How to check (on Windows) if CPU is 64-bit compatible?

windows 64-bit cpu

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Solution 1

The definitive method:

Download CPUZ
Install and run it
Check the "Instructions" value for EM64T (if Intel) or AMD64 (if AMD).

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Solution 2

Run this utility and check the field "Maximum Bit Length"; it will show either 32 or 64. This utility is mainly used for checking if your CPU supports hardware virtualization, but it can be used for this purpose as well.

11,547

Bill Paetzke

Out of the box, yet practical. Mature technologist who builds SaaS backends, architects features and platforms, manages projects, and leads teams. Has interest in the business side of tech; always has an eye on cost; excited by being close to revenue generating projects.

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

Bill Paetzke almost 2 years

I'm converting old Windows desktop machines from 2005-2009 into cheap Ubuntu Linux servers. I want to know which ones can handle a 64-bit OS and which can't. I read that some x86 CPUs are 64-bit compatible. The question is how to check.
- Thalys about 14 years
  
  Unless you need to handle more than 4gb of ram, 32 bit is prolly a better choice IMO, even with 64 bit capable systems.
- Bill Paetzke about 14 years
  
  @The Journeyman geek -- I went 64-bit because of this quote from Ubuntu: "Unless you have specific reasons to choose 32-bit, we recommend 64-bit."