Most modern Windows installations are 64-bit. 32-bit Windows systems only support 32-bit applications. 64-bit Windows systems can run both 32-bit and 64-bit programs
Windows has two program files folders: Program Files and Program Files (x86). Only 64-bit operating systems have separate program files folders. Program Files folder runs 64-bit applications. Program Files (x86) folder runs 32-bit applications
Contains all system files, including DLLs for Windows features. Main program EXE goes in Programs folder, DLLs in System32. Microsoft couldn't rename System32 due to developer compatibility issues
Windows 10 32-bit is limited to 4GB RAM. 64-bit version enables running more applications simultaneously. Modern PCs typically have 8GB or more RAM
Windows doesn't allow direct installation of 64-bit programs on 32-bit systems. Microsoft warns users about compatibility issues when installing 64-bit software. 32-bit programs can't run on 64-bit systems or vice versa
System type can be found in Settings > System > About. Command Prompt can display system information using systeminfo command. Run tool (msinfo32) shows system type under Device specifications. Control Panel's System > About displays system type