This document will help you to find out if your Windows Vista, XP, 7, 2003, 2008 System is 32-bit or 64-bit (x86 or x64). Depending on your Windows version, you need to obtain the 32-bit or 64-bit CDP software installer.
Locate the operating system that is running on your computer, and then follow the steps to determine the bit count of your operating system.
Windows Vista
If you have Windows Vista, there are three methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. Follow the instructions below to check a version of Windows you are installing into.
Method 1 - Using msinfo32
1. Click "Start."
2. Then click on "Run" or "Start Search."
3. Type:
And then click "OK" or press the <ENTER> key.
4. In the displayed "System Information" window, review the value for the System Type item:
- For 32-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "x86-based PC."
- For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "x64-based PC."
Method 2 - Using System Window
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
And then press the <ENTER> key.
3. Then click "System" in the "Programs" list.
4. 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 3 - Using System Summary
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
And then press the <ENTER> key.
3. Then click "System Information" in the "Programs" list.
4. When "System Summary" is selected in the navigation pane, the operating system is displayed 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."
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
If you have Windows XP, there are three methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version.
Method 1 - Using msinfo32
Follow the instructions below to use msinfo32.exe.
1. Click "Start."
2. Then click on "Run" or "Start Search."
3. Type:
And then press the <ENTER> key.
4. In the displayed "System Information" window, review the value for the System Type item:
- For 32-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "x86-based PC."
- For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "x64-based PC."
Method 2 - Using sysdm
Some versions of Windows XP do not have msinfo32.exe installed. For such versions, follow the instructions below.
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
And then click "OK."
4. Click the "General" tab. The operating system appears as follows:
- For a 64-bit version operating system: "Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition" appears under "System."
- For a 32-bit version operating system: "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" appears under "System."
Method 3 - Using winsd
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
And then click "OK."
4. 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.
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
If you have Windows Server 2003, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version.
Method 1 - Using sysdm
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
And then click "OK."
4. In the "System Properties" window, go to the "General" tab.
5. 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 - Using winmsd
Using winmsd.exe provides a more detailed output of the operating system.
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
And then click "OK."
4. 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.
Windows 7
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7, do the following:
Method 1 - Using the Computer Properties
 | Note Works for Windows 7 and Windows Vista. |
1. Click "Start."
2. Right-click "Computer."
3. Then click "Properties."
4. Under "System," you can view the system type.
Method 2 - Using the System Screen in Control Panel
1. Access the "Control Panel."
2. Select "System & Security."
3. Then select "System."
4. Under "System," you can view the system type. The operating system appears as follows:
- For a 32-bit version operating system: "32-bit Operating System" appears for the "System type" under "System."
- For a 64-bit version operating system: "64-bit Operating System" appears for the "System type" under "System."
Windows Server 2008
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows Server 2008, do the following:
1. Access the Control Panel.
2. Click "System."
3. The operating system appears as follows:
- For a 32-bit version operating system: "32-bit Operating System" appears for the "System type" under "System."
- For a 64-bit version operating system: "64-bit Operating System" appears for the "System type" under "System."
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 is only available in 64-bit.
Windows Server 2008 Server Core
Server Core is a minimal server installation option for computers running on the Windows Server 2008 operating system or later. Server Core provides a low-maintenance server environment with limited functionality. Server Core requires Windows Server 2008 or later.
1. Click "Start." Then click on "Run" or "Start Search."
2. Type:
And then press the <ENTER> key.
3. In "System Information", review the value for the System Type item:
- For 32-bit editions of Windows, the value of the System Type item is "x86-based PC."
- For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the System Type item is "x64-based PC."
