# What Is the Difference Between a 32-Bit and a 64-Bit Architecture?  ## Metadata - Author: [[lenovo.com]] - Full Title: What Is the Difference Between a 32-Bit and a 64-Bit Architecture? - Category: #articles - Summary: 32-bit architecture processes data in chunks of 32 bits, while 64-bit architecture can handle 64 bits, allowing for more memory and better performance. Most 64-bit systems can run 32-bit software, but 32-bit programs may not fully utilize the system's capabilities. Upgrading from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system requires a clean installation and hardware compatibility checks. - URL: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/32-bit/ ## Highlights - A 64-bit architecture can handle data in chunks of 64 bits at a time, which allows it to address significantly more memory compared to a 32-bit system. A 64-bit system can theoretically address up to 18.4 million terabytes (TB) of memory. This increased memory capacity enables better performance for memory-intensive applications and larger datasets. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jtnyxh9rqegnetnfvxwzdam7))