Ask an Engineer - Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit OS

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What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit operating system?

Great question! And like all great questions, the answer isn’t simple, but I’ll do my best to explain the differences clearly. There are two main things to keep in mind when choosing between a 32-bit OS and a 64-bit OS: memory support and software compatibility. There are others, of course, but those the two most important.

Typically 32-bit operating systems can only support up to 4 gigabytes of memory, while a 64-bit OS can theoretically support upwards of billions of gigabytes. 64-bit operating systems are limited by artificial software and hardware ceilings, but the ceilings are still much higher than a 32-bit OS. So the short answer for memory support is this: if you want more than 4 gigs of memory, you’ll need a 64-bit OS.

Software compatibility is the other thing to keep in mind, and the more important, in my opinion. Some software that runs on a 32-bit OS will not run on a 64-bit OS, especially older software. Most modern software will run on both 32-bit and 64-bit, but checking your software before you upgrade is the only way to know. A little Googling can usually answer that question for you.

When making your choice, the bottom line is this: if you must have more memory than 4 gigs, go with a 64-bit OS. If you don’t need that much, sticking with a 32-bit OS at this point in the game is a decent choice, if only to ensure that your old software will keep on keepin’ on.

Thanks for the question! See you next month!