An x64-based PC uses a processor that handles data in 64-bit chunks, meaning it can access far more memory and process information more efficiently than older 32-bit (x86) systems. If you saw this label in your Windows system settings, it’s telling you your computer has a modern 64-bit processor, which is what nearly all PCs sold in the last decade use.
What “x64” Actually Refers To
The “x64” label describes your processor’s architecture. A processor’s architecture determines how it handles data, how much memory it can address, and what software it can run. In an x64 processor, the internal pathways that move data around are 64 bits wide, compared to 32 bits in the older x86 design. Think of it like a highway: a 64-lane road moves a lot more traffic than a 32-lane one.
The x64 architecture is technically an extension of the original x86 instruction set, which dates back to Intel’s processors from the 1970s and 1980s. AMD developed the 64-bit extension (sometimes called AMD64 or x86-64), and Intel adopted it. So when your system says “x64-based processor,” it means you have a chip built on this widely adopted standard.
Why 64-Bit Matters for Memory
The single biggest practical difference between x64 and older x86 systems is how much RAM your computer can use. A 32-bit processor can address a maximum of 4 GB of memory. That’s a hard ceiling built into the math: 2 raised to the 32nd power equals about 4.3 billion bytes. For years, that was plenty. It isn’t anymore.
A 64-bit processor can theoretically address 16 exabytes of memory, which is roughly 16 billion gigabytes. No computer actually uses that much. But it means the architecture won’t be a bottleneck anytime soon. In practice, your x64-based PC can use 8, 16, 32, 64 GB of RAM or more, depending on your motherboard and operating system edition. This matters if you edit video, work with large spreadsheets, run virtual machines, or simply keep dozens of browser tabs open.
How x64 Improves Performance
Memory access is the headline benefit, but x64 processors also have more internal workspace. An x86 chip has 8 general-purpose registers (small, fast storage areas inside the processor). An x64 chip doubles that to 16 registers, and each one is twice as wide. This means the processor can hold more data close at hand instead of constantly fetching it from slower RAM.
The result is noticeably faster performance in tasks that involve heavy calculation: video editing, 3D rendering, engineering simulations, encryption, and database operations all benefit. Software that manipulates large numbers (financial modeling, scientific computing) runs faster because the processor can handle 64-bit integers in a single operation instead of splitting them into two 32-bit steps. Games, on the other hand, don’t always see dramatic improvements from 64-bit processing alone, since their performance depends more on the graphics card.
Running 32-Bit Software on an x64 PC
Your x64-based PC can still run older 32-bit programs. Windows includes a built-in compatibility layer called WOW64 that translates 32-bit instructions so they work on the 64-bit system. It’s enabled by default and runs invisibly in the background. Most users never notice it’s there.
This is why you’ll see two “Program Files” folders on your computer. The standard C:\Program Files folder holds 64-bit applications. The C:\Program Files (x86) folder holds 32-bit applications. Windows keeps them separate so that 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the same software don’t conflict with each other, especially when they share common components or libraries.
There is one limitation worth knowing: 64-bit Windows cannot run very old 16-bit programs at all. Those date back to the Windows 3.1 era, so this rarely affects anyone today.
x64 Is Now the Baseline
Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor. It does not support 32-bit hardware at all. Windows 10 was the last version offered in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, and even then, most PCs shipped with the 64-bit version. If your system information says “x64-based processor,” you meet this requirement.
Virtually all desktop and laptop software released today is compiled for x64. Developers have largely moved on from 32-bit builds because the memory and performance constraints of x86 don’t make sense for modern workloads like machine learning frameworks, containerized applications, and virtual machines.
How x64 Differs From ARM64
You may also see “ARM64” listed as a processor type, especially on newer lightweight laptops and tablets. ARM64 is a completely different processor architecture. While x64 descends from Intel and AMD’s desktop chip lineage, ARM was originally designed for mobile devices and prioritizes power efficiency over raw speed. Devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro with Qualcomm chips and Apple’s MacBooks with M-series processors use ARM-based designs.
ARM64 laptops can run many x64 programs through emulation, but not all software is compatible, and emulated apps may run slower than they would on a native x64 machine. If your system says “x64-based processor,” you’re on the traditional Intel/AMD architecture where software compatibility is broadest.
How to Check Your System Type
If you want to confirm your PC is x64-based, the fastest method is to open Windows Settings, go to System, then About. Under “Device specifications,” you’ll see a line labeled “System type” that reads something like “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.”
You can also type msinfo32 into the Windows search bar to open the System Information tool, which shows your processor name and system type. For a command-line approach, open PowerShell or Command Prompt and type systeminfo to get a full readout of your hardware and operating system details.