Nigh modern computers are capable of running a 64-flake operating organisation. But just because a estimator supports it doesn't hateful that'south what's running. Here'due south how to tell whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Linux.

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

For the virtually part, we recommend running a 64-scrap version of Linux. You'll become ameliorate performance and security. The just times you lot might need to utilise a 32-flake version instead is if you lot're nonetheless running a 32-chip processor, or in the very unlikely event you proprietary hardware drivers only available in 32-bit course (though, that's typically more a Windows problem). If you're ever installing software and are asked to choose between a 32-chip and 64-scrap version, here are two ways yous can detect out what flavor of Linux you're running.

Option One: Apply the lscpu Command at the Last

To test whether your Linux estimator has a 32-scrap or 64-bit CPU and to run into what version of Linux is installed, open your last, type the following control at the prompt, and and so hit Enter:

lscpu

The "Compages" entry tells you what type of CPU y'all have (where "x86_32" signifies 32-bit and "x86_64" signifies 64-bit). The "CPU op-style(due south)" entry tells you lot what version of Linux you're running. If you're running a 64-bit version, you lot'll encounter both 32-bit and 64-bit modes listed (since a 64-chip processor can run both). If you just come across the 32-bit mode listed, yous're running a 32-bit version of Linux.

Option Two: Employ the Graphical Interface

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

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

In the "Details" window, on "Overview" tab, expect for the "OS type" entry. You'll see either "64-bit" or "32-bit" listed, along with other basic information virtually your Ubuntu arrangement.

Note that, unlike with the terminal command, the "Details" window only shows you what Bone blazon y'all're running—non the architecture of your system. This ways if you're running a 32-bit version of Linux, you still won't know if your figurer could support the 64-scrap version. For that, you'll have to apply the lscpu control we described in the previous section.

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