This tip explains how you can check Operating System architecture on a computer running Windows Operating System.
You can install either 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System on a 64-bit Hardware. You check whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit Operating Systems by following steps outlined below:
Method 1 - Checking using the command line
Steps:
- Log on to computer.
- Go to Command Prompt
- Type "SET Processor" (without double quotes)
- You will see the output similar to below:
- PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE=x86 OR PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE=x64
Method 2 - Checking using the registry:
Steps:
- Go to Registry Editor
- Navigate to the following location:
- HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment
- In Right Pane, you will see a regitry entry; PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE. This entry stores either x86 or x64.
About Nirmal Sharma
Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.
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