Windows 32-bit or 64-bit?

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit PCs? 

Windows XP was the first 64-bit compatible operating system. 

Up until Windows 8, we had the option of installing a 32 or 64-bit version of Windows. 32-bit was backward compatible with most Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Me & 98 programs. 

Windows 10 only comes in 64-bit. What that means for software is that if the program has a 16-bit installer file, it won't autorun on your PC and you will receive an error message.

Often there is an alternative file we can use to manually install the program and when this is the case we can supply step by step instructions.

We have not tested all of our software against the new Windows 10 update from late 2017, that work is ongoing & individual titles will be updated as that happens.  

How can you tell which version you have if you're not running Windows 10?

To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:
How to find if Windows XP is 32-bit or 64-bit
If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. If one method does not work, try the other method.  

Method 1: View the System window in Control Panel

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  3. Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
    • For a 64-bit version operating system, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
    • For a 32-bit version operating system, Windows XP Professional Version <Year>appears under System.
    Information icon
     Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.

Method 2: View the System Information window

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
  3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
    • If the value that corresponds to
      Processor starts with IA-64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows.
How to check if Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit?     How to check if Windows Vista is 32-bit or 64-bit?
    Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
    1. Open System by clicking the Start button 
      The Start button , right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
    2. Under System, you can view the system type.
    How to check if Windows 8 is 32-bit or 64-bit?

      Windows 8: 

      Method 1:View the System window in Control Panel

      1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
      2. Type system in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
      3. Tap or click System.
      4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, 64-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, 32-bit Operating System is displayed in the System type field under the System heading.

      Method 2: View the System Information window

      1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
      2. In the search box, type system information.
      3. Tap or click System, tap or click System Information, and then click System Summary.
      4. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows 8, x64-based PC is displayed in the System typefield under the Item heading. 
        If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows 8, x86-based PC is displayed in the System typefield under the Item heading.  

       

      Windows 2000  Windows ME
       All Windows 2000, Me and 98 are 32-bit systems. 
      Windows 98SE