How to check if processor is ARM64 or x64 (64-bit) on Windows 11

Here are three ways to find out whether your PC's CPU is an x64 or ARM64 architecture on WIndows 11.

Windows 11 check CPU x64 or ARM64
Windows 11 check CPU x64 or ARM64

On Windows 11, you have at least two ways to check if the computer’s processor is x64 or ARM64, and in this guide, you will learn how. 

Although both processor system types offer a 64-bit architecture to run Windows 11 and applications, only the “x64” architecture provides the most compatibility with traditional desktop programs. You will find this architecture on common processors from Intel and AMD.

On the other hand, the “ARM64” architecture is found on ARM processors (typically from Qualcomm). While this architecture is popular among mobile devices, it’s still relatively new for Windows devices, and if you have an ARM64-based computer, you won’t be able to install most traditional applications.

If you want to determine whether your computer has an x64 or ARM64 processor, on Windows 11, you can find this information in at least three ways from the Settings app, System Information, or Command Prompt.

This guide will teach you the steps to check if your computer’s processor is an x64 or ARM64-based computer on Windows 11.

Check if processor is x64 or ARM64 on Windows 11

To determine whether you have an x64 or ARM64-based device on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the About tab.

  4. Under the “Device specifications” section, check the “System type” information. If it reads “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor,” you have a 64-bit processor. If it reads “64-bit operating system, ARM-based processor,” then you have an ARM64-based processor.

    Check CPU x64 or ARM64

Once you complete the steps, the About page will display whether the computer has an ARM64 or x64 (64-bit) processor.

Check if processor is x64 or ARM64 from System Information

To check if your computer is an x64 or ARM64 device with System Information, use these steps: 

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for System Information and click the top result to open the app.

  3. Click on Summary.

  4. Check the “System Type” information. If it reads “x64-based PC,” you have a 64-bit processor. If it reads “ARM-based PC” then you have an ARM64-based processor.

    System Information processor type

After you complete the steps, the System Information Summary page will give you the details on the processor system type.

Check if processor is x64 or ARM64 from Command Prompt

To find out if you have an x64 or ARM64-base computer with Command Prompt, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the app.

  3. Type the following command to check the computer’s architecture and press Enter:

    systeminfo | findstr /C:"System Type"

    Command Prompt check processor x64 or ARM64

  4. Check the “System Type” information. If it reads “x64-based PC,” you have a 64-bit processor. If it reads “ARM-based PC” then you have an ARM64-based processor.

Once you complete the steps, you will know whether the system type of processor is available on your computer.

We’re not mentioning x86 in this guide, because Windows 11 no longer offers support for the 32-bit processor architecture.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.