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

Here is how to check if your Processor is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM in Windows 10 (CPU architecture).

The CPU, Central Processing Unit, or simply Processor is the main electronic circuitry in a computer responsible for carrying out instructions of a computer software, including the OS and installed apps. It also manages the other components in your computer by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions in the program. The architecture of the CPU defines which OS you will be able to run on your computer and which apps you will be able to use.

Modern consumer devices include processors of the following CPU architectures: 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64), or ARM. If your CPU is a 32-bit processor, you will only be able to install a 32-bit version, e.g. a 32-bit Windows 10 release, a 32-bit Linux distro, etc. A 64-bit CPU is able to handle both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. In this case, it is recommended you to install a 64-bit OS in order to use all available hardware resources. Check out the following CPU requirements for Windows 10.

This post will show you how to find the CPU architecture and check if it is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM on Windows 10. There are two methods you can use.

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

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to System > About.
3. On the right, check out the System type value.
4. It shows either a x86-based processor (32-bit), x64-based processor (64-bit), or ARM-based processor depending on the hardware you have.

You are done.

That's quite easy and simple. However, there is an alternative method you can use. You can find find the CPU architecture in the command prompt. That can be used in various automation scenarios.

Find CPU architecture type in command prompt

1. Open a new command prompt.
2. Type echo %PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE% and hit the Enter key.
3. The output includes one of the following values: x86 for a 32-bit CPU, AMD64 for a 64-bit CPU, or ARM64.
4. You can close the command prompt if you want.

It is worth mentioning that while there are plenty of 32-bit only devices in use, they no longer being produced and superseded by x64 processors. Also, Microsoft still releases Windows 10 32-bit, but that's not for long.

That't it.

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