Knowing the system architecture of your computer makes it easier to update device drivers, and also helps you gauge your PC's performance and the level of developer support.
Instructions
Step 1
To find out how many bits: 32 or 64 for Windows 8, you need to hold down the Windows key (with the company logo image) and press the X (x) key. The Power User Menu window opens. Click on the System drop-down menu and your version of Windows 8 will be listed next to the System Type indicator. You can install either a 32-bit or a 64-bit processor on a 32-bit system, so pay attention to the last part of the line: x86 - 32 bits, x64 - 64 bits.
Step 2
For Windows 7 and Windows Vista, open the Start menu and look for Computer. Right-click on it and select System. A window with the main characteristics of your computer will open in front of you, go down to the System Type line, opposite which the type of operating system will be indicated. Then click on the Device Manager button on the left, find the processors and expand the list. If many of the same items appear, then you have a multi-core processor. Open any of them, select the Details section. The bitness of the system architecture will be indicated there.
Step 3
You can find out how many bits: 32 or 64 on Windows XP using the following steps. Right-click on the My Computer shortcuts and open General. The operating system type will be listed under System. If the line "x64 Edition" is missing, then you have a 32-bit system architecture.
