32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

How do I upgrade from the 32-bit to the 64-bit version of Windows?

Upgrading from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of Windows requires that you reformat your hard disk, install the 64-bit version of Windows, and then reinstall everything else that you had on your device. For more information, see Create installation media for Windows.

How can I tell if my Windows device is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows?

Windows 11 doesn't have a 32-bit version and is 64-bit only. To confirm:

1. Select Start and then select Settings > System > About .

   Or select the following About shortcut:

   Open About

2. In the System> About window that opens, the architecture version of Windows can be found next to System type under Device specifications. It's listed as the operating system type.

Which version of Windows should I install: the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version?

Windows 11 doesn't have a 32-bit version and is 64-bit only. Installs will always be 64-bit.

How do I tell if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?

Windows 11 doesn't have a 32-bit version and is 64-bit only so any device running Windows 11 is capable of a 64-bit version of Windows. To confirm:

1. Select Start and then select Settings > System > About .

   Or select the following About shortcut:

   Open About

2. In the System> About window that opens, the architecture version of Windows can be found next to System type under Device specifications. It's listed as the processor type.

Here are answers to some common questions about the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

How do I upgrade from the 32-bit to the 64-bit version of Windows?

Upgrading from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of Windows requires that you reformat your hard disk, install the 64-bit version of Windows, and then reinstall everything else that you had on your device. For more information, see Create installation media for Windows.

How can I tell if my Windows device is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows?

1. Select Start and then select Settings > System > About .

   Or select the following About shortcut:

   Open About

2. In the About window that opens, the architecture version of Windows can be found next to System type under Device specifications. It's listed as the operating system type.

Which version of Windows should I install: the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version?

To install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a CPU that's capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random-access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. Almost all modern devices have a CPU that's capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows.

How do I tell if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?

1. Select Start and then select Settings > System > About .

   Or select the following About shortcut:

   Open About

2. In the About window that opens, the architecture version of Windows can be found next to System type under Device specifications. It's listed as the processor type.