For the windows system, you often encounter the words x86 and x64, what is the difference between the two? How to choose? The x64 version of windows has more advantages and can handle more complex tasks and big data, while the x86 version has better compatibility for older hardware and applications. This paper analyzes the differences between the two from different perspectives such as hardware architecture, software compatibility, performance, memory support and security.

The x86 is a successor to the 8086 microprocessor introduced in 1978 and features a 32-bit architecture. x64 is a 64-bit architecture that can handle more data and complex computing tasks. In short, the biggest difference between x86 and x64

x64, also known as x86-64, is a 64-bit technology developed by AMD based on the x86 architecture. It not only inherits the advantages of x86, but also adds many new features, such as larger addressing space, more registers, and so on. Windows x64 has better support for multithreading and large memory.

In terms of hardware, the x86 version of windows can support most 32-bit applications. However, the 64-bit windows system can support 64-bit applications, but also can run most 32-bit applications. However, for some older 16-bit applications, it will not run on 64-bit and will only run on x86 versions of windows.

In terms of performance, the x64 version of Windows is superior to the x86 version. The 64-bit architecture of Windows x64 can handle larger amounts of data, so it will perform better when dealing with big data or complex computing tasks. The x86 version of Windows, due to the limitations of its 32-bit architecture, is less capable of handling big data or complex computing tasks.

In terms of memory support, the x64 version of Windows supports much more memory than the x86 version. The x86 version of Windows supports a maximum of 4GB of memory, and the x64 version of Windows can theoretically support 18.4 million TB of memory, exceeding the actual capacity of existing hardware.

Windows x64 has more built-in security features, such as hardware DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and PatchGuard, which are effective against malware attacks. On x86 Windows, these features may not be available due to hardware architecture limitations.

On modern computer systems, it is recommended to install the x64 version of Windows, which is better than x86 in terms of performance and memory support. While older computers or users running specific 32-bit applications, consider the x86 version of Windows.

In summary, the choice between Windows x64 and x86 depends on hardware configuration and application requirements. If the hardware supports 64-bit and you need to run large applications or do big data processing, then the x64 version of Windows is more appropriate. If the hardware is older or the applications you are running are primarily 32-bit, the x86 version of Windows is a better choice.