Windows comes in two architectures, 32-bit and 64-bit. The difference between the two is the amount of memory they support and performance. 64-bit Windows supports more than 4 GB of RAM while 32-bit client OS is limited to using 3 GB RAM only. Windows 10 64-bit supports up to 2 TB of RAM, while Windows 10 32-bit can utilize up to 3.2 GB. The memory address space for 64-bit Windows is much larger, which means, you need twice as much.
Windows 10 is available as 32 bit (x86 / x32) and 64 bit (x64), what should you install is not uncommon!
Windows 10 is delivered for two processor architectures 32-bit and 64-bit. You have the choice between compatibility and performance. Windows 10 32-bit is more likely to work better with older hardware and software, but you'll miss some of the performance and functional advantages that are only available in Windows 10 64-bit. X64 is the best architecture for all your needs, but for older computers before 2013, the x32 can be beneficial.
Case-1: old computer!
Your computer has less than 4 gigabytes of RAM and was manufactured before 2010, then you will most likely have problems with the x64 or 64 bit version of Windows. In some cases it cannot even be installed, only the installation of x32 is possible here (e.g. DELL Latitude D820 and similar models).
Tip for old Notebooks, sometimes Windows 10 installation works but you have big problems with driver the second option is to use Windows 8.1 the support is to 2023 .. Legal Download of Windows 8.1 and 10!
Case-2: New computer, scarce storage space!
Even if the computer is new, but it is a very tight hard drive <64 GB and / or the RAM is less than 4 GB, the Windows 10 32 bit can prove to be the better Windows 10, but you can dare to do so, even that Installing Windows 10 64 bit, if the hardware does not meet the specifications, the MS Windows 10 cannot be installed and the installation is canceled, or the system hangs completely during the installation.
The hard drive is 100 gigabits in size, the RAM is 4 gigabytes or more, then you usually have no problems installing the Windows 10 64 bit and you have enough scope, which is very important, for the major Windows 10 updates up to 16 gigabytes of space on the Windows 10 C: hard drive to carry out a correct update.
The majority of machines run Windows 10 on 64-bit architecture, which makes 32-bit apps run quiet slower compared to their 64-bit versions. This is why if your Windows is 64bit, your preference should be using 64bit software; this post will guide you through the process to check if your installed program is 64-bit or 32-bit.
You may ask why? 64-bit applications can access more than 4GB memory (RAM) and gives the best performance. Abundances developers do release their apps in both architectures, eg. Winrar, 7Zip, Google Chrome. You can run 32-bit software on 64-bit architecture but not vice versa.
What's 64-bit and 32-bit (x64 & x86) How to determine which you have?
When you install 64-bit Windows on a 64-bit architecture machine, you can run both 32 and 64-bit applications on it. Running 64-bit on the same architecture will allow the app to use abundant resources, while in my opinion, there is no such big performance gap between 32-bit and 64-bit versions unless the application is using 3 or 4GB of RAM.
Knowledge: 32-bit refers to x86, and 64-bit refers to x64.
Say that you want to ensure all of the application is 64-bit, or just out of curiosity you want to check if installed programs are 32-bit or 64-bit is pure, please keep reading.
Parallels 32 Bit Or 64 Bit Windows 10
Can I upgrade 32-bit apps to 64-bit?
Technically Yes, you need to find out if the particular app is also available in a 64-bit version. Visit their official page, and most of the time, you have an option to select between 32-bit and 64-bit variants. Small tools (in size) don't make a difference in performance, so keep using them, you're good to go. While resource demanding software like Photoshop, Video editor should be in 64-bit on a 64-bit machine for best results.
How to switch? you need to uninstall the installed 32-bit version of the app, download the 64-bit variant, and install.
KEEP IN MIND. This article is useful to tell if the installed programs are 32-bit when you're on a 64-bit Windows 10. So if you're running 32-bit Windows, this article is not for you, as you can only 32-bit applications.
Check if a program is 32-bit/64-bit via Task Manager
Online games free no download multiplayer. First, I use the latest Windows 10, which is version 2004 (at the time of writing). Teach yourself to build the latest WIndows 10 ISO. The Task Manager in Windows 10 can help you check whether a running app is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Step 1: There are multiple ways to open the Task Manager; our favorite is Right-clicking the taskbar and select Task Manager. (taskmgr; command prompt junkies).
Step 2: If this is the first time you are opening Task Manager, click on More Details for the Expanded version of Task Manager.
Step 3: Switch to Details tab, right-click on a column header (see screenshot), click on Select Columns and then tick Platform from the list.
Older Windows 10 versions have this column named Architecture.
Step 4: Open any software, to check it's architecture look at the Architecture column to find out. If it says 64 bit which means it's a 64-bit program, otherwise 32 bit.
The easiest way to check whether application is 64-bit or 32-bit in Windows 10
Open the File Explorer, press Windows key + E and click on MY PC, navigate to Local Disc C: (or where you installed Windows).
You will see these two folders, Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders. The x86 folders will have all the 32-bit installed applications, Open the folder and see for yourself.
As you can see I've installed Chrome and Internet Download manager both are 32-bit so they went here. Need more applications, check out our best and essential Windows 10 apps article.
Q. There is no x86 folder: A. It means your Windows is 32-bit.
What's more
Windows 10 recently received big overhaul especially in 2004 and 2103, at this time they are in beta phase, but hey you still can test them using WIndows 10 insider program (which is free). hop on to this guide to get started with the upcoming Windows 10 features.
There is more to why you should use 64-bit machines, especially if your purpose is to play games. Games like Apex Legends, PUBG, and other massive battle royale games use more than 8GB of RAM; as of now, you know the limit is 4GB RAM for 32-bit games. All the new computers come with 64 architecture, so you better start using the same architecture apps, for sure some applications are available in 32-bit, like small utilities to make bootable USB, there is nothing wrong with them. The conclusion here does not to be afraid to use 32-bit applications, and when possible, your preference should be 64-bit over 32-bit apps.
32-bit Or 64-bit Windows 10
Article Contents
