Windows 32 or 64 bit

[Grant]

What is the quickest way to identify which version you are running

Can a 32 bit version app run smoothly on a 64bit system?

 

[vinodh]

Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. It will tell you if it's 32 or 64bit. 32bit apps run perfectly fine on a 64bit version of Windows. General rule: less than 4gigs of RAM, use 32 bit, more than 4 gigs, use 64bit. Using 64bit on a system that has only 2gigs of RAM is perfectly fine, you just won't be maximising the potential of the OS until you upgrade to 4gigs or more RAM.

 

[Grant]

that was quick - thanks vinodh

 

[NeoProg]

But doesn't your CPU have to have 64 bit architecture to run a 64 bit OS?

 

[DanH]

Another easy way to see if its 64bit is to check "program files". 64bit has 2 such folders, one with (x86) after.

64bit architecture is needed, but your cpu will have it unless it is a p4 or older.

 

[vinodh]

Another easy way to see if its 64bit is to check "program files". 64bit has 2 such folders, one with (x86) after.

64bit architecture is needed, but your cpu will have it unless it is a p4 or older.

Actually, some P4's are 64bit capable. I have one that's being used now to run Windows Home Server 2011 which is a 64bit only OS.