Feature 32-bit OS 64-bit OS
Memory Maximum of 4 GB RAM Maximum of several terabytes of RAM
Processor Can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors Requires a 64-bit processor
Performance Limited by the maximum amount of RAM it can access Can take advantage of more memory, enabling faster performance
Compatibility Can run 32-bit and 16-bit applications Can run 32-bit and 64-bit applications
Address Space Uses 32-bit address space Uses 64-bit address space
Hardware support May not support newer hardware Supports newer hardware with 64-bit drivers
Security Limited security features More advanced security features, such as hardware-level protection
Application support Limited support for new software Supports newer software designed for 64-bit architecture
Price Less expensive than 64-bit OS More expensive than 32-bit OS
Multitasking Can handle multiple tasks but with limited efficiency  Can handle multiple tasks more efficiently
 
Gaming Can run high graphical games, but may not be as efficient as with 64-bit OS  Can run high graphical games and handle complex software more efficiently
 
Virtualization  Limited support for virtualization  Better support for virtualization