32-bit vs 64-bit Operating Systems - Key Differences 1. Memory Addressing Capability · 32-bit OS: Can address up to 4 GB RAM (theoretical limit 2³² = 4.29 billion addresses) · Windows 32-bit typically limits to 3.2-3.5 GB usable due to hardware reserved memory · 64-bit OS: Can address up to 17.2 billion GB RAM (theoretical limit 2⁶⁴ addresses) · Windows 64-bit: Home edition up to 128 GB, Pro up to 2 TB · Practical limits are set by OS editions, not architecture 2. Processing Power · 32-bit: Proc