All 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows® will recognise a maximum of 3.5GB of RAM, and sometimes as little as 3GB, even if your system hardware is capable of handling more RAM. The 64-bit versions of Windows, however, have much higher RAM capacities which go beyond the maximum hardware limits of most systems. Follow the steps below to see which version you have:
If your computer is running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003:
- Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
- If "x64 Edition" is listed under System on the General Tab, you’re running the 64-bit version
- If you don’t see "x64 Edition" listed under System, you’re running the 32-bit version
The edition of Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 you're running is displayed under System near the top of the General Tab window.
If your Computer is running Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows Server 2008/2012
- Click the Start button
, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. - If "64-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 64-bit version
- If "32-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 32-bit version
, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.The edition of Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or Windows Server 2008/2012 you're running is displayed under Windows edition near the top of the window.
To learn more about upgrading your Windows version, see our guide: Upgrading to 64-bit Windows.