What's the Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows? And which one is better for you

 

What is the difference between 32-bit Windows and 64-bit Windows?

If you have looked at buying a computer recently, you may have noticed 32-bit and 64-bit computers . Or maybe you tried to install a program on your computer, and found that a 64-bit application would not work on your 32-bit system. But what do these terms mean, and what is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?

A brief history of the development of computer systems.

It is common knowledge that computer systems evolved from an 8-bit environment to a 16-bit environment in the eighties and in the nineties there was another transition from 16-bit to 32-bit and now we are moving to 64-bit.

As well as what is the best and which of them chooses while downloading or installing a copy of Windows on the computer, in fact the question is very important, because if its answer entails installing the appropriate copy of Windows for your device, you must know the difference between them, let me also tell you that  the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit It is a big and noticeable difference . 

What is 32-bit and 64-bit?

When it comes to computers, the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit is all about processing power . Computers with 32-bit processors are older, slower, and less secure, while 64-bit processors are newer, faster, and more secure.

But what do the numbers 32 and 64 mean?

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer works like the brain of your computer. It controls all communications and data flows to and from other parts of your computer. Some computers use two or more processors. However, there are now only two main classes of processors: 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors. The type of processor a computer uses affects its overall performance and the type of software it can use.

Most computers built in the 1990s through the early 2000s have a 32-bit system that can access 2^32 (or 4,294.967,296) bytes (units of digital information) of random access memory (RAM). Meanwhile, a 64-bit processor can handle 2^64 (or 18446.744.073.709.551.616) bytes of RAM. In other words, a 64-bit processor can handle more data than 4 billion 32-bit processors combined.

The difference between 64-bit and 32-bit Windows and which one is better for you?

While a 64-bit processor has more processing power than a 32-bit processor , this does not always mean that you need a 64-bit computer or software. Whether you should install a 32-bit or 64-bit application on your computer depends on your current setup.

If you want your computer to be fast, you should probably opt for a 64-bit processor. You can even use this wizard if you are going to be running 32-bit programs because most applications are backward compatible. This means that 64-bit computers will run most 32-bit programs. However, a 32-bit computer will not run any 64-bit applications.

Here are some reasons why you might want to upgrade to a 64-bit processor:

64-bit processor advantages

1. Graphics: Apart from being able to handle more data, the 64-bit processor offers better graphics performance. This means that your computer will be faster when running applications, editing photos, and playing graphics-intensive games.
2. Security: A 64-bit computer may still be infected with malware (malware), which includes viruses, spyware, Trojans, and ransomware. However, a 64-bit computer has more security features than a 32-bit system.
3. The 64-bit version of Windows also requires a mandatory driver signature, which is Microsoft's protocol to prevent unsigned drivers for malicious software from running on the system. A driver signature is what you call a digital fingerprint that ensures that the file has been tested with the operating system, and that it comes from a legitimate source. Malware authors will find it difficult to bypass the mandatory 64-bit Windows signature process.
4. A 64-bit operating system also has a compatibility layer that places certain restrictions on 32-bit programs. Without going into technical details, what this means is that older malware will not be able to run on a 64-bit version of Windows.

Is my computer 32 or 64 bits? How do you know

Now that you know the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors, you may want to know what processors are on your computer. So, how can you tell? The answer to this question depends on the operating system you are running.

How to tell if your Windows 10 PC is 64-bit

1. Open a File Explorer window by pressing the Windows icon key + E.
2. In the left sidebar of the File Explorer window, right-click “This PC.” 
3. Choose Properties from the context menu
4. Look for the System Type information. This is where you will see what type of operating system and processor you have.

How to tell if your Mac computer is 64-bit

1. Open the Apple menu. You can do this by clicking the Apple-shaped button in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Then select About This Mac.
3. Click System Report. This is the button at the bottom left of the window. If you don't see this button, make sure you're on the Overview tab.
4. Check the name of the processor on the right side of the window. If you don't see the processor name on the right side of the window, be sure to click Devices at the top of the left sidebar.
5. Finally, compare your processor name to this table from Apple. In this example, the processor name is listed as "Dual-Core Intel i5", which is just listed as "Core i5 in the table below. So, this computer has a 64-bit processor.

Can I install 32-bit software on a 64-bit computer?

A 64-bit operating system with a corresponding chip can run most 32-bit programs. This is good news for those who use apps and software that are only available in 32-bit options.

The reason for this is because of the 32-bit compatibility layer over 64-bit. This compatibility layer acts as a subsystem that allows you to run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit machine without any performance penalties. It's just like running a 32-bit application on a 32-bit version of Windows.

However, you cannot run a 64-bit program on a 32-bit machine. There are also older 16-bit programs that cannot run on 64-bit Windows.

If possible, you should install and use 64-bit versions of the applications if your computer supports them. You will get faster performance and better graphics.

Can I upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit?

If you want to upgrade to a 64-bit system, you first need to know if you have a 64-bit processor. If you don't have the right hardware, you might be better off buying a new computer. Most computers sold since 2011 already have a 64-bit chip, but not all have a 64-bit operating system.

If you're currently shopping for a laptop or desktop computer, you'll likely get a 64-bit processor under the hood. All you have to do is use software designed for these systems.