Explaining how to check and the difference between 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10 and 11

This time, I will explain bits in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

When downloading software for use on your PC, have you ever seen phrases such as "32-bit version" or "64-bit compatible"?

There are times when you don't know which one to choose.

From how to check whether your PC is 32 bit or 64 bit, to what exactly is a bit? It also mentions this, so please refer to it.

How to check Windows 10, 11 32bit, 64bit

First, I will explain how to check whether it is 32bit or 64bit on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

  • How to check 32bit/64bit on Windows 10
  • How to check 32bit/64bit on Windows 11

How to check 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10

How to check 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10 is as follows.

[How to check whether it is 32bit or 64bit on Windows 10]

  1. Right click on "Start (Windows mark)"
  2. Select "System"
  3. Check the number of bits in the "System type" section

How to check 32bit and 64bit on Windows 11

Windows 11 seems to only support 64-bit CPUs. However, you can check the bits, so you can also check the version etc. by following the steps below.

[How to check bit and version on Windows 11]

  1. Select "Start"
  2. Select "Settings"
  3. Select "System"
  4. Select "Version information"
  5. Check the number of bits in "System type" and the version in "Version"

What is the difference between 32bit and 64bit of Windows 10 and 11?

What is the difference between 32bit and 64bit in Windows 10 and Windows 11?

In this article, we will explain bit from the following perspectives.

  • What exactly is a computer bit?
  • What is the difference in processing speed?
  • What are the differences in memory recognition?
  • What storage capacity can be installed?

What exactly is a computer bit?

First of all, what is a computer bit?

In computers, a bit is a unit that represents one digit of a binary number. Computers use binary numbers, or 0s and 1s, to perform calculations.

This unit, bit, is used to express how much data a computer can handle at one time.

Of course, the larger the number, the more data can be handled.

In other words, 64 bit, which has a larger number, can handle more data at once during calculations than 32 bit.

What is the difference in processing speed?

The processing speed is different between 32bit and 64bit.

Comparing 32bit and 64bit, 64bit can process more data at once. Therefore, it can be said that 64-bit is faster in processing speed.

What are the differences in memory recognition?

There is a difference in the upper limit of memory that can be recognized between 32bit and 64bit.

32bit can recognize memory up to 4GB.

On the other hand, in theory, 64bit can recognize up to 16EB (exabytes).

Realistically, in the case of Windows 10, there seems to be an upper limit of 128GB for HOME and 2TB for Pro.

What storage capacity can be installed?

There is a slight difference in the storage capacity that can be installed between 32bit and 64bit.

In the case of 32-bit Windows 10, the HDD for the PC system is limited to 2TB. HDDs of 2TB or more can also be used for storage, not for system use, but for storing data.

Points to note when changing to 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10 and 11

In this article, we will explain the points to note when changing between 32bit and 64bit in Windows 10 and Windows 11, including before and after the change.

  • Points to note before changing from 32bit to 64bit
  • Points to note after changing from 32bit to 64bit

Points to note before changing from 32bit to 64bit

Now, I will explain the points to note before changing from 32 bit to 64 bit.

  • Check your Windows edition
  • Checking Windows authentication status
  • file backup

Check your Windows edition

When upgrading Windows from 32bit to 64bit, you need to choose the same edition.

Editions include Windows Home, Pro, etc.

[How to check the edition]

  1. Right click "Start"
  2. Select "System"
  3. Check the “Edition” in “Version Information”

Checking Windows authentication status

If you change Windows from 32bit to 64bit, license authentication is required again. In the case of 64bit, authentication can be performed via the Internet called digital authentication, but a product key may be required.

[How to check whether a product key is required]

  1. Select "Start"
  2. Select "Settings"
  3. Select "Update & Security"
  4. Check “License Authentication”
  5. If it says "Windows is licensed," a product key is required.
  6. If it says "Windows is activated with a digital license," a product key is not required.

file backup

When upgrading Windows from 32bit to 64bit, data will be lost if you perform a clean install. Therefore, be sure to back up any necessary data.

Points to note after changing from 32bit to 64bit

After changing from 32bit to 64bit, there are some points to be careful of as follows.

  • Check driver status in device manager
  • Checking the operation of peripheral devices such as printers

Especially when changing from 32bit to 64bit, it is a good idea to check carefully as there are driver compatibility issues.

Check driver status in device manager

After changing Windows from 32bit to 64bit, check if there are any driver errors in Device Manager.

[How to check the driver in Device Manager]

  1. Right click "Start"
  2. Select "Device Manager"
  3. Check for errors such as "!" marks
  4. If there is an error, take measures such as downloading the corresponding driver from the device manufacturer's website.

Checking the operation of peripheral devices such as printers

After changing Windows from 32-bit to 64-bit, be sure to check the drivers in Device Manager and make sure that peripheral devices are working properly. It's a good idea to try printing on your printer and see if it works properly.

How to run 64-bit apps on a 32-bit OS on Windows 10 and 11

To run a 64-bit app on a 32-bit OS on Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are the following methods.

  • Install a virtual machine and run 64-bit apps
  • Upgrade Windows 10, 11 to 64bit
  • Look for 32-bit apps

Install a virtual machine and run 64-bit apps

If you want to run a 64-bit app on a 32-bit OS on Windows 10 or 11, one way is to use a virtual machine.

A virtual machine allows you to run another OS within Windows.

There are virtual machines such as "VirtualBox" and "ParallelsDesktop". If you use the desired one and start the virtual machine, you can use 64-bit applications.

Please make sure to back up your data in case something goes wrong.

Upgrade Windows 10, 11 to 64bit

If you are using a 32-bit OS and want to use 64-bit apps, one way is to upgrade Windows 10 or Windows 11 from 32-bit to 64-bit.

if possible,Change beforeandAfter changeYou may want to check the precautions and upgrade.

I don't think there will be any problems if you upgrade to 64 bit, unless the application you are using only supports 32 bit.

I'll look for 32-bit apps.

If you are using a 32-bit OS with Windows 10 or Windows 11, it is easiest to use the version that matches it.

In addition to 64-bit versions, some applications may also have 32-bit versions.

Therefore, you may want to look for a 32-bit version.

 Solution if you cannot change from 32bit to 64bit on Windows 10 and 11

If you cannot change from 32bit to 64bit on Windows 10 or Windows 11, the solution is as follows.

  • Check if your computer (CPU) supports 64bit
  • Download Windows 10 or 11 ISO file and clean install
  • Check if it is 64bit

Check if your computer (CPU) supports 64bit

If you cannot change from 32bit to 64bit on Windows 10 or Windows 11, your computer (CPU) may not be compatible with 64bit.

Check your Windows edition

Please refer to the above to check whether your computer is 64-bit compatible.

Download Windows 10, 11 ISO file and clean install

If you cannot change from 32bit to 64bit on Windows 10 or Windows 11, downloading the ISO file and performing a clean install may solve the problem.

Generally speaking, you probably upgrade with a clean install like this one.

[How to do a clean installation]

  1. Always back up necessary data
  2. Download “Windows 10 Setup Tool” (free)
  3. Prepare a DVD (capacity 8GB or more)
  4. Start setup tool
  5. When the license is displayed, check it and select "Agree"
  6. Select "Create installation media for another PC"
  7. Select "ISO file"
  8. ISO file is created
  9. Right click on the created ISO file
  10. Select "Burn disc image"
  11. Make sure the DVD is in your PC and select "Burn"
  12. Launch the created DVD
  13. Select 64-bit operating system
  14. Install Windows

Check if it is 64bit

Finally, check whether you can change from 32 bit to 64 bit on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

It would be a good idea to follow the instructions to initialize Windows and then check.

You can check the bit, version, etc. by following these steps.

How to check 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10

Summary of how to check and differences between 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10 and 11

This time, we explained how to check 32bit and 64bit on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and the differences.

Basically, 64-bit can handle more data and has higher performance than 32-bit. Therefore, it is basically better to upgrade.

However, if the application you want to use is only 32-bit compatible, it will not be available on 64-bit.

Also, in order to change from 32bit to 64bit, the computer (CPU) must be compatible with 64bit.

If you perform a clean install when changing from 32bit to 64bit, your data will be erased, so be sure to back up any necessary data.

The same applies when installing a virtual machine. In this case, it is possible that data may be lost. Therefore, it is a good idea to back up your data and be prepared for any problems.

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