To describe how to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating system or a 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating system proves to be an important part of understanding Microsoft Windows. To determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit Windows operating system or a 64-bit Windows operating system, examine the system information. To do this, use one of the following methods.
Windows XP
If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other.
Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel
a. Click Start, and then go to Run.
b. Type in sysdm.cpl in the box, and then click OK.
c. See General. Select General. The operating system is displayed as follows:
o For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System. o
o For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version
Note
Method 2: View System Information window
a. Click Start, and then go to Run.
b. Type in winmsd.exe in the pop-up, and then click OK.
c. See System Summary, select it. And then locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
o If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
o If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
If you cannot determine the operating system bit count with these methods, go to the “Next Steps” section.
Windows Server 2003
If you have Windows Server 2003, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. If one does not work, try the other.
Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel
a. Click Start, and then go to Run.
b. Type in sysdm.cpl in the pop-up, and then click OK.
c. See General, Select General. The operating system is displayed as follows:
o For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
o For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.
Method 2: View System Information window
a. Click Start, and then go to Run.
b. Type in winmsd.exe in the pop-up, and then click OK.
c. See System Summary, select it. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
o If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
o If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
If you cannot determine the operating system bit count by using these methods, go to the “Next Steps” section.
