Microsoft KB Archive/827218

Knowledge Base

How to determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system

Article ID: 827218

Article Last Modified on 11/27/2007

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APPLIES TO

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Itanium-based systems
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Itanium-based systems
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Itanium-based systems
• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium Beta
• Windows Vista Ultimate Beta
• Windows Vista Starter
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition

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IN THIS TASK

• SUMMARY
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP Professional
  • Windows Server 2003

SUMMARY

This step-by-step article describes how to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating system or a 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating system. 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.

Note Intel Itanium-based computers can only run 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run a 32-bit Windows operating system. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows only run on Itanium-based computers and AMD64-based computers.
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Windows Vista

Method 1

1. Click Start, type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list.
2. The operating system appears as follows:
   • For a 64-bit version operating system: 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
   • For a 32-bit version operating system: 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.

Method 2

1. Click Start, type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.
2. The operating system appears as follows:
   • For a 64-bit version operating system: x64-based PC appears for the System type under Item.
   • For a 32-bit version operating system: x86-based PC appears for the System type under Item.

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Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Method 1

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
   • For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
   • For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version< Year> appears under System.
   Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.

Method 2

1. Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
   • If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
   • If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

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Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Method 1

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
   • For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
   • For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.

Method 2

1. Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
   • If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
   • If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

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Keywords: kbexpertiseadvanced kbexpertiseinter kbinfo kbhowtomaster KB827218

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