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How do I know if I have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?

Increasingly computers are being sold with 64-bit Windows, and so often times there is some confusion over what version of the operating system you have installed, with Windows Vista there's a easy way to find out.

Go to Control Panel -> System and Maintenance -> System.  Alternatively you can search for System on the Start Menu.  This will open the following window:

Under System type, will be either "32-bit Operating System" or "64-bit Operating System".

It is also worth being aware that 32-bit is often called x86.  While 64-bit is often referred to as x64 or x86-64.  Some downloads for example, don't use 32-bit or 64-bit, but use x86 and x64 to differentiate between the two.

Last updated 3rd of October 2007.