Differences between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, which one to install?

Every time you go to update your PC you will have to know whether to download the 32-bit or 64-bit versions in Windows, in this way your PC will work correctly, because there are also applications that work better depending on which version your PC has.

But what do these numbers mean, how do I know which of the two versions I should install according to my PC? Do not worry, here in look how it is done we will give you a brief explanation to know which one you should use or install on your new PC so that you can enjoy it to the maximum percent.

Index(  )

  1. What does it mean if my PC is 32-bit or 64-bit?
  2. What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?
  3. How to know if my PC is 32 or 64 bit
  4. So which one should I install on my PC?
  5. Advantages of a 64-bit program over a 32-bit one
  6. Can 32-bit Windows be installed on a 64-bit computer?
  7. How to switch from a 32-bit to a 64-bit system

What does it mean if my PC is 32-bit or 64-bit?

It can be said that the bits are a kind of DNA , so everything revolves around them. Where depending on the bits that are possessed, the rest of the systems will work correctly. Be it the operating system, the drivers or the software. Currently we have two versions, the 32-bit and the 64-bit

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows?

Here the main difference that both have is their storage capacity, since 32-bit processors are not capable of storing as much RAM memory as 64-bit ones. If your computer has 8 or 16 GB of RAM, it is suitable to use the 64-bit one, although it can support up to 16 Exabytes , on the other hand, the 32-bit ones manage up to a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, you can free up RAM for help in the process.

You have to take into account that the entire 32-bit system is an invention of the past, and is literally the forerunner of 64-bit or 2 ^ 64 technology. 32-bit systems are usually old equipment, which is no longer up to par with modern technology.

How does the above affect? Well, simple, if you open four applications simultaneously, it is possible that with 32 bits everything is normal, but to open more applications simultaneously it is necessary to have 64 bits. In a few words, it could be said that 64-bit PCs can perform more tasks in a shorter period of time.

Now, regarding the economic aspect, it can be concluded that 32-bit processors are much more accessible than 64- bit ones .

When you have 64-bit processors, you can install 32-bit programs , which cannot happen when dealing with 32-bit processors and 64-bit programs. But on the other hand, if your PC is destined for 64 bits, and a 32-bit operating system is installed, we will not be able to use 64- bit applications .

How to know if my PC is 32 or 64 bit

If we have Windows 10 the first thing you should do is go to Start and click on it, once you do it you must go to the search bar and write “about your PC” in this way you will see an option with the same name , you just have to enter it.

Clicking on it will open a window with a detailed list, where if you slide you can find a title that says ” type of system “, on its right will be the necessary information about which processors it has and which is the operating system of this.

Now for other versions of Windows you must go to ” my PC ” and right click on it, and then choose the option ” properties ” there you will see a window with the same information that I mentioned above.

In this way we can ensure that we have an operating system that is fully compatible with our processors. If you have bought a completely new PC, it is sure that it has 64 bits installed by default.

So which one should I install on my PC?

In conclusion, this depends a lot on the characteristics of your computer , such as the RAM memory and the operating system that it has. Regarding performance, there are applications in which its operation was improved to act in 64 bits, in terms of efficiency and stability.

For heavy programs such as games we can optimize them even more with this new type of 64-bit processor or the same editors are already only available for this new processor.

With a 64-bit processor you can run 32-bit programs , something that cannot be done the other way around. Therefore, if your computer is recent, it is best to use 64 bits, but it is already somewhat outdated and with little RAM, do not hesitate to install 32-bit processors with their respective system.

Advantages of a 64-bit program over a 32-bit one

This is very simple. We all know that computers when they are old and have been in use for a long time, begin to act slowly , while new ones are activated and work at a much faster speed. This is because the computer will have a processing speed that is directly proportional to the amount of RAM it has available.

While the hard drive is a solid storage system, RAM is a volatile storage system. This is because RAM is the memory module that your computer uses to open programs.

Every time you open a program, your computer uses RAM to keep track of everything you have done with it, and this record disappears when you close the window.

When you have a 32-bit or 2 ^ 32 system, you will have many problems in the modern age of computers. This is because the standard that has been established as a minimum for modern devices regarding RAM is 4 GB, which puts them across the border between 32 and 64 bits.

If your computer has a program that is larger than 4 GB in size, your computer will have a hard time. This is because memory will have to be dedicated exclusively to keeping that program open.

On the other hand, when you have a 64-bit computer, it means that you have at least an amount greater than 4 GB’s of RAM . If your computer has enough, running heavy programs is not going to be a problem.

Can 32-bit Windows be installed on a 64-bit computer?

The answer is yes, if you can. This is because the compatibility of 32-bit programs works on the basis that only 64-bit computers can emulate them.

In contrast, you may realize that a 32-bit computer will never be able to install a version of windows with a higher number of bits than that.

On the other hand, you will notice a clear deficiency in the use of RAM. Also, you can see that your computer will generally experience a drop in processing speed.

This is because, as we mentioned earlier, 32-bit computers can only use 4GB of RAM. When your computer has 64 bits, it means that the law is going to have a quantity greater than 4 GB’s, since a lower quantity can not execute 64 Bits.

Based on this, you will realize that when we say that a program has 64 or 32 bits, we mean the way it was encoded. Therefore, a 32-bit encoded program will not be ready to perform the functions of a 64-bit one. In this case, the function that 32 bits cannot perform will be to use more than 4 GB of RAM.

How to switch from a 32-bit to a 64-bit system

In the first instance, you will have to go to the control panel of your Windows computer to make sure you have more than 32 bits. It is important to remember that if your system has 32-bit windows, but more than 4 GB of memory, you can install 64-bit Windows.

Entering the control panel is achieved by opening the taskbar, clicking the Windows button on the bottom left and looking for the control panel among the options.

Among the options that are available you can see the System and security. Among the extra options that it has, you will see the one to “Check the Status of the Equipment”. When you press it, it will take you to another window that will have a button on the left that says “View performance information”.

In this window you can quickly see the score your computer has based on the Windows system. You will also be able to see this information by typing the word “DXDIAG” in the search bar / command bar.

If your computer is a 32-Bit system and you don’t have more than 4 GB of RAM, your computer will not be able to run any 64-bit programs.

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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