Difference one, the requirements for configuration are different
64-bit operating systems can only be installed on 64-bit computers (the CPU must be 64 bits), and 64-bit common software needs to be installed to perform the best performance of 64-bit (x64), and 32-bit operating systems can be installed on 32-bit or 64-bit computers.
Small tip: 64-bit operating system can and 32-bit operating system can also coexist, can be installed in a dual system, but need to pay attention to 4G above 32-bit system can only recognize 4GB, so if the large memory installed users or the preferred 64-bit system, after all, the latter will be more advanced.
Difference two, different architecture
Changes from 32 to 64-bit architectures are a fundamental change, since most operating systems must be modified in a comprehensive way to gain the benefits of a new architecture. Other software must also be ported to use new performance, and older software can generally be supported by hardware compatibility mode (the new processor supports older 32-bit version instruction sets) or software emulation.
or implement a 32-bit processor kernel directly within a 64-bit processor, supporting a 64-bit architecture operating system that typically supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Distinguish three, the ability to process data
32-bit system computer CPU can handle up to 32 bits of data at one time, for example, its EAX register is 32 bits, of course 32-bit computers can usually handle 16-bit and 8-bit data, 64 for the computer to process data at a much larger than 32-bit, run 64-bit data.
Four, different memory supported (different addressing ability)
Many 32-bit systems support 4G of RAM, while 64-bit can support hundreds of g of RAM;