where the computer’s hardware does not support 64-bit Windows.
The bits themselves, in relation to the Windows operating system, are the way the computer's central processing unit processes information. RAM is used as the information being processed, and 32-bit Windows can work with no more than 3.5 GB of RAM, while on 64-bit this limit is about 200 GB. With the development of the power of programs and their demands on RAM, computers began to en masse switch to a 64-bit operating system.
The main disadvantage of a 64-bit system is its demands on the computer's central processor. If a PC has a 32-bit central processor, it will in no way be able to run a 64-bit operating system, meaning it cannot support more than 3.5 GB of RAM.
Many computer users who choose the operating system bit size when installing Windows are misled by the lack of a 32-bit version. This is due to the fact that the 32-bit version of Windows for a 64-bit processor is designated as x86, not x32. You can figure out what this is connected with only if you study the processes of interaction between the operating system and computer hardware. The user just needs to remember that 32-bit and 86-bit operating systems are practically no different, and only the 64-bit version of the software can handle more than 3.5 GB of RAM.
If your computer's central process supports a 64-bit version of Windows, you must select that version during installation. It should be understood that the 32-bit version of the operating system is a thing of the past, and here are just some confirmations of this:
After the 64-bit version of Windows is released, you should install the 32-bit version only if the processor or drivers for it do not support working with a 64-bit operating system.
How to find out the bitness of Windows installed on your computer?
You can determine the bit depth of the version of Windows installed on your computer using a dozen third-party applications. There are ways to find out the x32, x64 or x86 version of the operating system installed on your computer using standard Windows tools.
First way
You can find out the Windows bit depth on your computer through the system information menu:
Second way
Third way
View the system capacity through “System information”:
You can see that it is quite easy to find out the bit depth of the operating system, and this must be done if you want to expand the amount of RAM on your computer. You will also need to know the bit depth of the operating system if you want to reinstall the operating system.
