If you have 64-bit Windows installed, you can install 64-bit as well as 32-bit applications. Both can run in parallel as both Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 are backward compatible. The question arises of how we can check whether an application is 32-bit or 64-bit. In this article, we will discuss the different ways using which you can easily identify whether an application is 32-bit or 64-bit.
How to Check Program Bit Architecture
Using Task Manager
Follow the steps below to check a program’s bit architecture in Windows using the Task Manager:
How to Check Program Bit Architecture Using Task Manager Using Compatibility Option Checking in Program Files Using Command Prompt Closing Words
Windows 11 For Windows 10, refer to the section below. Windows 10 You can also apply the Windows 10 method to Windows 11, but that won’t be necessary as the relevant information is already displayed.
Using Compatibility Option
Here is another method to determine the bit architecture of a program using the Compatibility settings: As the above picture shows the list is starting with Windows Vista indicating that the program is 64 bit. Do not apply the settings and close the Properties window.
Checking in Program Files
This is another simple and easy way to check the program is 32/64 bit. When you install a program its architecture is 32-bit, it will save into “C:\Program Files (x86)” while all 64-bit programs are saved to “C:\Program Files”. That said, it is not always the case and is a tentative estimation, since some programs, like Google Chrome, are 64-bit in architecture but are installed in the Program Files (x86) folder.
Using Command Prompt
Another way to determine the architecture of a program is through the Command Prompt. However, a tool will need to be downloaded called SigCheck, developed by Microsoft. Here is how to do so: Note: You must have the complete path to the program’s .exe file for this method. You will now see the bit architecture for the program in front of MachineType in the details provided by the result of the command in step 3 above. Note that when running the command for the first time, you may see a license agreement notice. Accept it to proceed with the cmdlet.
Closing Words
These are easy and simple ways to find whether your program is 32 bit or 64 bit. You don’t need to install any third-party software as there are already many ways to check within your OS. I hope all these are easy to get and quick to check.
