The average of normal computer users has absolutely no idea if they have a 64bit or 32bit PC and, above all, the type of Windows operating system they are using is often ignored, whether 32-bit or 64-bit. Today's question then is: " What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating system and what are the advantages of 64-bit"> First of all we need to see if our computer is 32-bit ( or X86) or 64-bit (or X64) and especially if it is running a Windows 32 or 64.
A PC with a 64-bit processor can in fact also be used with Windows 32, while the opposite is not possible, that is, install Windows 64 on a computer with a 32-bit only processor.
Taking into account that now all computers are equipped with 64-bit processors, to find out if you are taking full advantage of these 64-bit with Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating system, go to the Control Panel and open System .
In the window that opens, you can read the information indicated on the line: System type .
To be sure, you can also download a small portable tool called 64bit Checker which clearly indicates not only the type of version of Windows used, but also if the computer processor supports 64-bit systems.
For those who already have a computer with 64-bit Windows or for those who are thinking of going from 32-bit to 64, we see here the main advantages of X64 computers .
1) A computer with a 64bit system is more powerful than a 32bit one in the sense that more than 4 gigabytes of RAM can be used and exploited.
In fact, more than 4 GB of RAM can be used only with Windows 64-bit and not with the X-86 versions which will ignore any memory banks exceeding this limit.
With 64-bit Windows there is almost no limit to the RAM memory that can be mounted on a computer.
The 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 instead can use a maximum of 3.12 GB out of 4 available.
2) Better program performance
Until recently, one of the limitations of computers with 64-bit Windows was program compatibility.
Since Windows XP was originally only released as a 32-bit operating system, and since the computers of some time ago were only x-86s, few created 64-bit Windows programs.
Today the situation is different, Microsoft itself pushes for the 64-bit Windows versions and often, the computers that you buy at the mall, both portable and fixed, have a 64-bit Windows 7 or Windows 8 inside.
Consequently, all programs that run on X-86 systems also work on x64 systems.
The programs developed for 32-bit Windows run on 64-bit systems without performance differences while the dedicated 64-bit versions are more performing.
This is especially true for heavy 3D graphics programs like Photoshop or Autocad that work much better in 64-bit versions.
To find only 64 bit programs you can go to sites like Start-64 and 64X Soft.
3) Computers with 64-bit Windows are more stable
All 64-bit device drivers are digitally signed, so in essence, there will be no chance of having random crashes.
4) A 64-bit system is more secure against malware
The fact that the drivers are all signed and certified by Microsoft makes it impossible for a malware to be able to access the operating system kernel and act as a rootkit.
There are just a few situations where you are better off using 32-bit Windows:
- If you only have 2 GB of RAM.
- If you use old devices such as scanners and printers of which there are no 64-bit device drivers.
In conclusion, even if the differences, for a normal user who uses the PC at home, are not many, a 64-bit Windows PC would be preferable today compared to a 32-bit one, even if you don't have a computer with more of 4 GB of memory.
For a more technical explanation of what it means to have a 64-bit computer, you can read the full Wikipedia article.
