Most modern computers are capable of running a 64-bit operating system. But merely because a estimator supports it doesn't mean that's what's running. Here's how to tell whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Linux.

RELATED: Should Yous Employ 32-bit or 64-bit Ubuntu Linux?

For the nigh part, we recommend running a 64-scrap version of Linux. You'll go ameliorate performance and security. The only times you lot might demand to use a 32-bit version instead is if you're nonetheless running a 32-fleck processor, or in the very unlikely result you proprietary hardware drivers only available in 32-bit class (though, that'south typically more a Windows trouble). If you're always installing software and are asked to choose betwixt a 32-bit and 64-bit version, here are two ways you can find out what flavour of Linux you're running.

Choice I: Utilize the lscpu Control at the Concluding

To test whether your Linux computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit CPU and to meet what version of Linux is installed, open up your terminal, blazon the following command at the prompt, and then hit Enter:

lscpu

The "Architecture" entry tells you what type of CPU you have (where "x86_32" signifies 32-bit and "x86_64" signifies 64-bit). The "CPU op-mode(southward)" entry tells yous what version of Linux y'all're running. If you lot're running a 64-bit version, you'll encounter both 32-bit and 64-scrap modes listed (since a 64-scrap processor can run both). If you simply see the 32-bit mode listed, y'all're running a 32-bit version of Linux.

Selection Two: Use the Graphical Interface

If you would rather utilize a graphical tool to observe out whether your organisation is 32-flake or 64-bit, click the "System" menu (the gear push) in the upper-correct corner of the screen, and and so select the "Organization Settings" options from the dropdown card.

In the "Organisation Settings" window, double-click the "Details" icon in the "System" section.

In the "Details" window, on "Overview" tab, look for the "OS type" entry. You'll see either "64-fleck" or "32-scrap" listed, forth with other basic information about your Ubuntu system.

Annotation that, unlike with the terminal command, the "Details" window merely shows you what OS blazon you're running—not the compages of your system. This means if you're running a 32-bit version of Linux, you still won't know if your computer could back up the 64-fleck version. For that, you'll have to utilize the lscpu command we described in the previous section.