What Does x64 and x86 Mean?

Hey,

What does the x64 and x86 part mean with operating systems?

I thought it was for how many bit the OS is so Vista would be x64 for example but I have a folder for x86 programs but what is that?

 

x64 is 64 bit platform while x86 is 32bit platform.

Not all the programs are 64 bit. Those which are 32 bit softwares, Vista put them in x86 programs folder.

 

x86 means 32 bit OS .. like Windows Xp and x64 means 64 bit OS, like windows Vista.

 

I don't understand why its like this but x86 stands for 32 bits. If you have a 64 bit OS the system will create a 32 bit folder for the programs that can only run on 32 bits.

 

64 bit computers can run both 32bit programs and 64 bit programs. 32 bit computers cannot run 64 bit programs, because the bit sizes are fundamentally different

 

x86 = 32bit
x64 = 64bit

As the x86 term became common after the introduction of the 80386, it usually implies a binary compatibility with the 32-bit instruction set of the 80386. This may sometimes be emphasized as x86-32 to distinguish it either from the original 16-bit x86-16 or from the newer 64-bit x86-64 (also called x64). Although most x86-processors used in new personal computers and servers have 64-bit capabilities, to avoid compatibility problems with older computers or systems, the term x86-64 is often used to denote 64-bit software, with the term x86 implying only 32-bit.

Go with the 32bit... It has more compatible drivers and support. Unless you are going to be doing 3D Rendering, Video Editing, or RAW Files in Photoshop, 64bit OSs aren't worth the trouble.

 

x86 Stands for 32 bit OS and x64 Stands for system with 64 bit

 

Those are instruction set bit sizes in a typical binary language.

x86 programs folder in 64 bit OS means the applications under that folder were built for a 32 bit compatibility but are also usable under 64 bit OS and so are installed in a separate directory

 

64-bit means compatible with x64(64-bit) programs, as well as x86(32-bit) programs. 64bit OS are not compatible with 16bit programs, but some 32bit OS are.

Also, 64bit stuff takes up a lot more space. 5-20%. 64bit also allows for over 4gb RAM, as well as speed improvements.

 

Omg u came back after 7 years for this answer lol

 

After 7 years, the definition of x64 in the world has changed. It used to mean driver hell, but now it has become the next 32-bit.

 

This is thread is a true phenomenon. The question was asked in 2008, the best answer comes from 2013 and in 2015 people are still discussing it. Not to mention the fact that according to Popular Threads Right Now, it has had over a million views.

 

Latest Laptops with pre-installed Windows are usually x64 i.e 64 Bit
Old Desktops and Laptops could be having Windows x86 which means 32 bit.

Windows XP was 32 bit, Windows Vista, and latest windows are also offering both 32 Bit and 64 bit installation options.

 

Lol, funny how persons keep answering the same while the first answer of this thread was enough , it makes my day.

 

Many many thanks.

 

most old type OS is running 32bits and now a days, for client platform OS, Win 8 onward i comes with 64bits only. When running 32 bits OS, if you have 8GB RAM, the load only up to 4GB, but compare to 64bits OS, u can full load running 8GB RAM.

 

x86 Stands for 32 bit OS and x64 Stands for system with 64 bit

 

"
There will be an entry under System called System Type listed. If it lists 32-bit Operating System, than the PC is running the 32-bit (x86) version of Windows. If it lists 64-bit Operating System, than the PC is running the 64-bit (x64) version of Windows.
"

 

if you are working with visual basic you can set whichever target cpu architecture that you want to. others have given ample explanation so no point to elaborate more.

 

I have nothing else to add, as you already posted enough explanations, but just wanted to be part of this epic thread like how Syda mentioned!

but anyway......"x64" is only used in the Windows world. In Linux terminology, i386 is the 32bit ISA, and amd64 is the 64bit ISA, also called x86-64. x86 is the superset, so x86-32 (i386) and x86-64 (amd64) are the two flavours of x86. x32 should not be used as a synonym for 32bit x86, because that term refers to something specific and very different.