What’s the difference between 32-bit vs 64-bit architecture in Windows? Here’s a clue: Ones & Zeros

Computers are one of those things that don’t come with a manual. If at all they did, we would strongly advise you toss that right out the window and opt for a need-to-know self-education as only trial and error can teach you.

Upgrading to a new computer or buying your very first one can be challenging when you’re not privy to the industry lingo. One such challenge is knowing the difference between 32-bit vs 64-bit operating systems. But don’t fret. Here, let’s break it down for you:

The Numbers: Binary Code

Here’s the short version: A computer doesn’t count on its hands and toes as the rest of us puny humans. Computers only understand binary code. Those 0’s and 1’s add up to make a bit. No pun intended. So for each bit, you get 2 values. (2-bit is 2 to the power 2 or 2^2, giving you 4, while 3-bit is 2^3 to give you 8). On and on.

You should also know that 8 bits make a byte.

As such, a 32-bit (also known as x86) operating system is designed to take advantage of a 32-bit processor which processes 4 bytes (4 x 8 =32-bit) for each CPU cycle. A 32-bit CPU processes  2^32=4,294,967,296 values. That’s roughly 4 gigabytes of RAM that a 32-bit computer can play with. Anything more than that will be wasted.

The same applies to the 64-bit (or x64) system. A 64-bit CPU does double what its 32-bit counterpart can process at 8 bytes (8 x 8 = 64-bit) per CPU cycle. To further break this down, you get 2^64=18,446,744,073,709,551,616 values.  I personally stopped counting at the trillions, but if you can go further, be my guest. Officially, 64-bit CPUs can accommodate roughly 2 terabytes of RAM, if at all you can get your hands on that much and have the space to fit it. That’s a lot of numbers showing just how powerful a 64-bit processor can be in comparison to the 32-bit.

Related: Computer RAM Upgrade: How to find compatible RAM for your PC

How to check if you’re using 32-bit vs 64-bit

We will head to the System/System and Security in the Control Panel for this. A shortcut is to open a new Window:

>>Right Click on My Computer/This PC

>>Select Properties (at the bottom)

Under System Type, you will see the version of operating system and processor running on your PC. Please note that a 32-bit operating system can comfortably run on a 64-bit CPU. But not the other way round, so don’t even bother. 64-bit software is backwards compatible, so it can support 32-bit architecture as well.

Pros and Cons of using 32-bit vs 64-bit OS

RAM: 64-bit CPUs can utilize an nth amount of RAM efficiently to speed up your system. A theoretical figure would be 16 Exabytes or should we say, 16.8 million terabytes of RAM. That’s clearly an impractical amount of RAM to cram into a motherboard. On the other hand, a 32-bit system is limited to only 4 GB of RAM. Sure, you can add more, if you want to. The CPU just won’t be able to utilise it.

Virtual Memory per process: A 32-bit architecture can only allocate a maximum of 2 GB of virtual memory a PC can use as RAM in a pinch. With 64-bit, everything gets theoretical at a colossal figure of 8 terabytes of virtual memory. That’s more than enough virtual juice to run heavy apps like games, image editing software, your Virtualbox, name it.

Advanced Security features: Windows provides additional security features in their 64-bit architecture that you don’t find in 32-bit. This includes Data Execution Protection (D.E.P), Kernel Patch Protection, Mandatory Driver Signing, Address Space Layout Randomisation and more. You won’t find that

Legacy Software: Deprecated 16-bit legacy software by default won’t run on 64-bit architecture. The best you can hope for is using it in a virtual environment or closing that chapter altogether. As we mentioned before, 32-bit software will work fine with 64-bit systems for the most part. Windows even creates their own Programs folder to differentiate them from their 64-bit counterparts. That said, they won’t be able to enjoy the performance boost of a spruced up 64-bit architecture.

Driver compatibility: There’s little monetary incentives for some companies to release 64-bit drivers for their older devices. Not when they can quietly let them die a natural death and nudge their clients to upgrade to newer models. So your old printer released decades ago will have a tough time working.

Featured Image: livewire.com

About Sydney Mugerwa

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.