There are multiple ways to find if your system is running on 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. Here are some of the easiest methods to find the system type in Windows.
Most software and online tutorials often require you to know whether your system runs on a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. i.e., x86 or x64. Usually, it is called System Type. Without this information, the software or steps might not work as they should.
Since it is essential to know, there are multiple ways to check if your Windows computer is 32-bit or 64-bit. I will share the five most straightforward ways to determine if your computer is x86 or x64.
The methods listed below are easy and straightforward to follow and work in Windows 11 and 10. Use any one of the methods, and you should have your 32-bit or 64-bit information.
Table of contents:
- PC Settings app method
- Control Panel method
- System Info tool method
- Command to find system architecture
- Third-party tool method
1. Use the PC Settings App
Windows 11 and 10 have a new PC Settings app that makes it easy to check if you are running a 64-bit or 32-bit system.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Click “System” on the sidebar or main page.
- Click on the “About” option.
- You will see the system architecture next to “System Type.”
- Close the Settings app.
Open the start menu, search for Settings and click on the result to open the PC Settings app. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Win + I.”
In the PC Settings app, go to System -> About page. On the right panel, you will see your system architecture next to System Type under the Device Specifications section. If it says 64-bit or x64, you are running a 64-bit computer. If it says 32-bit or x86, you are running a 32-bit computer.
That is all. Close the app, and you are done.
Related: Find if your system supports UEFI or BIOS
2. Control Panel Options to Find 32-bit or 64-bit
You can also use the good old control panel to find if your system is 32-bit or 64-bit. This method is beneficial if you are using Windows 7 or 8.
1. Open the start menu, search for Control Panel and open it.
2. Select Large Icons from the top-right navigation bar in the Control Panel. Next, scroll down and select the System option.
3. This action opens the About page in the Settings app. By looking in the System Type section, you will see if your system type is 64-bit or 32-bit. If it says 64-bit or x64, you are running a 64-bit computer. If it says 32-bit or x86, you are running a 32-bit computer.
That is all.
3. Use the Built-in System Info Tool
Windows has a built-in tool called System Info that shows a whole bunch of information about your system in terms of its software and hardware. Using the System Info tool, you can easily find if you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit computer.
- Open the Start menu.
- Search and open “System Information.”
- Choose “System Summary” on the left panel.
- You will see the system architecture next to “System Type.”
- Close the System Information tool.
Like before, open the start menu, search for System Information and open it. This is the System Info tool that gives all the information you need.
In the System Information window, select System Summary on the left panel. You will see your system architecture next to System Type on the right panel. If it says x64-based PC, then your system is 64-bit. If it says x86-based PC, then your system is 32-bit.
4. Command to Find If the System is 32-bit or 64-bit
You can also use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to find if your system is 32-bit or 64-bit. All you have to do is execute a single line command. I’m showing this in Command Prompt, but the same command will work in PowerShell too.
1. Open the Run dialog box (Win + R), type cmd in the blank field, and click the Ok button. The command window will be opened instantly.
2. Type systeminfo in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
3. You can find your system type next to the System Type heading. If it says x64-based PC, then your system is 64-bit. If it says x86-based PC, then your system is 32-bit.
That is all.
5. Use a Third-party Tool
Alternatively, you can also use third-party tools to know if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit system.
As a choice of our software, we are going to use SecurAble. The good thing about this software is that it is portable and shows your system type in big, bold letters. So, there’s no confusion whatsoever.
1. First, download the software from the official developer website. Once downloaded, execute the application. Since this is a portable application, there is no need to install it.
Download link: https://www.grc.com/securable.htm
2. As soon as you open the application, it will show your system type. If it says 64 Maximum Bit Length, your system is 64-bit. If it says 32 Maximum Bit Length, your system is 32-bit.
As an added benefit, the software also tells whether your system has hardware virtualization or not. In case you are wondering, hardware virtualization is essential for things like Windows Sandbox.
That is all. If you ever wonder, “Is my computer 64-bit or 32-bit,” you now have the answer.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
