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.
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h3. 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.
h5. Method 1 - Using msinfo32
1. Click "Start."
2. Then click on "Run" or "Start Search."
3. Type:
{code}msinfo32.exe{code}
And then click "OK" or press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-run.png!
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
!winvista-systeminfo.png!
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
!winvista-64.png!
h5. Method 2 - Using System Window
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
{code}system{code}
And then press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-system.png!
3. Then click "System" in the "Programs" list.
4. The operating system appears as follows:
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
h5. Method 3 - Using System Summary
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
{code}system{code}
And then press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-system.png!
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: "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}" appears for the "System type" under "Item."
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}" appears for the "System type" under "Item."
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h3. 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.
h5. 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:
{code}msinfo32.exe{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
h5. 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:
{code}sysdm.cpl{code}
And then click "OK."
4. Click the "General" tab. The operating system appears as follows:
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!winxp-64.png!
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows XP Professional{color}" appears under "System."
!winxp-32.png!
h5. Method 3 - Using winsd
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}winmsd.exe{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86{color}," the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}ia64{color}" or "{color:blue}AMD64{color}," the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
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h3. 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.
h5. Method 1 - Using sysdm
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}sysdm.cpl{code}
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: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!win2003-64-systemprop.png!
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!win2003-prop-32.png!
h5. Method 2 - Using winmsd
Using winmsd.exe provides a more detailed output of the operating system.
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}winmsd.exe{code}
And then click "OK."
!win2003-winmsd.png!
4. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}x86{color}," the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
!win2003-32.png!
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}EM64T{color}" or "{color:blue}ia64{color}," the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
!win2003-64.png!
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h3. Windows 7
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7, do the following:
h5. Method 1 - Using the Computer Properties
{info:title=Note}Works for Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
{info}
1. Click "Start."
2. Right-click "Computer."
3. Then click "Properties."
4. Under "System," you can view the system type.
\\
h5. 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: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win7-32.png!
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win7-64.png!
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h3. 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: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win2008-32.png!
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win2008-64.png!\\
\\
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h3. Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 is only available in 64-bit.
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h3. 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:
{code}systeminfo{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the System Type item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
!systeminfo.png!\\ {excerpt:hidden=true}Instructions on how to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.{excerpt}
Locate the operating system that is running on your computer, and then follow the steps to determine the bit count of your operating system.
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h3. 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.
h5. Method 1 - Using msinfo32
1. Click "Start."
2. Then click on "Run" or "Start Search."
3. Type:
{code}msinfo32.exe{code}
And then click "OK" or press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-run.png!
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
!winvista-systeminfo.png!
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
!winvista-64.png!
h5. Method 2 - Using System Window
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
{code}system{code}
And then press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-system.png!
3. Then click "System" in the "Programs" list.
4. The operating system appears as follows:
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
h5. Method 3 - Using System Summary
1. Click "Start."
2. In the "Start Search" box, type:
{code}system{code}
And then press the <ENTER> key.
!winvista-system.png!
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: "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}" appears for the "System type" under "Item."
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}" appears for the "System type" under "Item."
----
h3. 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.
h5. 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:
{code}msinfo32.exe{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the "System Type" item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
h5. 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:
{code}sysdm.cpl{code}
And then click "OK."
4. Click the "General" tab. The operating system appears as follows:
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!winxp-64.png!
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows XP Professional{color}" appears under "System."
!winxp-32.png!
h5. Method 3 - Using winsd
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}winmsd.exe{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86{color}," the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}ia64{color}" or "{color:blue}AMD64{color}," the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
----
h3. 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.
h5. Method 1 - Using sysdm
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}sysdm.cpl{code}
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: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!win2003-64-systemprop.png!
* For a 32-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition{color}" appears under "System."
!win2003-prop-32.png!
h5. Method 2 - Using winmsd
Using winmsd.exe provides a more detailed output of the operating system.
1. Click "Start."
2. Click "Run."
3. Type:
{code}winmsd.exe{code}
And then click "OK."
!win2003-winmsd.png!
4. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}x86{color}," the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
!win2003-32.png!
* If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with "{color:blue}EM64T{color}" or "{color:blue}ia64{color}," the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
!win2003-64.png!
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h3. Windows 7
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7, do the following:
h5. Method 1 - Using the Computer Properties
{info:title=Note}Works for Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
{info}
1. Click "Start."
2. Right-click "Computer."
3. Then click "Properties."
4. Under "System," you can view the system type.
\\
h5. 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: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win7-32.png!
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win7-64.png!
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h3. 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: "{color:blue}32-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win2008-32.png!
* For a 64-bit version operating system: "{color:blue}64-bit Operating System{color}" appears for the "System type" under "System."
!win2008-64.png!\\
\\
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h3. Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 is only available in 64-bit.
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h3. 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:
{code}systeminfo{code}
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 "{color:blue}x86-based PC{color}."
* For 64-bit editions of Windows, the value of the System Type item is "{color:blue}x64-based PC{color}."
!systeminfo.png!\\ {excerpt:hidden=true}Instructions on how to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.{excerpt}