Checking your system architecture

Why architecture matters for drivers

Drivers run very close to the operating system and must be built for the same architecture. A 64-bit edition of Windows requires 64-bit drivers; applications have more flexibility than drivers do. Microsoft's FAQ explains the distinction between the processor's capability and the installed edition.

Many information pages list packages separately for x64 and Arm64, so knowing your system type prevents a mismatched choice.

Steps

Nothing here requires changes or a restart.

1. 01
   Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. 02
   Select System.
3. 03
   Scroll down and choose About.
4. 04
   Under Device specifications, read the System type line.
5. 05
   Note both parts: the operating system bitness and the processor type.

Reading the result

A line reading 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor describes most current desktop and laptop computers. A line mentioning an ARM-based processor indicates an Arm64 device, for which driver availability is decided by the hardware maker.

If the line shows a 32-bit operating system on an x64-based processor, the hardware could run a 64-bit edition, but the installed system is 32-bit and needs drivers to match what is installed now. The Device specifications area also lists the device name; avoid posting its product ID publicly.

Good to know

If you share a computer or use one provided by an organisation, the system type is the same for every user account, because it describes the installed system rather than the person signed in.

The same About page shows the Windows edition and version further down under Windows specifications. Together, system type, edition and version form the three facts that almost every reference driver page asks you to match.

Writing them down once saves time later, since they rarely change unless you upgrade Windows or move to new hardware. Product keys and device IDs on the same page are not needed for compatibility checks.