How to Check if Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Windows 10


A processor or central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.

The processor (CPU) architecture can be either 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64), or ARM.

If you have a 32-bit CPU, you will only be able to install a 32-bit Windows 10 on your PC.

If you have a 64-bit CPU, you will be able to install a 32-bit Windows 10 or 64-bit Windows 10 (recommended) on your PC.

See also:

• Windows Processor Requirements | Microsoft Docs
• Windows 10 on ARM documentation | Microsoft Docs

This tutorial will help show you how to check if you have a 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM based processor (CPU) architecture in Windows 10.

Contents

• Option One: Check if Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Settings
• Option Two: Check if Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Command Prompt

OPTION ONE

Check if Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Settings

1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the System icon.

2 Click/tap on About on the left side. Under Device specifications on the right side, look to see if your System type shows either a x86-based processor (32-bit), x64-based processor (64-bit), or ARM-based processor. (see screenshots below)

OPTION TWO

Check if Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Command Prompt

1 Open a command prompt.

2 Copy and paste echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE% into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

3 Look to see if your output shows x86 (32-bit), AMD64 (64-bit), or ARM64.

That's it,
Shawn Brink

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• How to Check What Processor or CPU is in Windows PC
• How to Determine if Running 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Architecture of Windows 10
• How to See if a Process is 32-bit or 64-bit in Windows 10

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