To find out whether your computer is using an Intel, AMD, or ARM processor (and whether it’s x86/x64 or ARM), use the steps below for your operating system.

1. How to Check Your Processor on Windows

You can do this in a few different ways. All of them work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Method A: Using System Settings (Fastest for Most Users)

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System → About.
  3. Under Device specifications, look for Processor.

What you’ll see:

  • Names like Intel Core i5-12400, Intel Core i7, Intel Pentium, etc. → Intel x86-64 (64‑bit) processor.
  • Names like AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, AMD Ryzen 7, AMD Athlon, etc. → AMD x86-64 (64‑bit) processor.
  • Names like Qualcomm Snapdragon, Microsoft SQ1/SQ2, or ARM in the description → ARM processor.

If it says 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor under “System type,” it’s an x86-64 (Intel/AMD) CPU.
If it says ARM-based processor, it’s an ARM CPU.

Method B: Using System Information

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    msinfo32

    and press Enter.

  2. In System Information, check:

    • Processor → shows Intel, AMD, or ARM model.
    • System Type:
      • x64-based PC → Intel/AMD 64-bit (x86-64).
      • ARM-based PC → ARM CPU.

Method C: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

  1. Press Windows + X → choose Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.

  2. Run:

    wmic cpu get Name,Manufacturer

    You’ll get something like:

    • Intel(R) Core(TM) ... → Intel
    • AMD Ryzen ... or Advanced Micro Devices → AMD
    • Snapdragon / ARM wording → ARM

2. How to Check Your Processor on macOS (Intel vs Apple Silicon ARM)

Modern Macs use either:

  • Intel (x86-64) processors, or
  • Apple Silicon (ARM-based), such as M1, M2, M3.

Method A: About This Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
  2. Click About This Mac or System Settings → General → About (depending on macOS version).
  3. Look at the Chip or Processor line:
  • If it says Chip: Apple M1 / M1 Pro / M1 Max / M2 / M2 Pro / M2 Max / M3 → your Mac uses ARM (Apple Silicon).
  • If it says Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 or similar → your Mac uses Intel (x86-64).

Method B: Using Terminal

  1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal).

  2. Run:

    uname -m

    Interpretation:

    • x86_64 → Intel Mac (x86-64).
    • arm64 → Apple Silicon Mac (ARM).

3. How to Check Your Processor on Linux (Intel, AMD, or ARM)

Method A: Using uname

  1. Open a terminal.

  2. Run:

    uname -m

    Common results:

    • x86_64 → 64-bit Intel/AMD (x86-64).
    • i686, i386 → 32-bit Intel/AMD (older).
    • aarch64 → 64-bit ARM.
    • armv7l, armv6l → 32-bit ARM.

Method B: Using /proc/cpuinfo

  1. In a terminal, run:

    cat /proc/cpuinfo | head

  2. Look for lines like:

    • vendor_id : GenuineIntel → Intel CPU
    • vendor_id : AuthenticAMD → AMD CPU
    • model name including ARM, Cortex, or specific ARM SoC names → ARM CPU

4. Quick Guide: Intel vs AMD vs ARM

Intel and AMD (x86 / x86-64)

  • Common in desktops and laptops running Windows and many Linux systems.
  • Usually described as x86, x64, or x86-64.
  • Great compatibility with most traditional PC software and games.

ARM

  • Used in phones, tablets, many single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi), and newer Windows on ARM laptops.
  • Apple’s M1/M2/M3 chips are also ARM-based.
  • More power efficient, often used in thin and light devices.

5. Why Knowing Your CPU Type Matters

Understanding whether your CPU is Intel, AMD, or ARM helps with:

  • Downloading the right software
    • Some apps have different versions for x86-64 and ARM.
  • Operating system choice
    • Certain OS images (e.g., Ubuntu downloads) offer separate x86-64 and ARM builds.
  • Driver and firmware compatibility
    • GPU, Wi‑Fi, and other drivers may be architecture-specific.
  • Performance expectations
    • ARM devices typically favor lower power use; high-end Intel/AMD desktops offer top-end raw performance.

6. Helpful Official Resources

To dig deeper into your specific CPU model, check:

If you tell me your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and whether you prefer a graphical method or command line, I can give you a single, exact command or click-path tailored to your setup.