Windows x32 and x64 based system

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Can anyone explain in layman terms the basic differences between a Windows x32 and x64 based system pleas?

Apologies if this has been asked before, did a search but couldn't find anything
 
They're getting rarer but older CPUs don't support 64bit. The only ones you're likely to encounter are the Atom processors in some early netbooks.

EDIT: In the desktop world Intel added 64bit to later Pentium 4, AMD added it even earlier with the Athlon 64.
 
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As a side-note, your Windows serial key will work for BOTH versions. If you're on 32-bit, you can do a fresh install using a 64-bit media and your existing key to get 64-bit.

Like above, always 64-bit unless your hardware doesn't support it (and if it doesn't you seriously need to upgrade).
 
The difference between 32bit and 64bit systems is that one has 32 bits and bobs in the case and the other has 64 bits and bobs in the case! lol
 
at home you'd probably be fine with it. but in an enterprise... another story. trying to explain someone can't use x and their colleague can because they have difference versions of the same software...

it's bad enough when someone opens up IEx64 and java doesn't work as you only got the 32bit version on there...

nox
 
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