How to Check System Configuration or Computer's System Information in Windows

INTRODUCTION


This article automatically determines whether a computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. This article also describes how to manually determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. Generally, a computer's bit count indicates how much data it can process, the speed with which it can process the data, and the maximum memory capacity. In order to optimize the computer's performance, the bit count of the operating system that is installed on the computer should match the bit count of the computer itself.

Determine which version of Windows is installed
Use the following methods to determine which version of Windows is installed, as appropriate for the operating system that you are running.

Windows 8

There are two methods that you can use to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 8. If one method does not work, try the other method. 

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  2. Type system in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
  3. Tap or click System.
  4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, 64-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, 32-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
  2. In the search box, type system information.
  3. Tap or click System, tap or click System Information, and then click System Summary.
  4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, x64-based PC is displayed in the System type field under the Item heading.
    If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, x86-based PC is displayed in the System type field under the Item heading.  
If you cannot determine whether the computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 8 by using these methods, go to the "Next Steps" section.

Windowa 7

If you have Windows 7, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. If one method does not work, try the other method.

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Click Start button, type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programslist.
  2. The operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Click Start button , type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.
  2. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, the operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, x64-based PC appears for the System typeunder Item.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, x86-based PC appears for the System typeunder Item.



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