Situations often arise when you need to find out the bit depth of your Windows XP installation. Today we will tell you how to do this.
In order to find out the bitness of Windows XP, there are two simple ways:
This method is the simplest, but does not always work.
So, you need to go to “My Computer” (the shortcut is located on the “Desktop” or in the “Start” panel). In any free space in the window, right-click (RMB) and select “Properties” in the menu that appears. Next you will see something similar to the image below.
If, just like in the image, nothing is said about the system’s bit capacity, then proceed to Method 2 (or you can immediately start with it).
This method is applicable not only if the first option did not suit you, but it may well be the main method of how to check the bit depth of Windows XP.
So, in the “Start” menu, select “Run”.
Next, in the window that appears, you need to type the command winmsd.exe (check that you have changed the keyboard layout and are typing on English language. Read how to change the keyboard layout here). After this you should see the following
Then, you need to press the “Ok” button or the Enter key and wait a while. Next you will see something very similar to the image below.
If x86 is written next to the “Processor” line, then this is evidence of the installed 32-bit version, x64, respectively, is a sign of the 64-bit version.
What is the difference between 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows, we talked about this in detail here.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!
If you have asked this question, most likely you want to update the drivers for your video card. You are doing the right thing, because if you load the wrong drivers, the video card will not work on full power, or even they won’t install at all. That is why today we will tell you how to find out the bit capacity of the system. Moreover, we will try to sort out all kinds of information that may be required. We haven’t forgotten about the owners of old operating systems a la Windows XP.
Of course, you can run programs or drivers in compatibility mode with a 64-bit system. But, excuse us, these will be some kind of crutches, and not full-fledged working drivers or software.
How to find out the system bit depth on Windows XP
The simplest and most correct option is to look into the system properties window:1. Click on the “My Computer” icon, as expected, RMB. In the drop-down menu that appears, click “Properties”;
2. A window opens where you must go to the “General” tab;
3. If there is no information about the system bit size, then the 32-bit version (x86) is used.
4. Otherwise, if you see another picture and it says, for example, “Professional x64 Edition,” then the system is 64-bit.
Checking system capacity on Windows 7/8/8.1
Here everything is still much simpler, you need:1. Also, right-click on the “Computer” icon and in the drop-down context menu click on “Properties”;
Actually, for both versions operating system This method is the same, the only difference is in the visual design.
Is it possible to find out the system bit depth in Windows 10?
Of course you can. And you still don't need to use third party software. The method is almost the same, but it has its own peculiarity. For example, on most versions of the OS the “Computer” icon is a shortcut, so by right-clicking on it and selecting “Properties” we will get completely different information.
So let's look at our own option. It is simple and versatile. By the way, in the case of Win 7-8 it will also work:
1. Press the combination once Windows keys+ S. Yes, yes, finally you used the key not during an intense battle in an online shooter. Opens the search bar built into everything latest versions OS;
2. Enter the code word “Computer” into it;
3. Right-click on the first application and click “Properties” in the context menu;
4. After which a window opens, vaguely reminiscent of that in Windows 8.1, where basic information about your computer or laptop is written, including the system’s bit capacity. In this case it is: 6 GB random access memory, processor Intel Core i7 and 64-bit operating system.
Determining the bit depth of the operating system using the AIDA64 program
Why did we choose it? It's simple, with AIDA64 you can get all the necessary information about your computer and even more.1. Open the program from the icon on the desktop - we see the main window;
2. Click on the “Operating System” item;
4. All the necessary information on the OS version and its bit depth becomes available; in the screenshot we have highlighted the line we need with the cursor.
That's all. You are awesome!
The bit capacity of a processor is a certain number of processes processed per unit of time. There are x32 (x86) and x64 bit processors and operating systems. Knowledge of the processor bit capacity is necessary for correct installation of programs and the amount of supported RAM.
As of 2015, outdated computers are those with a x32 processor. Such PCs handle a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. Slots on motherboard will not accept RAM strips with a volume exceeding this indicator. The operating system must also be 32-bit. New generation processors have x64 bits. They process data much faster, support processors from 2 cores and “read” RAM from 4 GB to 32 GB. Windows must also be 64-bit. You can check the bitness of your computer through Properties. To do this, double-click on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop. Next, click the “System Properties” button. The “System Type” value displays the bitness of the operating system, and it is equal to the bitness of the central processor. IN Windows versions 8, 8.1 in this value both parameters are simultaneously indicated: both OS and CPU.
Now you know what the bit capacity of the central processor is and its importance. And check it easily in any way.
When installing any drivers, as well as many programs, you need to know the bitness of your operating system. This is necessary in order to install the optimal software version for your Windows 7/8/10. As a rule, if there is different versions programs or drivers, then before downloading them you are asked to choose: 32-bit or 64-bit version. If you don’t need to select anything, then this means this is a 32-bit program and it will work on any system.
32-bit Windows contain the mark x86 or x32 in the name, and 64-bit Windows – x64. The x86 code has nothing to do with 86 bits, it’s just been the case since the first versions of Windows that worked on computers with an x86-compatible platform (386, 486, 586, who remembers :))
In any version of Windows, the bit depth can be viewed in the system properties window. I'll show you the best way to get there.
Windows 7, Computer -> Properties
Right-click on the “Computer” icon on the desktop and select “Properties”
A system properties window will open in front of you, where you need to find an entry about the type of your Windows
As you can see from the picture, I have a 64-bit system. It's so simple.
Windows 8, Start menu
You can also right-click on the “Computer” icon on the desktop. Or go to the tiled “Start” menu of the eight, find the “Computer” button there, right-click and select “Properties”
In the system properties window, look at the bit depth of your Windows 8
Windows 10 bit depth
Everything is the same, but to open the “System” window, just right-click on “Start” and select “System”
Windows XP
A few words on Windows account XP. Since this OS was used mainly on old computers, the x64 version was almost not in demand. Therefore, the system properties window does not even indicate that the x86 version is installed, i.e. this is the default. But if it is x64, then this will be indicated.
Other ways if it doesn't work
If for some reason the above methods do not work, then we will act differently. If there is no “Computer” icon on the desktop, then go to the “Start” menu and write “system” in the search bar
In the search results, select “System” and look.
Second way: go to “Start -> Control Panel -> System”
These two options are suitable for all operating systems: Windows 7 and Windows 8/10. They allow you to show the same system properties window.
The next method is also universal, but it opens another window. So, in the search bar of the Start menu, write “information” and open the link “System Information”
In the main window of the program, look for the line “Type”
For 64-bit OS it will be written “x64-based PC”, and for 32-bit OS “x86-based PC”.
Which system is better: 32 or 64 bit?
Many people ask this question, and for good reason, because a lot depends on it. In general, the bit capacity of the system determines the way the OS interacts with the processor and RAM of a computer or laptop. A thirty-two-bit system can process 32 bits (4 bytes) of information in one processor cycle, and a sixty-four-bit system can process twice as much.
Now, firstly, the ability to run the x64 version on a specific computer directly depends on the bit depth. Fortunately, everyone modern processors support 64-bit instructions.
If you install a x64 application on x64 Windows, it will work faster than when using 32-bit versions!
Secondly, x86 systems only support 3.25-3.75 GB of RAM (depending on the hardware configuration). Therefore, if you have 4 or more gigabytes of RAM installed, then choose a 64-bit operating system.
But if x64 OS is installed on a computer with 2-3 GB of memory, then it will work, but due to the greater gluttony of this same RAM than x32, the performance will be worse, even despite more fast work processor in such an OS.
If you have x64 Windows, then when downloading programs and drivers, always select their 64-bit version. For drivers, this rule is mandatory. The programs will work in both versions. For 32 programs there is a separate folder on the disk “Program Files (x86)” and they are launched in x86 operating system emulation mode. But you won’t be able to run a 64x program on a 32x system.
Many PC programs are oriented towards 32-bit or 64-bit, how to find out the system, but not all users know how to find out the bit depth.
This is important data that you need to know when downloading almost any software - from games to utility utilities and antiviruses.
You can find out this data using computer resources.
The essence of the concept
What is OS bit depth? This is an important indicator of processor performance, directly related to RAM. Therefore, often this indicator is decisive when choosing a computer or processor.
Bit capacity is the number of bits that can be simultaneously processed and transmitted by a particular system. Accordingly, 32 or 64 bits (higher-bit operating systems are currently not used by ordinary users). Wherein this concept applicable to various buses and systems in the processor.
This indicator is indicated by the corresponding symbols. These are x32 and x64.
Some users have probably seen an uncharacteristic x86 bit size designation on their PCs. This does not mean that the OS is super-efficient and is capable of processing 86 bits simultaneously. This is simply a 32-bit designation used in some modern variants.
At the same time, there is no direct link to the operating system version. For example, Windows 7 exists in both 32 and 64 bit versions. The same applies to Vista and others.
The higher the bit depth, the greater the amount of RAM that can be used correctly.
How to find out the indicator?
Why might you even need to find out the bit depth? Almost all programs currently being developed are created in two versions - for 32 and 64 bits. This ensures the most complete functionality, performance and correct operation on various operating systems.
At the same time, some utilities designed for 32 bits may not run at all on 64 bits, and vice versa. Therefore, when downloading software, this indicator is very important. How can we find out?
Windows Vista and higher
On Vista, 7, 8 and 10 operating systems it is very easy to find out this information. You just need to look at it in the properties. At the same time, accessing properties is not too complicated and does not require a long search.
Follow the algorithm given below:
- If you have a My Computer shortcut on your Desktop, just right-click on it;
- If there is no such shortcut, then click the Start button and find the computer in the program list or tile, and right-click on it from there;
- In the window that pops up, find the Properties line at the end and click on it;
- A window will open with all the data about the OS;
- There, find the System information block and in it the line System Type - it is opposite it that indicates the bit capacity of your PC.
In Windows 10, this tab can be found in another way. Just hold down the Win+Pause/Break keys on your keyboard at the same time. After this, the corresponding window shown in the picture above will immediately open.
Windows XP
In older OS releases, it is a little more difficult to find out the bit depth. You must follow this algorithm:
- On the Desktop, find the My Computer shortcut;
- Click on it with the right mouse button;
- In the drop-down menu, select Properties, as in the example above, and click on it;
- A small window with System Properties will open;
- In it, in the top menu, go to the General tab;
- Look at the block called System;
- If only the OS version and other data are indicated there, and the bit depth is not clearly indicated anywhere, it means that it is 32 bits, since by default at the time of XP development this was present in most processors;
- If it has 64 bits, then this will be explicitly stated in the System block.
The table below shows exactly how the bit depth can be specified in Properties, and what it actually means.
In Windows XP, there is also a way to call the required window using hot keys. It is similar to what is given above (for Windows 7, 8, 10). You need to press Win+Pause/Break.
