When buying a computer or software, you’ve probably come across the terms "32-bit" and "64-bit." But what do they actually mean, and how do they impact your device’s performance?
32-bit and 64-bit refer to different types of computer architecture, determining how much data a processor can handle at a time and how much memory it can support. While 64-bit systems are designed for modern computing needs, 32-bit systems are more suited for older technology.
In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between 32-bit and 64-bit and how to decide which one is best for you. If you want to optimize your computer’s performance, this guide is essential!
What is 32-Bit and 64-Bit?
32-bit and 64-bit refer to the architecture of a computer's processor, which determines how much data it can process at a time and how much memory (RAM) it can support.
1. 32-Bit
A 32-bit system processes data in chunks of 32 bits (4 bytes) at a time. These systems are older and have a maximum RAM limit of 4GB. This means that if you're using a 32-bit system, you cannot install more than 4GB of RAM.
Compatibility: A 32-bit system can only run 32-bit software; it does not support 64-bit applications.
2. 64-Bit
Modern computers use 64-bit systems, which process data in chunks of 64 bits (8 bytes) at a time. These systems support significantly higher amounts of RAM, far exceeding 4GB.
Memory Support: Theoretically, a 64-bit system can address up to 18 exabytes (18 billion GB) of RAM, which is far more than practically needed. This makes it ideal for advanced applications and gaming that require higher memory capacity.
Performance: 64-bit systems offer better performance, especially when handling large datasets, multitasking, or running heavy applications.
Designed to meet modern computing needs, 64-bit systems are more efficient and well-suited for gaming, video editing, and large-scale data processing.
Difference Between Bit vs Byte
Before the article becomes complex and creates confusion, it is important to first understand what bits and bytes are.
Generally, processors are designed to process data. These processors have billions of transistors that process the data. The amount of data a processor can handle depends on the number of transistors it has.
Bits and Bytes are the smallest units for data storage and processing. For example:
- Bit: This is the smallest unit of data. It can only have two values: 0 or 1.
- Byte: 8 bits make up 1 Byte.
In other words, to understand and calculate larger data, it is divided into smaller containers. For instance, a group of 8 bits is called 1 Byte. This means, if I have 1 Byte of data, I should understand that it contains 8 bits of data. Just like we say 12 bananas make 1 dozen, or 1000 grams make 1 kilogram, this makes calculations easier.
Similarly, in the table below, you can see more data groups, each given a fixed name.
| Unit | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 Bit | 0 or 1 |
| 1 Byte | 8 Bits |
| 1 KB (Kilobyte) | 1024 Bytes |
| 1 MB (Megabyte) | 1024 KB |
| 1 GB (Gigabyte) | 1024 MB |
| 1 TB (Terabyte) | 1024 GB |
In this table, you can see how smaller units are grouped together and used, such as a group of 8 bits being called a byte, making it easier for us to manage data.
Difference Between 32-bit vs 64-bit
If you understand bits and bytes, then you can easily understand the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
We know that processors are made up of transistors. Older processors had larger and fewer transistors because technology was not advanced at that time. As a result, older processors could not support more than 4GB of RAM. Since all tasks in computers, laptops, and mobile devices rely on RAM, older processors required more RAM when handling intensive tasks. If sufficient RAM was not available, the system would slow down, hang, or sometimes shut down automatically.
Due to the limited number of transistors, a 32-bit processor could not support higher amounts of RAM. For example, if you install 8GB of RAM in a 32-bit processor, it will only use 3.5GB, while the remaining 4.5GB will be unusable.
As technology advanced, processors were manufactured using nanotechnology. Their architecture changed significantly, and they were designed with smaller and more registers, allowing 64-bit processors to support up to 16 exabytes of RAM.
Since there is now no RAM limitation, processors can operate at their full potential and perform calculations much faster.
Because the internal structure of 32-bit and 64-bit processors is different but their external appearance is the same, users often found it difficult to identify which processor they had. To solve this problem, manufacturers started labeling processors with 32-bit or 64-bit to make identification easier.
Generally, processors are classified into two types: 32-bit and 64-bit. The table below provides a comparison of both processor types.
| 32-bit Processor | 64-bit Processor |
|---|---|
| Intel Pentium II, III | Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 |
| Intel Pentium 4 (2003) | Intel Pentium 4 (2004) |
| Intel Core Duo | Intel Core 2 Duo |
| AMD Athlon XP | AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 |
| PowerPc 603, 750 | Apple M1, M2 |
By looking at the table above, you can understand which processors were only 32-bit and which ones were only 64-bit.
Need and Benefits of 64-bit
In the 90s, 32-bit processors were performing quite well. Gaming, calculations, photography, and video editing were all running smoothly. However, as time progressed, projects and files were becoming larger, and handling them with 4GB of RAM was no longer feasible. With the growing need for more RAM, and since 32-bit processors couldn't support more than 4GB of RAM, the 64-bit processor was introduced.
In simple terms, the need for 64-bit processing arose due to the limits of RAM, better performance, and the growing size of more complex software. This technology was introduced by AMD in 2003, and later Intel adopted it around 2005, making it available for regular consumers.
After 2005, 64-bit processors became available in the market, which solved the RAM issue. However, the software was still 32-bit, which caused processing to take a lot of time and sometimes even led to crashes.
Although it was a bit complex, over time, developers understood it and found a solution. As a result, now most software comes with both versions (32-bit and 64-bit). When the software is installed, it automatically selects the version based on the system's processor, as shown in the table below.
Windows
| Version | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | Yes | No |
| Windows 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 8 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 11 | No | Yes |
| Windows 12 | No | Yes |
MS Office
| Version | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| MS Office 2003 | Yes | No |
| MS Office 2007 | Yes | No |
| MS Office 2010 | Yes | Yes |
| MS Office 2013 | Yes | Yes |
| MS Office 2016 | Yes | Yes |
| MS Office 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| MS Office 2021 | No | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 (Office 365) | No | Yes |
Audio Mixing Software
| Version | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| FL Studio 10 | Yes | No |
| FL Studio 11 | Yes | Yes |
| FL Studio 12 | Yes | Yes |
| FL Studio 20 | No | Yes |
| FL Studio 21 | No | Yes |
| FL Studio 24 | No | Yes |
| Ableton Live 9 | Yes | Yes |
| Ableton Live 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Ableton Live 11 | No | Yes |
| Ableton Live 12 | No | Yes |
| Studio One 3 | Yes | Yes |
| Studio One 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Studio One 5 | No | Yes |
| Studio One 6 | No | Yes |
| Studio One 7 | No | Yes |
| Pro Tools 12 | Yes | Yes |
| Pro Tools 2020 | No | Yes |
| Pro Tools 2024 | No | Yes |
| Cubase 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Cubase 11 | No | Yes |
| Reaper 5 | Yes | Yes |
| Reaper 6 | No | Yes |
Video Editing Software
| Version | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Filmora 9 | Yes | Yes |
| Filmora 10 | No | Yes |
| Blender 2.8 | Yes | Yes |
| Blender 2.9 | No | Yes |
| Maya 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Maya 2020 | No | Yes |
| DaVinci Resolve 15 | Yes | Yes |
| DaVinci Resolve 16 | Yes | Yes |
| DaVinci Resolve 17 | No | Yes |
| Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 | Yes | Yes |
| Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 | No | Yes |
Photoshop
| Version | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Photoshop CS6 | Yes | Yes |
| Photoshop CC 2015 | Yes | Yes |
| Photoshop CC 2019 | No | Yes |
| Photoshop 2021 | No | Yes |
Some of the software shown in this table used to be available only in 32-bit, but later both versions (32-bit and 64-bit) started being released. However, today in 2025, considering the performance of software, developers have stopped making the 32-bit version. Now, any software that is developed is made only in the 64-bit version.
But some software and tools are still available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Microsoft released its last 32-bit operating system, Windows 10, in 2015, but due to low downloads, Windows 11 was launched only in 64-bit. The main reason is that now almost 99% of users use only 64-bit processors.
This means that 32-bit processors were in use until 2015, and this technology has not been completely discontinued globally. That is why some software and tools are still available in both versions, such as:
| Software | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Yes | Yes |
| Mozilla Firefox | Yes | Yes |
| Opera Mini | Yes | Yes |
| UC Browser | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Adge | Yes | Yes |
| VLC Media Player | Yes | Yes |
| KM Player | Yes | Yes |
| WinRAR | Yes | Yes |
| PDF Reader | Yes | Yes |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Yes | Yes |
| AVG Antivirus | Yes | Yes |
| 360 Total Security | Yes | Yes |
| GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) | Yes | Yes |
| LibreOffice | Yes | Yes |
| Apache OpenOffice | Yes | Yes |
| Notepad++ | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Download Manager (IDM) | Yes | Yes |
| Free Download Manager (FDM) | Yes | Yes |
| CCleaner | Yes | Yes |
In the future, when 32-bit processors, PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are completely discontinued globally, it is likely that these software and tools will also no longer be available in 32-bit versions.
32-Bit vs 64-Bit: Main Differences
The primary difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors lies in the number of transistors they have. The more transistors a processor has, the more powerful it is, and it requires more RAM. Because of this, a 32-bit processor can only run 32-bit software, whereas a 64-bit processor can run both 32-bit and 64-bit software.
In addition, there are differences in other areas such as file transfer, download speed, media copying, performance, RAM support, power consumption, and more.
| Task | 32 Bit | 64 Bit |
|---|---|---|
| Shutdown | Fast | Slow |
| Restart | Fast | Slow |
| Software Open | Slow | Fast |
| Files Copy | Fast | Slow |
| Media transfer by Bluetooth or WiFi | Fast | Fast |
| Downloding | Fast | Slow |
| Heavy Task | Slow | Fast |
| Maximum RAM | 4GB | Unlimited |
| Gaming | Slow | Fast |
| Editing (Audio, Video, Photos, 3D) | Slow | Fast |
| Updates | Less | More |
| System Control | Limited | Advanced |
| Features | Outdated | Latest |
| Export / Rendering | Slow | Fast |
| Power Consumption | 50-100 Watt | Depend on Hardware Configuration |
Which one should I choose, 32-Bit or 64-Bit?
If you search about this topic on the internet, 90% of the answers will suggest choosing based on your specific needs. But in my opinion, buying a 32-bit PC in 2025 would be a big mistake because, nowadays, almost all software has shifted to 64-bit for better performance. If you buy a PC or laptop with a 32-bit configuration, you'll be limited to customization, lower performance, and outdated software.
To use new software, you need more than 4GB of RAM, which cannot be upgraded in a 32-bit system.
Once again, I would like to emphasize that the 32-bit or 64-bit architecture of any computer or laptop is determined by its processor. After that, RAM and Windows matter. If you have a 64-bit computer with 4GB of RAM and a 32-bit Windows installed, it can be changed later. However, if your processor architecture is 32-bit, you cannot make these changes. Therefore, make sure to check your PC or computer's processor architecture before purchasing.
How to Check 32-Bit or 64-Bit?
Checking your system's architecture is very easy. Follow these steps:
- First, right-click on the "My Computer" or "This PC" icon on your desktop.
- Now, click on "Properties".
- Here, you can see the details of your processor.
- If your processor is Core 2 Duo or higher (such as: i3, i5, i7, i9), your processor is 64-bit.
- If your processor is older than Core 2 Duo (such as: Core Duo, Pentium, Pentium 4), your processor is 32-bit.
This is how you can easily check your PC's architecture. If you are not satisfied and want to visually check, follow the steps below.
1. Windows 10/11:
- First, right-click on the "Start" button and select "Settings".
- Click on "System" and then "About".
- Under "Device specifications", check for "System type". This will show whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
2. Windows 7:
- Click on the "Start" button and go to "Control Panel".
- Select "System and Security" and then click on "System".
- Under "System type", you will see whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
3. Mac (macOS):
- Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac".
- Click on "System Report".
- In the "Hardware" section, check the "Processor" information:
- If it’s an Intel Core 2 Duo or later processor, your Mac is 64-bit.
- If it’s an older processor (like Core Duo), your Mac is 32-bit.
4. Linux:
- Open a Terminal window.
- Type the following command and press Enter: uname -m
- If the output is x86_64, your system is 64-bit.
- If the output is i386 or i686, your system is 32-bit.
- You can also use the lscpu command in the terminal and Look for the "Architecture" line to confirm whether it's x86_64 (64-bit) or i386/i686 (32-bit).
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Conclusion
In summary, the main difference between 32-bit and 64-bit is based on the number and size of transistors in the processor. If you are using a 32-bit PC and upgrade it to 64-bit, you will notice a significant improvement in performance and speed.
A 32-bit system is faster in single tasks, such as transferring or downloading a single file, but it slows down in multitasking. On the other hand, a 64-bit system can access more RAM, making it faster for tasks like copying multiple files and handling multiple processes efficiently.
In this 32-bit vs 64-bit article, I have compared all key points in a structured manner. I hope this clears up any confusion you had about 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
FAQs
No, 64-bit software does not work on a 32-bit system because a 32-bit architecture cannot process 64-bit instructions.
Yes, but it requires a processor and motherboard that support 64-bit architecture.
- If your processor is Pentium 4 or Core Duo, you can upgrade it to Core 2 Duo, as all processors after Core 2 Duo support 64-bit.
- If you have a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7, or i9 processor and your system is running 32-bit Windows, your processor already supports 64-bit. You just need to format and install 64-bit Windows.
Yes, a 64-bit processor can run both 32-bit and 64-bit programs. However, for better performance and additional features, using 64-bit programs is recommended.
x86 was a 16-bit processor released by Intel under the model number (Intel 8086). After some time, when 32-bit processors were launched, Intel upgraded the (Intel 8086) and released its new version (Intel 80386), which was based entirely on 32-bit architecture and supported up to 4GB of RAM.
Generally speaking, both x86 and 32-bit are based on the same architecture and have similar capabilities, which is why x86 is often categorized under the 32-bit category. However, its earlier version (Intel 8086) was somewhat different from 32-bit.