You’ve probably seen “x86” and “x64” when downloading software or checking your system details. But here’s the strange part—x64 means 64-bit, so why is 32-bit called x86 instead of x32?
That’s a common question, and it’s not your fault for asking. These labels don’t follow obvious logic. The answer is buried in computer chip history. And once you understand where “x86” came from, the naming makes more sense—even if it still feels a little odd.
What Does x86 Mean?
The term x86 has nothing to do with the number 32. It comes from Intel’s early line of processors, starting with the Intel 8086 in 1978. That chip introduced a 16-bit architecture and became the base model for future designs. Then came the 80286, 80386, and 80486, each more powerful but all using the same instruction set family.
Because all these CPUs shared the “86” in their model numbers, developers began calling that whole family of processors “x86.” It became a quick way to refer to systems built on that architecture, especially those compatible with IBM PCs and Microsoft DOS/Windows software.
When 32-bit versions of these processors came out (like the 80386), the x86 name stuck, even though it didn’t technically refer to 32-bit math. So, in short, x86 means compatibility with the Intel processor family, and most of those chips ended up being 32-bit.
Why isn’t It Called x32 then?
If 64-bit is called x64, shouldn’t 32-bit be called x32? It would be more consistent, right?
Well, that’s not how the naming developed. “x32” was never an official standard. By the time 64-bit computing became popular, the term “x86” had already been deeply tied to 32-bit systems.
Here’s why x86 became the label instead:
- Intel’s legacy chip naming made “x86” the industry term
- Microsoft used “x86” to refer to 32-bit versions of Windows
- Most installers and software packages followed the same pattern
Even today, if you download a 32-bit version of Chrome or Windows 10, you’ll probably see the file labelled “x86.” It stuck, even if the math doesn’t match.
What Is x64 and Where Did It Come From?
Intel didn’t first develop the 64-bit computing architecture we use today—AMD introduced it, Intel’s main competitor. They created an extension of the x86 architecture called AMD64, which added 64-bit processing support without breaking older 32-bit apps.
Later, Intel adopted AMD64 as well and rebranded it to Intel 64, but the world simply started calling it x64. It’s still based on x86 roots, but with a wider data path, more memory support, and new CPU registers.
Key improvements of x64:
- Access to more RAM (up to terabytes vs 4GB in x86)
- Better security features (like hardware DEP and address space layout randomization)
- Compatibility with both 64-bit and 32-bit apps
- Faster performance for memory-heavy tasks (video editing, gaming, simulations)
Most operating systems now ship only in x64 versions—Windows 11, macOS, and Linux included.
x86 vs x64: What’s the Difference?
The technical gap between x86 and x64 goes beyond bit count. Let’s look at key differences between them in real-world terms:
| Feature | x86 (32-bit) | x64 (64-bit) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM supported | Around 3.5–4 GB | 16 GB to 2 TB+ |
| App compatibility | Legacy apps only | Modern & legacy apps |
| OS availability | Older versions only | All modern versions |
| CPU requirement | Older, basic CPUs | Newer CPUs required |
| Security features | Limited | Hardware-based protections |
In short: x64 supports more memory, better security, and higher performance. x86 works, but it’s outdated for most uses. Only very old hardware still relies on it.
Which One Does Your PC Use?
You don’t need to guess. Here’s how to check what architecture your computer uses:
Windows
- Right-click on This PC or My Computer
- Choose Properties
- Look under System type — it will say either “32-bit operating system” or “64-bit operating system”
macOS
- All Macs after 2006 use 64-bit processors.
- You can confirm using About This Mac > System Report
Linux
- Open Terminal and type:
uname -m - If it shows
x86_64, it’s 64-bit. If it showsi686ori386, it’s 32-bit.
Knowing your system type helps when installing drivers, games, apps, or deciding whether to upgrade.
Do You Still Need 32-bit (x86) Today?
Most users don’t. But there are still a few edge cases:
Why someone might need x86:
- Old PC hardware (netbooks, legacy laptops)
- Specific legacy software that has no 64-bit version
- Devices with under 2GB of RAM or limited SSD space
Why it’s rarely ideal:
- x86 can’t access more than ~4GB of RAM
- Most developers have stopped supporting 32-bit systems
- Security updates and performance tuning are slower or unavailable
In general, x64 is better for modern apps, games, editing, multitasking, and long-term support.
Final Thoughts: It’s History, Not Math
The reason 32-bit is called x86 isn’t based on logic—it’s based on a naming legacy from Intel’s past CPUs. It just stuck, and software companies kept using it.
So don’t let the numbers fool you. If you see x86, think 32-bit. If you see x64, think modern 64-bit systems. And always check what your system supports before installing anything.
