How to find out how many bit system? Windows XP bit depth: what it is and how to find out.

More recently, a note was published on the site's blog to help those who are going to upgrade their computer or buy / assemble a new one. Namely, it talked about how much random access memory the computer needs, depending on the tasks that are set by the front: How much RAM is needed?

Our next note on the plan was an article about the support of various amounts of memory by the operating system - about the bitness of the operating system; that not all memory sizes are supported by all versions of Windows. Special thanks to all readers who mentioned the topic of bitness in the comments on the blog: after reading them, I realized that a short blog post on this topic was not enough. Need detailed material on this topic.

That is why it was decided to write an article (educational program, if you like) on this issue and post it here on ITexpertPortal.com - in the archive of free educational materials and articles on important topics computer literacy.

So, back to the main topic, to the bit depth of operating systems and to support various amounts of memory. Let's answer the question first:

What is bit depth in general?

Scientific definition: In computer science, the bitness of an electronic (in particular, peripheral) device or bus is the number of bits (bits) simultaneously processed by this device or transmitted by this bus. The term applies to constituent parts computing, peripheral or measuring devices: computer data buses, processors, etc. The bitness of a computer is called the bitness of its machine word.(source - Wikipedia).

I think everything is simple and clear. Bit depth - the ability to simultaneously process a certain number of bits, to put it simply.

In fact, everything is not so simple, and in order to fully cover this issue and "scientifically" - no article is enough. Therefore, we will not delve into the course of PC architecture, but will touch on purely practical issues that we have to deal with and that matter to us - users.

And what about the amount of RAM?

There are two versions of the operating Windows systems(at least for now - only two). It doesn’t matter what exactly we take from modern and relevant systems: XP, Vista or 7.
All these systems exist in two versions - 32-bit and 64-bit. For example:

Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (or x86 - equivalent designations)
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit ( or x64 - equivalent designations)
Windows Vista Ultimate x86 (x86 - is the designation for the 32-bit version)
Windows Visa Ultimate x64 (respectively - 64-bit version)

Of course, there are architectural differences between 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows. You can talk about them for a long time, but it's useless, believe me. 🙂

The most important features and differences that directly relate to the user and which one has to face:

1. The maximum amount of RAM.
2. Bit depth of the operating system.
3. Processor capacity.

Here we will talk about this in more detail ...

The maximum amount of RAM.

32 bit operating system can address (i.e. can use, "see") no more than 4 GB of RAM. This is the most important difference, and the most significant. If your computer has, say, 2 GB installed, then a 32-bit operating system works fine with that amount.

If you install 4 GB of memory and run a 32-bit OS, then it simply will not see such a volume. All she can use is about 3.5 GB out of 4 GB. It cannot provide the rest of the volume for running programs. Of course, if you install 8 GB of memory into the computer, say, and at the same time remain on a 32-bit system, then it will also not see more than 3.5 GB of the total installed volume.

A 64-bit operating system can work with much larger amounts of memory - up to 192 GB (for Windows 7). Those. if you, say, wanted to install 8 GB of memory, then you definitely need to switch to a 64-bit OS, otherwise, you simply won’t be able to use such a large amount of available memory.

We considered, one might say, "extremes", up to 2 GB and 8 GB and more. But what about the golden mean? What if you already have it installed or plan to upgrade your storage to 4 GB? Is it necessary in this case to switch to a 64-bit OS so that the computer can use not 3.3, but all 4 GB of memory?

Not everything is so simple... 64-bit OS versions use noticeably more memory. All variables are no longer 32-bit, but 64-bit. Typically, this increases the size of applications by 20-40%, which leads to a corresponding increase in the amount of memory occupied. File formats such as music or video are not affected.

Install 64-bit versionWindows to make better use of 4 GB of memory, it makes no sense, even if the 32-bit version only recognizes up to 3.5 GB of memory. The problem lies in the fact that you will get the missing memory, but immediately lose it for the reason that the 64-bit version requires more memory for itself. So the transition to 64 bits is relevant only with larger memory: 6.8 GB or more.

So, if you decide to install a lot of memory, and here a 64-bit OS is definitely needed, then you may be interested in the question:

What are the features of 64-bit Windows Vista /7?

Visually, none. Those. outwardly, this is a regular OS that does not stand out from the 32-bit version. You can determine whether it belongs to the 64-bit architecture only by going to the "system properties" item in the control panel - the bit depth is indicated there.

Technically, there are small differences. The first, in fact, is that a 64-bit OS "sees" large amounts of memory and can work with them. Second, it allows you to run 64-bit applications.

A 64-bit OS allows you to run regular 32-bit programs as well. In the usual way, no settings are required for this. Everything as usual. It's just that a 64-bit system has a subsystem for executing 32-bit applications. Therefore, you can successfully install and work with both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

Now there are few such x64 applications, although their number is constantly growing. This is especially true for resource-intensive programs - graphic and video editors, and so on. Those. all programs that primarily need large amounts of memory available for work. For example, so that some video editor can use more than 4 GB of available memory in its work.

For example, Adobe has stated that modern applications of the Adobe CS5 series will only be 64-bit. This means that, say, Photoshop CS5, Dreamweaver CS5 etc. can only run on a 64-bit system. On a 32-bit OS, they simply won't run. Why?

because 32-bit applications can run on a 64-bit OS, but not vice versa!

The next technical point - 64-bit OS requires 64-bit drivers. As a rule, all modern (not older than two years) PC devices, laptops and peripherals have two versions of drivers on the attached installation disk - 32 and 64-bit. Therefore, with modern devices there will be no problems - as usual, insert the driver disk into the drive and start the installation, the installer will determine the version of Windows itself and launch the driver corresponding to the bit depth.

If there is no disk or it does not have a 64-bit driver, you need to visit the official website of the manufacturer of a particular device to download such a driver. The same applies to obsolete equipment.

ALWAYS check for 64-bit versions of ALL required drivers BEFORE you start installing the 64-bit version of Windows!

Processor speed.

Where to get/how to detect 64-bit applications?

64-bit software can be determined without difficulty. On the packaging in system requirements, as a rule, it is indicated that this program is 64-bit. The same may be indicated separately on the packaging.

If you purchase some software via the Internet, then belonging to the 64-bit architecture is also indicated.

Here is an example: my license box Windows version Vista Ultimate. The set includes two installation disks - 32 and 64-bit versions of the OS:

Ignore the "English language" in this case, it's just that the OS was purchased in the United States.

But this is in this case - Vista Ultimate (only Ultimate) was delivered this way, in two versions. As a rule, the same Windows, for example (or any other program) is sold OR 32 bit OR 64-bit, as indicated on the box, as I mentioned.

This is where the differences and features of 64-bit Windows operating systems that are significant for the user end.

Otherwise, everything is exactly the same as on the usual 32-bit Windows XP/Vista/7.

Before installing a driver or program, be sure to know which bitness operating system Windows installed on your computer: 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64). Windows x86 or 32-bit system supports no more than 4 GB of RAM, while 64-bit system supports more than 4 GB. For example, Windows 7 Home Premium in 64-bit version supports up to 16 GB of RAM. More advanced editions of Windows, such as Professional and Ultimate, support up to 192 GB of RAM! To determine which version of Windows is installed on your computer, follow these steps.

Windows 8 bit depth

There are 2 ways to determine the bitness of Windows 8. If one method does not work, try another.

Method 1: Viewing the System Window of Control Panel

1. Type "System" in the search box and then tap or click Options.
2. Click the System icon.
3. If you have a 64-bit version of Windows 8 installed, the System type field in the system section will show this. And if you have a 32-bit version of Windows 8, it will indicate: 32-bit operating system.

Method 2: Open the System Information window

1. Move your cursor near the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you're using a mouse, point to the lower right corner of the screen and click the Find button.
2. In the search field, enter "system information".
3. Click on "System", and then click on the "System Information" button.
4. The box under the item heading will say System Type Windows 8 64-bit. Or under the System Type heading, it will say Windows 8 32-bit.

Windows 7 bit depth

In the window that opens, find the item System type

Windows Vista bit depth

• Windows x64 - System Type will say "64-bit operating system"
• Windows x86 - System type will say "32-bit operating system"

Bit depth Windows XP

I note that the vast majority uses a 32-bit operating system.

Method 1

In the window that opens, find the item System

• if you are using a 64-bit version of the operating system, the System entry will read: Microsoft Windows XP version x64
• if you are using a 32-bit version of the operating system, the System entry will read: Microsoft Windows XP version x32

Method 2

1. Press "Start"
2. Select "Run"
3. Enter the "CMD" command in the window that appears, i.e. call command line
4. Enter the command "winver"
5. Press "Start"
6. Select "All Programs"
7. "Standard"
8. Item "Service"
9. Click on "System Information"

Method 3

With this method, you will get full information about the system. Usually the question arises where it is written about the bit depth, and so, if the text “x86 Family” is present, then the system is 32-bit.

Question: Why is it not always possible to see the necessary information in Windows XP (in the first two ways) or is there no “System” item?

Answer: Because Windows XP SP3 (the third fix pack) has a large number of assemblies and the first two options are not relevant in all assemblies, for example, in some assemblies only the 3rd method of checking the system bitness works.

After reading this post, you will learn 4 ways to find out the bit depth of the system.

Why and in what cases you need to know the category of your operating system. If you decide to install windows on your computer, then you just need to know what bit is needed for your computer.

Without knowing this knowledge, you will install an incorrect system that will torment you until the end of your days.

If you place 64x bit system set, 32x your computer will run on 3 GB of RAM,

which significantly reduce the performance of windows. And if the place is 32x, install 64x, then you will have problems installing and running programs. Therefore, before windows installation you need to figure out which windows to choose.

According to my knowledge and experiments, I will tell you about 4 ways to accurately solve the issue of bit depth.

1. Through the shortcut my computer
2. Through disk. WITH:
3. Through the command line
4. With the help of the program

1. In order to find out complete information about your windows system, you need to move the mouse cursor over the shortcut my computer. Right click and go to properties.

After you open it, pay attention to the system type line

This line will write the discharge of your windows. And when installing, select the same category.

Attention, in some cases, next to the category in brackets, it may be written that approximately 1.2 GB is not used,

this means that windows is not installed correctly. That is, place 64x was installed 32x. in this case, we select the appropriate option, so we carefully follow the warnings.

1. If you have a windows 64x operating system installed, then this can be determined by going to the system partition. WITH:.

We open my computer, we go in, Radel. C: and in this section you will find the butt Program Files(86X).

If you have such a folder, it means that your operating system is 64-bit.

The Program Files(86X) folder is created by the system in order to install programs running under 32 bits. Here on this definition, you can determine what kind of system you have.

1. And so the next way is to determine the bit depth through the command line.

This method will probably be difficult for a beginner. But I'll tell you anyway, because it still gives a lot of information about your system. Open start and in the search bar type command line.

We open it. And in the opened window with small English letters enter system info and press enter

Our attention should stop on the line type of systems

This is how you can determine what bit depth your windows operating system consists of. This method will give you accurate information about windows OS.

1. The most recent and inefficient way is to define the system using a program.

Why ineffective?

Yes, because someone will not climb the Internet in search of a program when there are such easy methods at hand. And besides, not everyone has an Internet connection. Despite this, I will still talk about this method.

To begin with, we go into the browser and search for Yandex or Google and write 64bit-checker. Let's go to this site

And now click download. By the way, if the browser translator does not lie, the name of this program is 64bit checker. cool name

Now go to the download folder and run this program. This program does not need installation and starts immediately.

During startup, the program itself will analyze your system. And in the first line there will be such an inscription Your Windows is detected as 64bit (x64).

It translates like this: your Windows is detected as 64-bit (x64)

What is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit hardware

The difference between these two parameters is something like this. Do you have a two door car that only has two spaces that are 32 bit windows,

a four door car is 64 bit. Let's say you are a taxi driver and you have a 4-door car, but you only carry two passengers, and you have two seats free and you do not use them. You are not using the nominal value of your performance.

This situation occurs if you install 32-bit windows instead of 64-bit.

And vice versa, in a two-door car you are transporting three people, which significantly loads the car and performance, this situation happens if you install a 64x system instead of 32x.

Here are the pies, friends. I hope in this article I have clearly and clearly revealed the essence of the topic. It seems to me that the most The best way find out how much bit your system is first. In terms of this article. Since it is the simplest, fastest and most accurate. You will probably agree with me.

If you have any effective method write in the comments. And if something is not clear to you or it doesn’t work, also write in the comments, I will be glad to discuss this topic. That's all for now!

You will be interested

Remember, once I already talked about the Windows operating system? Today I would like to talk about how, in fact, to find out this bit depth different ways. So let's go.

How to find out the bit depth of the Windows 7 or 8 operating system?

In this case, everything is very. In order to find out the bitness of the system, you need to open the window for viewing basic information about the computer. This can be done in various ways. First: find the “Computer” icon on the desktop (it is also located in the “Start” menu), right-click on the mouse and select “Properties”.

Another option is through the control panel. Click on the "Start" button, select "Control Panel", then click on the items "System and Security" - "System" or simply "System".

You will see a window for viewing basic information about your computer. Pay attention to the line "System Type" - it clearly says the bit depth of your system.

How to find out the bit depth of Windows XP?

In the case of Windows XP, the process is no more difficult and, perhaps, even easier. We do the same: we find the “Mock Computer” icon on the desktop, right-click on it, and then select “Properties” from the menu. You will see the system properties window. On the General tab, you will see the following:

Pay attention to the "System" subsection (highlighted in the screenshot). If you only see the name of the operating system, then it is a 32-bit OS. If the name contains x64 bit depth, then it will be exactly a 64-bit OS. I don't think you can get confused.

How else can you determine the capacity of the system?

If for some specific reason you cannot find out the bit depth of the system in the ways described above, you can try using other methods. What kind?

For example, you can go to the system drive (in the vast majority of cases, this is drive C, where the operating system is installed) and find the Program Files folder there. On a 64-bit OS, two such folders are installed in one partition at once: Program Files and Program Files (x86). The first installs programs that work in 64-bit mode, and the second, respectively, in 32-bit mode.

You can also see it with . Open the latter and watch the processes. If some of them have the number 32 with an asterisk (*32) next to them, then you are using a 64-bit system. In 32-bit, there are no additions to processes.

I think this material will be quite enough for you to find out the bit depth of your operating system.