How to boot 64 bit system. How to find out the bitness of the operating system and processor in Windows

Everyone already knows that Windows 7 can be 32-bit or 64-bit. The difference between these two versions of the system is the principle of operation of the central processor.

The 32-bit version's processor can see up to four gigabytes of RAM, while the 64-bit version's processor can see up to 16 gigabytes. To make a 64-bit version of the OS from a 32-bit version, make sure that your processor supports a 64-bit instruction set. Otherwise, 64-bit Windows 7 simply will not work for you.

Instructions

1. Download, install and run the program "CPU-Z". Click on the "CPU" tab in order to see the name and model of your processor installed on the computer.

2. We go to the website of the developer of your processor and look at its model. To find out if your processor supports a 64-bit instruction set, refer to the information in the "Instruction set" or "Operating system" fields. If the processor uses a 32-bit instruction set, then it is impossible to install a 64-bit version of the OS on your computer.

3. We copy all personal data from your hard drive personal computer to another storage medium, such as a USB flash drive or a portable hard drive.

4. We go to the website of the developers of your motherboard or computer and find out their model. Download the drivers for the 64-bit version and burn them to a CD.

5. Insert into the drive of a personal computer installation disk with Windows 7. We restart the computer. Select language, region and keyboard settings.

8. Click "Hard Disk Options (Advanced)". To start recording a 64-bit version of the OS over a 32-bit version, click "Format", and then "Next". We do not press any keys on the keyboard, even if the system prompts you to do so.

9. On the screen " Windows Setup» enter the computer name and name account, and then click Next.

10. Optionally, set password protection and click "Next". Let's introduce license key OS Windows 7. Next, follow the installation instructions that appear on the computer monitor.

11. Click the Start menu button. In the search bar, enter "devmgmt.msc" (without quotes) and press the "Enter" key, the "Device Manager" will open. Click on the arrows next to each category to display the installed components.

12. If you find a device marked with a yellow exclamation mark, it means that a driver error has occurred for this device. We install the 64-bit version of these drivers from the disk you burned.

Notes

To install the driver from the disk, double-click the left mouse button on the file with the ".exe" extension.

Some devices use "INF" format drivers. To install them, right-click on the driver and select "Install".

Starting with 7, operating systems have two bit depth options: 32-bit and 64-bit. The first is installed on most older PCs. It does not work with more than 3.5 GB operating memory. The cherished button that doubles the discharge of the computer does not exist. This cannot be done without reinstalling the system.

If you decide to change, check if your PC is capable of running a 64-bit system:

1. Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties".
2. Look for the line "System type" - opposite it should be written "x64 processor".
3. Make sure "Installed Memory" is at least 4 GB.
4. Download drivers for each device and save them to external media.

Advice. Be sure to copy important data to a safe place before reinstalling the system.

Insert the disk or flash drive with the operating system and start the installation:

• select x64 bit depth in the setup menu;
• click "Install";
• accept the terms of the license agreement and click "Next";

• select the "Advanced" tab and indicate the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hard drive on which Windows was installed;
• in "Settings hard drive(advanced)" select the task to format the disk;
• enter the product key;
• install the drivers ("Computer" - "Management" - "Device Manager").

Attention! In the case of Windows 10, you can immediately download the x64 version. Using the official Microsoft website, download the 32-bit MediaCreationTool (section "Install Windows 10"), launch and select the desired system.

If you decide to update not only the category, but also the version of the system, then when you switch from x32 Windows 7 to x64 Windows 10, you may lose the key. Upgrade to 32-bit 10 first.

How to switch from 32 bit to 64 bit operating system: video

Today I propose to discuss the advantages and disadvantages 64-bit OS, which is equipped with most modern computers with an operating Windows system 7.

Previously, 64-bit systems were the domain of professionals and were used for programs requiring huge resources. Home users made do with the 32-bit version of Windows. And although 64-bit processors appeared on the market already in 2003 (in 2005, 64-bit Windows XP appeared), the 64-bit system began to be installed on new computers only with the release of Windows 7.

So, why is 64-bit architecture good? What benefits do we get and does it work faster? What problems will we, ordinary users, have to face?

On the screen, 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 look exactly the same. The possibilities are identical, the programs are the same, however, the differences are significant!

1. Processing speed data above 2 times. A 64-bit processor is capable of processing 64 bits of data (8 bytes) per cycle, unlike a 32-bit processor that processes only 32 bits (4 bytes) per unit of time, that is, the data processing speed is 2 times higher! Accordingly, programs for 64-bit operating systems work much faster than similar programs running on 32-bit operating systems.

2. More RAM available. The 32-bit version of Windows makes maximum use of only 3.5 GB of memory, and it is not fully available to programs. For example, the operating system takes up 1 GB of memory, plus up to 1 GB can be reserved for video memory, leaving only 1.5 GB for programs. And if the programs are especially "gluttonous", there will not be enough memory.

64-bit versions of Windows do not have these problems. Windows 7 Home Premium uses a maximum of 16 GB of working memory, and thanks to this, Windows uses the page file less often (used by the system to place data that does not fit in RAM), and the computer runs much faster.

64-bit system requirements for the computer

1. Processor. As you may have guessed, one of necessary conditions for work 64-bit OS is a 64-bit processor architecture. At Intel, this technology is called EM64T, and at one of the largest manufacturers AMD processors she calls AMD64.

2. RAM. 64-bit Windows requires at least 4 GB of RAM. And unlike 32-bit operating systems, 64-bit operating systems do not have other special requirements for the computer configuration.

To check the version of your operating system, click “Start” –> right-click on “Computer” and select “Properties” in the drop-down menu –> in the window that opens, on the right side, the version of your operating system is displayed.

Disadvantages of a 64-bit system

1. New drivers required. As you may have guessed, new drivers are required for 64-bit Windows 7 (similar drivers for a 32-bit operating system are not suitable). Latest Models devices are released with new drivers, but obsolete modules may cause problems, since manufacturers do not develop drivers for the 64-bit version of Windows. Be careful, before switching to 64-bit Windows, go to the websites of device manufacturers and check for 64-bit versions of drivers for your equipment.

2. Need more memory. It must be remembered that most 64-bit programs have a data structure size of 8 bytes (64 bits) and hard drives they take up about 10–20% more space than the 4-byte versions of 32-bit programs. RAM consumption increases by about 15%

Is it possible to install 64-bit Windows 7 on a netbook?

With the advent of the 64-bit "Pineview" family of processors (N450 and above), netbooks have the ability to use 64-bit software. However, the stumbling block may be RAM. Most netbooks are equipped with 1 GB of memory. And even if you upgrade to 2 GB, it will barely reach minimum requirements 64-bit Windows 7. So, Friends, about efficient use 64-bit system on netbooks, we are not talking yet (requires at least 4 GB of RAM).

Is it possible to use 32-bit programs for 64-bit OS?

64-bit Windows has a Windows-on-Windows 64-bit (WoW64) conversion subsystem that makes 32-bit software compatible with a 64-bit OS. Most 32-bit programs work flawlessly with WoW64, however, there are some exceptions:

• Programs for Reserve copy . When creating backups, programs directly access system Windows folders, and WoW64 redirects 32-bit software access to other folders in some cases. Those. if you do not reconfigure the backup programs, then the result of their work may turn out to be incomplete and erroneous.
• Programs for Windows optimizations . Programs designed to optimize 32-bit Windows should never be used on 64-bit Windows 7; their work will do much more harm than help.
• PC security software. If you need excellent computer protection, then for 64-bit Windows, use only 64-bit versions antivirus programs. Older 32-bit software is unable to provide reliable protection and will skip virus attacks, designed for 64-bit OS.
• Work speed. Legacy 32-bit software runs slower on 64-bit Windows than in a native 32-bit environment. The reason for this is the extra time spent on conversions by the WoW64 subsystem.

To see what 32-bit programs are running on a 64-bit system, just launch the Task Manager (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and find the program marked with *32.

So, Dear friends, summarize

There are several important factors to consider when moving to 64-bit Windows 7.

1. Requirements for the computer configuration:

• 64-bit processor architecture;
• 4 GB of RAM.

2. Software Compatibility:

• availability of the necessary new drivers for your devices;
• availability of software updates to the latest 64-bit programs.

1. You can check the software compatibility of your devices with 64-bit OS in the "Center Windows compatibility 7".

2. When working with failures of a 32-bit program on a 64-bit system, updating the software to new version, which can usually be found on the manufacturer's website.

All modern computers, without exception, support 64 bit bit system. Thanks to the rapid development of technology, 32-bit architecture is becoming history. At ordinary user, for various reasons, the question may arise how to switch from 32 to 64 in Windows 7 or 10. Let's figure it out together.

The first operating system that began to support both bit depths was Windows xp Professional x64, before it only 32 bits were produced. The 64-bit OS easily copes with large amounts of calculations in less time than its predecessor, and it is also possible to run several programs at the same time. Except more high performance, 64 bit system allows more than 4 GB of RAM (up to 192 GB), 32 bit OS is limited to 3 GB of memory, even with 8 GB hardware.

Most modern programs are available in two types, and are supported by 32-bit operating systems, except for those designed to work with 64-bit architecture. Therefore, in order to experience all the virtues modern games and applications, if the processor power and the availability of RAM from 4GB allow, you should immediately switch to a 64-bit OS.

What is needed to migrate from 32 bit to 64 bit

Before switching to new system, it is necessary to determine the capabilities of the central processor, or its capacity. For an inexperienced user, this can be quite difficult. There are several universal ways, which are suitable for all versions of operating systems:

1. cpu-z;
2. AIDA64;
3. Command line.

Command line . Press the key combination Win + R, enter cmd in the window, and press Enter.

In the console that appears, you must enter the systeminfo command, confirm Enter. If everything is done correctly, a window with detailed information about the PC will appear.

AIDA64 program , created to monitor all indicators of the system, the license is paid, but has a trial period. Install the application, go to the system board.

With help CPU-Z programs maybe a processor. After installation, you need to run the application, on home page in the instruction set line, all the necessary information about the processor will be indicated.

How to make a 64-bit system from 32-bit Windows

To change the bit depth, you will have to reinstall the entire system. Procedure:

1. Buy or download Windows 64 bit;
2. Burn the system image to disk or create a bootable flash drive (if you just drop the file, it will not work!);
3. Go to the BIOS menu (on all models it is done differently) and select necessary way media loading;
4. Run the installation by selecting the required configurations;
5. Install system.

See the video below for detailed instructions.

Benefits of 64 bit system

The advantages of the system are obvious due to its ability to process huge data streams. Due to the rapid development of modern games, with high resource consumption, the ceiling of the maximum RAM has reached 190 GB today. The versatility of the system allows you to use drivers and applications designed for 32-bit systems. Also, before moving on to more powerful system, owners of old equipment should think about it. Even if the processor itself supports 64-bit architecture technology, the system will work slowly due to the large consumption of outdated hardware resources.

The advent of 64-bit Windows has raised a lot of questions. Support for 32-bit applications, drivers and everything that is designed for the x86 architecture. Installation and features of the use of programs. Introduced limits for 32-bit applications. Support for old modes and much more. All this could not be ignored. After all, the layer of the 32-bit heritage is too large, and in a 64-bit environment there is little that can replace it, even now.

This article provides an overview of the Windows Subsystem on Windows 64 (WOW64) and its methods that allow Windows to support 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system.

Note: The first attempt to introduce 64-bit systems was quite a failure. Strict restrictions and the lack of real advantages made themselves felt. At that time, even drivers for 64-bit systems were hard to find. Not to mention the programs on which the difference would have been somehow noticeable. Removing the 3GB RAM limit is certainly a strong advantage today, but at that time it was more like a beautiful slogan.

32-bit application support device on 64-bit Windows

Windows 32 to Windows 64 (WOW64)

WOW64 emulates 32-bit Windows

In Windows 64, 32-bit applications run on an emulated 32-bit operating system called Windows 32 on Windows 64, or WOW64 for short. The main task of WOW64 is to intercept and process all system calls from 32-bit applications.

For each intercepted system call, WOW64 creates a 64-bit system call, turning 32-bit data structures into suitable 64-bit ones. Subsequently, the 64-bit system call is passed to the operating system kernel for processing. All received output from a 64-bit call will be converted and transmitted in the format that the application intended. In other words, real requests to the system kernel are always 64-bit. The WOW64 subsystem only acts as an intermediary, transforming the data into suitable formats.

Like 32-bit applications, WOW64 runs as a user, so errors that may occur during system call conversion will occur at the user level. And the 64-bit kernel of the operating system will not be affected in any way.

The fact that WOW64, like a 32-bit application, runs in user mode explains the reason for the lack of support for 32-bit drivers. In other words, in order to run correctly, the drivers require a kernel mode that WOW64 cannot provide. Therefore, if you have 64-bit Windows, then all drivers must be 64-bit.

The WOW64 emulator consists of the following 64-bit libraries:

Note: These are the only 64-bit libraries that are loaded into a 32-bit process.

• Wow64.dll is the core of the emulation system infrastructure. Links calls to Ntoskrnl.exe entry points
• Wow64Win.dll - links calls to Win32k.sys entry points
• Wow64Cpu.dll - Switches the CPU between 32-bit and 64-bit mode
• Ntdll.dll is the 64-bit version of Wow64.

Wow64.dll loads the 32-bit (x86) version of Ntdll.dll and all required 32-bit libraries, which are mostly unchanged. However, some of these 32-bit libraries have been modified to run correctly in WOW64. Typically, such changes were made due to the fact that they use RAM along with 64-bit system components.

Managing Files and Registry Settings in WOW64

In addition to intercepting and handling system calls, the WOW64 interface must also ensure that files and registry settings for 32-bit applications are kept separate from files and registry keys for 64-bit programs. To achieve this goal, WOW64 uses two mechanisms. Redirecting files and registry, as well as duplicating registry keys. Redirection maintains a logical view of the data and displays it as if the application were running on 32-bit Windows. Duplication of registry keys ensures that changes to a number of parameters that do not depend on bitness will be available to both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

File redirection

File redirection ensures that files and directories of 32- and 64-bit applications are kept separate and do not interfere with each other.

32-bit application files, by default, are installed in:

• C:\Program Files(x86)

32-bit system files installed in:

• C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64

For 64-bit applications, the files are installed in:

• C:\Program Files
• C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

The WOW64 redirection mechanism ensures that requests from 32-bit applications to the "C:\Program Files" and "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32" directories are redirected to the appropriate directories for 32-bit versions.

However, there is one problem with file redirection. Users and developers should be aware of this feature.

Many 64-bit applications still use 32-bit mode and procedures. And do not take this into account when creating the installer. In order for the app to install correctly. those. in "C:\Program Files", the installer must make a system call to the operating system to cause the system to suspend the Wow64 file redirection mechanism. And after installation, make another system call to enable redirection again. If you install without stopping redirection, the program will be installed in "C:\Program Files (x86)". A classic example of this error is the 64-bit firefox version 3.5 codenamed "Shiretoko", which is installed in "C:\Program Files(x86)\Shiretoko". Of course, Firefox will still function normally. The only thing you can't do is change the app icon.

Note: Maybe Shiretoko has fixed this bug now. However, this was the case in earlier versions.

Registry redirect

Registry keys specific to 32-bit applications will be redirected from the branch:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\WOW6432Node

Also, sometimes, you can find registry entries in another branch (although this is unusual):

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\WOW6432Node

This approach allows 32-bit and 64-bit applications to coexist normally, without problems overwriting each other's settings.

Registry duplication

Some redirected registry keys and values ​​need to be duplicated. This means that if a 32-bit application makes changes to a redirected registry key, those changes must be applied to the 64-bit application branches as well. In this case, the principle "who is last is right" applies. For example, if you install three applications that associate themselves with the same file extension, then the file extension association must be with the last application.

1. Install a 32-bit application that associates itself with the XYZ extension
2. Install the 64-bit version of the application that associates itself with the XYZ file extension
3. Install another 32-bit application that associates the XYZ extension with itself

As a result of these actions, by double-clicking on a file with the XYZ extension in Windows Explorer the application that was installed in the 3rd step should open. After all, it was it that was the last to associate itself with expansion.

All this happens transparently for 32-bit applications in Wow64, which independently intercepts requests and duplicates the necessary parameters and registry keys. In other words, 32-bit applications can run in the standard way, Wow64 will make the necessary changes for them.

There are a number of limitations of the WOW64 subsystem

Some, but not all, 64-bit features are available to 32-bit applications

Wow64 allows 32-bit applications to use some of the features and functionality of 64-bit systems. For example, when correct setting, such applications will be able to use up to 4GB of RAM. Access to other functions is limited due to the nature of 64-bit systems. For example, 64-bit Windows OS supports 64-bit logical operations. However, 32-bit applications will not be able to access them, they will only be able to use 32-bit logical operations.

Note: The main reason for the limitations is the difference in data presentation between 32-bit and 64-bit applications. A 32-bit application is simply not designed for 64-bit data types.

You cannot mix code (Code Injection) of 32-bit and 64-bit applications

On a 64-bit Windows OS, you cannot run 32-bit code in a 64-bit process, just as you cannot run 64-bit code in a 32-bit process. Applications that use code injection to add functionality to existing applications will typically generate errors.

This fact explains why most 32-bit extensions Windows shells do not run under 64-bit Windows. Most of these extensions use Code Injection to embed in Windows Explorer

WOW64 does not support 16-bit installers

WOW64 provides support for 16-bit Microsoft installers, by replacing the installer with a compatible 32-bit version. However, this support does not extend to third party products. So if you need to use old program, then you will most likely have to look for an emulator or a portable version.

Additional options for running 32-bit applications on Windows 64

Windows Virtual PC

Windows Virtual PC is free software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. Virtual PC provides a special execution environment that supports outdated equipment and software that will not be detected and run on Windows 7. All running operating systems under Virtual PC will run on virtual machine. This means that running operating systems will not know that they are running on another system.

System requirements and feature set vary significantly between Virtual PC versions and Windows versions. So, before trying to use Virtual PC, you need to check that the program supports both your operating system and the OS that will run on it. For example, one of latest versions no longer supports Windows versions below Windows XP SP3.

Windows XP Mode (XPM)

Windows XP Mode is a specific and stripped-down implementation of Windows Virtual PC that comes preinstalled with a copy of Windows XP Professional SP3. This mode is only available in Enterprise, Ultimate, and Professional editions of Windows 7 64-bit.

Despite what this mode should present, many who have used XPM strongly advise using this mode only as a last resort. Compared to other virtualization products, performance is disappointing and the default configuration raises a number of security issues.

Note: Some more detailed compatibility mode settings can still be consulted. More detailed information you can find in the overview How to run old programs on Windows 7 / Vista? (See Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit).

Multiboot Windows OS

You can install more than one version of Windows on the same computer using the multibooter. For example, install 32-bit and 64-bit versions Windows nearby together. Each operating system is installed on a separate disk partition, and the boot manager is installed on the default partition. The boot manager allows you to select and launch the operating system you want to use now.

Although you cannot use more than one operating system at the same time, this functionality is quite useful. Compared with virtual machines, this method does not have any compatibility problems and such systems are much easier to configure and maintain. Among other things, by installing the 32-bit version next to the 64-bit version, you will retain the ability to run 16-bit applications.

Summing up what has been said about 32-bit support in 64-bit Windows

Most 32-bit applications will thrive on Windows 64. The main exceptions are:

1. 32-bit device drivers
2. Applications that cannot function without the 32-bit device drivers they use. Vivid examples are antiviruses and other security software.
3. Extensions that use code injection. For example, shells for Windows Explorer

Some applications will be able to run with restrictions. This also applies to uninstallers, registry cleaners and tuning programs, since they only have access to the part of the registry that Wow64 shows them.

If you cannot run a 32-bit application in any way, then consider virtualization or multi-booting of several operating systems.

Which applications are faster 32-bit or 64-bit?

This question comes up quite often. But, there is no general rule or the multiplier, since it all depends on the tasks and the processor functions used.

When comparing 32-bit and 64-bit applications in their native environments, a 32-bit application typically uses less memory than an equivalent 64-bit application. This is because 64-bit versions use 64-bit data structures, which take up twice as much space. The additional size directly affects the program startup and shutdown time, as well as other types of operations related to accessing disk drives. Typically, this means that 32-bit applications will run faster. However, the use of 64-bit processor features by 64-bit programs potentially allows the application to run up to 25% faster than 32-bit programs.

Also, keep in mind that running a 32-bit application on 64-bit Windows means running Wow64, so performance analysis on a 32-bit processor can be put aside. Running Wow64 means not only the cost of converting calls, but also taking into account the mechanisms of redirection and duplication, which require not only processor time, but also RAM. Therefore, it is possible that a 32-bit application will run faster than a 64-bit one, but it will definitely run slower than the equivalent run on a 32-bit processor.

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