We'll figure out how to find out which "Windows" is on the computer

Many users ask themselves the question: "How do I find out what Windows is on the computer?" You need to know if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows for many reasons. Most importantly, knowing this, you will be sure that you will be able to install the required type of software and drivers created to work with the operating system.

What is it for?

For example, if you are running Windows XP 32-bit and want to update the drivers for the device, you need to install 32-bit drivers for the hardware. 64-bit drivers will not work in the 32-bit version of Windows XP and vice versa.

Fortunately, it's really easy to figure out which version is your copy of Windows XP.

How to do it

Click on "Start" and select "Control Panel" from the menu. Click on the "Performance and Maintenance" link. Note: if you are viewing the classic view of the control panel, you will not see this link. Simply double-click the "System" icon and go to step 4.

How to find out which "Windows" is on the computer if the version of XP is loaded? In the Performance and Maintenance window, click the System link. When the "System Properties" window opens, find the System area to the right of the Windows logo.

Note: You must be on the General tab in the shell properties.

In the "System" section you will see the basic information about the version of the OS installed on the computer:

Microsoft Windows XP Professional version [year] means that you are running Windows XP 32-bit.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition version [year] means that you are running a 64-bit version.

Important: There are no 64-bit versions of XP Home or XP Media Center Edition. If you have any of these XP editions, then you are running a 32-bit operating system. This will help you decide how to find out which "Windows" is on the computer.

Now that you've figured out which version of Windows XP you're working on, you can be sure of choosing the right drivers and software for your device.

How do I do this in Windows 7?

How to find out which "Windows" is installed in the seventh version? Click on "Start" and in the menu, find "Control Panel". Click on "System" and select the link "Security". Click the System link.

When the system window opens, under its name you can see the basic information about your computer below the Windows logo. In the "System" section, find the "System Type" tab among other statistics about your computer. The type of system will report whether the 32-bit OS or 64-bit is used on the computer.

Important: There is no 64-bit version of Windows 7 Starter Edition.

How to find out which "Windows" is in version 8?

There are two major editions of Windows 8 - the standard OS and the version of Pro. Each of them can be in both 64- and 32-bit formats. As in previous releases of the shell, knowing which type is used on the computer is very important first of all in order to correctly install the drivers and software.

Open the "Control Panel" in Windows 8.

Tip: you can test your Windows 8 type much faster from the Power User menu, but this is only available if you use a keyboard or mouse.

Touch the touch screen or press the cursor on "System and Security" in the control panel, then select the "System" tab. After that, open the menu item called "View basic information about the computer" and find the System tab located under the big Windows logo 8. The type of system will indicate which system is installed on your device. This is the answer to the question "how to find out which" Windows "is on the computer." As you can see, this process is quite simple, and its execution is similar in all versions of the operating system.

Remember that you should not install applications destined for a 64-bit shell on a computer with a 32-bit OS installed. Otherwise, you can cause serious problems in the device, which can lead to the loss of many stored data and even the need to reinstall Windows.