32-bit operating system, x64 processor

negativejeremy Posted messages 4 Status Membre -  
FeLynX Posted messages 7236 Registration date   Status Modérateur Last intervention   -
Hello, I would like to know what 32-bit operating system and x64 processor mean.

When I bought my laptop, it was running Windows 8.1 64-bit, but then I updated it to Windows 7 32-bit. A few months later, I was able to get Windows 10 for free, and I installed it. Now, when I check my computer, I see 32-bit operating system and x64 processor. However, before installing Windows 10, it was a 32-bit system, but when I bought it, it was Windows 8.1 64-bit.
I find it pretty weird what I've done, but oh well.

It’s probably because it started off as a 64-bit, and next to 32-bit operating system, it says x64 processor.

Actually, what I just want to know is if I can install both 32-bit and 64-bit software at the same time.

2 réponses

darkleopard Posted messages 7926 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   1 184
 
hello.
It's very simple, the explanation.
Your processor can run operating systems and software in 64 bits and therefore in 32 bits (because as long as it can handle 64 bits, it can do 32 bits, it makes sense).
And your Windows 10 is in 32 bits because you installed Windows 7 in 32 bits, but originally your PC was running with a 64-bit 8.1.

The question is rather why you installed a 32-bit Windows 7.??!?

Knowing that 32-bit operating systems can't manage more than 3.6 GB of RAM, so if you have 8 GB of RAM, well you have 4 GB that can't be used...

--
Gaming is not a crime.
Toshiba P870 - w10 64 bits - i7 3630qm - 8 GB ddr3 Dual Channel - Nvidia GT 630M 4 GB
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negativejeremy Posted messages 4 Status Membre
 
But if I buy a Windows 7 CD that has 64 bits, I could install it as Windows 7 64 bits, right?
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darkleopard Posted messages 7926 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   1 184 > negativejeremy Posted messages 4 Status Membre
 
Well, it's already natively 64-bit..
The architecture doesn't change, a 64-bit Windows will remain 64-bit.
If you want to switch to 32-bit, you'll need the appropriate CD..
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Anonymous user > negativejeremy Posted messages 4 Status Membre
 
Yes, your PC has a 64-bit processor so you can install a 64-bit Windows 7 and then use software designed for both 32-bit and 64-bit.
And additionally, you can upgrade to 64-bit Windows 10 if you meet the conditions set by Microsoft (up-to-date system and authentic license key).
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