Question About the 32 -bit and 64 -bit versions of Windows

32 -bit and 64 -bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the 32 -bit and 64 -bit versions of Windows.

What is the difference between 32 -bit and 64 -bit versions of Windows?

----> The terms 32 -bit and 64 -bit refer to the way a computer’s processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64 -bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32 -bit system.

How can I tell if my computer is running a 32 -bit or a 64 -bit version of Windows?

----> To find out if your computer is running a 32 -bit  or 64 -bit version of Windows in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:

1. Open System by clicking Start/b> button , right-clicking Computer , and then clicking Properties.

2. Under System, you can view the system type.

If your computer is running Windows XP, do the following:

i. Click Start

ii. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

If you don’t see “x64 Edition” listed, then you’re running the 32 -bit version of Windows XP.

If “x64 Edition” is listed under  System, you’re running the 64 -bit version of Windows XP.

Which version of windows  7 should I install: the 32 -bit version or the 64 -bit version?

---->  To install a 64 -bit version of Windows 7, you need a CPU that’s capable of running a 64 -bit version of Windows. The benefits of using a 64 -bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64 -bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32 -bit operating system, a 64 -bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7.

How do I tell if my computer can run a 64 -bit version of Windows?

----> To run a 64 -bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64 -bit capable processor. To find out if your processor is 64 -bit -capable in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box , type Performance Information and Tools, and then ,in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.

2. Do one of the following:

·         In Windows 7 click View and print detailed performance and system information.

·         In Windows Vista, click View and print details.

3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you’re currently running under System type, and whether or  not you can run a 64 -bit version of Windows under 64 -bit capable. ( If your computer is already running a 64 -bit version of Windows, you won’t see the 64 -bit capable listing.)

To see whether a computer running Windows XP is capable of running a 64 -bit version of Windows, do the following :

1. Click Start.

2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

• If “x64 Edition” is listed under System, your processor is capable of running a 64 -bit version of Windows.
  . If  you don’t see “x64 Edition” listed, your processor still might be capable of running a 64 -bit version of Windows.

To find out for sure, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Windows 7 UpgradeAdvisor webpage.

 

Can I upgrade from a 32 -bit version of Windows to a 64 -bit version of Windows 7 or from a 64 -bit version of Windows 7 to a 32 -bit version of Windows?

You can use the Upgrade option during Windows 7 installation, which preserves your files, settings, and programs, only if you’re currently running a 32 -bit version of Windows Vista and you want to upgrade to the 32 -bit version of Windows 7. Similarly, if you are running a 64 -bit version of Windows Vista , you can only perform an upgrade to a 64 -bit version of Windows 7. For more information, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.

If you want to move from a 32 -bit version of Windows to a 64 -bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa, you’ll need to back up your files and choose the custom option during Windows 7 installation. Then, you’ll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs. For more information about performing a custom installation, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7.

Notes:

To install a 64 -bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32 -bit version of Windows, you’ll need to start, or boot , your computer using a 64 -bit Windows 7 installation disc or files.

If you start your computer using a 64 -bit Windows 7 installation disc or files, but your computer isn’t capable of running a 64 -bit version of Windows, you’ll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You’ll need to use a 32 -bit Windows 7 installation disc or files instead.

Windows Easy Transfer can’t  transfer files from a 64 -bit version of Windows to a 32 -bit version of Windows. If you’re running a 64 -bit version of Windows Vista but you plan to install a 32 -bit version of Windows , you can move your files to an external location manually or use Backup and Restore in Windows  Vista.  For more information, go to Back up yourfiles and Restore a backup created on a previous version of Windows on the Windows website, ( If you’re running a  -bit version of Windows XP, you’ll need to move your files to an external location manually.) 

by: Microsoft.com