QUESTION
How do I determine if I have a 32-bit or 64-bit system?
ANSWER
In this article, we will explain how to determine if your system is a 32-bit or 64-bit system. Please select the applicable option below to learn more:
To determine the system type for macOS
- Open the Apple
menu and select About This Mac.
- Click the System Report button. If you do not see this button, click More Info, then scroll down and click the System Report button.
- On the Hardware panel, under the Hardware Overview heading, focus on the line item(s) directly below the Model Identifier.
- If you're using a Mac with an Intel-based processor, take note of the Processor Name line item, then proceed to Step 4.
![Macbook Pro Hardware information on an Intel-based system](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-01230/1230-Intel-16d.png?1717791430)
- If you're using a Mac with an Apple silicon chip (e.g. M1, M2, etc.), you will see Model Number and Chip line items. All Apple silicon chips use 64-bit architecture.
![Hardware information on a Mac with an Apple Silicon chip](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-01230/1230-Silicon-16c.png?1717791430)
- If you're using a Mac with an Intel-based processor, you can use the chart below to identify your system type.
![32 and 64 bit processor chart](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-01230/1230-Chart-16.jpg?1717791430)
To determine the system type for Windows
- On the keyboard, hold down the Windows Key
, then press the letter R.
- In the Run dialog that displays, type in
msinfo32
and click OK.
![Microsoft Run dialog](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-01230/1230-fig1-10.jpg?1717791430)
- On the System Summary panel of the System Information dialog that displays, locate the System Type line item.
![Microsoft System Information dialog](https://d2haqc5836ials.cloudfront.net/live/KB-01230/1230-fig2-10.jpg?1717791430)
- An x64-based PC Value is a system that uses 64-bit architecture.
- An x86-based PC Value is a system that uses 32-bit architecture.