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What Do 32-bit, 64-bit, x64-based system Really Mean ??

Anonymous
2011-09-14T14:54:02+00:00

Hello;

1) Can someone please explain (in simple English) whether the terms:

32-bit

64-bit

x64-based system

are related/overlapped, ref. to OS, processors, software, hardware, CPU, etc. ??

(I've a feeling they're hardware terms!)

2) As a user, rather than a developer, do I have to be concerned about their exact meaning ??

3) Would a program developed on a 32-bit system be guaranteed to run as is on a 64-bit system (or higher!!) ??

Or nothing is guaranteed when it comes to computers!

Thank you kindly.

Monir

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-09-14T16:03:58+00:00
    1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32-bit

    x64 = 64bit

    x86 = 32bit

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86-64

    a 64bit version of win requires 64bit hardware (cpu/motherboard combo)

    1. and 3) Not really, excepting some very specific software programs may require a specific bit version.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-09-14T19:26:23+00:00

    Palcouk & Jetta48;

    Thank you for your prompt replies.

    The links a, b, c below are helpful, though they require some level of knowledge on processor architecture:

    a. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit

    b. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32-bit

    c. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86-64

    On the other hand, the following MS Article is very useful and easy to read:

    d. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

    Thanks again for your help.

    Monir

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-02-25T23:10:11+00:00

    This link no longer works. 

    I have a small laptop with a 64-bit processor but running 32-bit Windows 10 Home.  I need to know which version of an update to download: the one with or without "x64-based Systems" in the description.

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