Most modern computers are capable of running a 64-bit operating organisation. Just just because a computer supports information technology doesn't mean that'due south what's running. Hither's how to tell whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Linux.

RELATED: Should You Utilize 32-bit or 64-bit Ubuntu Linux?

For the most role, nosotros recommend running a 64-flake version of Linux. You lot'll get better performance and security. The just times y'all might need to apply a 32-chip version instead is if you're still running a 32-bit processor, or in the very unlikely result you proprietary hardware drivers only available in 32-bit form (though, that'southward typically more a Windows problem). If you're ever installing software and are asked to choose between a 32-bit and 64-bit version, here are 2 ways you tin find out what flavor of Linux you're running.

Selection Ane: Use the lscpu Command at the Terminal

To examination whether your Linux computer has a 32-fleck or 64-scrap CPU and to see what version of Linux is installed, open your terminal, type the following control at the prompt, and then hit Enter:

lscpu

The "Architecture" entry tells you what type of CPU yous have (where "x86_32" signifies 32-bit and "x86_64" signifies 64-bit). The "CPU op-mode(s)" entry tells you what version of Linux you're running. If you're running a 64-bit version, yous'll run across both 32-fleck and 64-bit modes listed (since a 64-scrap processor can run both). If you only come across the 32-bit mode listed, you're running a 32-bit version of Linux.

Option Two: Use the Graphical Interface

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

In the "System 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 run across either "64-bit" or "32-bit" listed, forth with other basic information about your Ubuntu system.

Note that, different with the final control, the "Details" window only shows you lot what Bone blazon yous're running—not the compages of your organization. This means if y'all're running a 32-chip version of Linux, you lot still won't know if your computer could support the 64-chip version. For that, you'll take to use the lscpu control we described in the previous section.