You open a software download page and see three options: ARM64, x86, and x64. Which one belongs on your computer?

For most modern Windows PCs with an Intel or AMD processor, choose x64. Choose ARM64 for a Windows PC with an ARM-based processor. Choose x86 only when you specifically need a 32-bit version, usually for an older system or application. Before downloading, make sure you have also selected the correct operating system: a Linux x64 package is not a Windows x64 installer.

That is the short answer. The distinctions below will help you avoid installation errors—and make a more informed choice if you are buying a Mini PC.

ARM64, x86 and x64 at a glance

There is one naming trap: “x86” can refer to the broader processor family, but on a download button it commonly means its 32-bit version. Likewise, “AMD64” does not mean AMD-only. It is another name for the x64 architecture used by compatible AMD and Intel processors. Ubuntu’s architecture documentation lists amd64, x86-64, x86_64, x64 and Intel 64 as names for the same architecture; it lists ARM64 and AArch64 together separately.

Both x64 and ARM64 are 64-bit. The difference is not simply how much memory they can address: they use different instruction sets. An x64 installer and an ARM64 installer are therefore not interchangeable.

Which version should I download?

Start with your processor and operating system, not the name of the file that looks most familiar.

• Intel or AMD processor, 64-bit Windows: Download the Windows x64 version.
• ARM-based processor, Windows 11 on Arm: Download the Windows ARM64 version when the developer provides one.
• Older 32-bit Windows installation: Download x86, if the software still supports your system.
• Linux: Select both the correct distribution or package format and architecture. amd64 means x64; arm64 means ARM64.

If a developer offers only an x86 version of a Windows app, it may still work on an x64 Windows PC. But when both x86 and x64 versions are available for that PC, x64 is generally the straightforward choice. Windows 11 itself has no 32-bit edition, although a 32-bit application is a separate question. 

How to check on Windows

Go to Settings → System → About → System type. Microsoft identifies this as the place to check your Windows and processor architecture in its 32-bit and 64-bit Windows guide.

Look for a description such as “x64-based processor” or “ARM-based processor.” Then return to the software publisher’s download page and select the version for your operating system and architecture.

On Linux, uname -m commonly reports x86_64 for x64 or aarch64 for ARM64. These are architecture names—not separate brands of processor.

Can an ARM64 PC run x86 or x64 software?

Sometimes, but do not assume every app or accessory will work.

Windows 11 on Arm can emulate many x86 and x64 applications. Microsoft says Windows 10 on Arm supports x86 app emulation but not x64 app emulation. A native ARM64 build avoids that translation layer, so it is the version to try first when available. 

Emulation has an important limit: it does not make incompatible drivers work. Software that depends on a device driver, printer driver, or other low-level component needs appropriate ARM64 support. Microsoft states that kernel-mode drivers and user-mode print drivers must be built as native ARM64 binaries for ARM64 devices. 

If an application is essential to your work, check the publisher’s system requirements and your peripherals’ driver support before buying an ARM-based PC. “The app launches” and “my complete workflow works” are not always the same thing.

Does x64 automatically mean faster than ARM64?

No. Architecture alone is not a performance score. Speed depends on the specific processor, cooling, memory configuration, software and workload. A comparison between one ARM64 computer and one x64 computer cannot establish that either architecture is always faster or more efficient.

A more useful question is: Does this particular computer run the applications I need, with the features and performance I expect? For a Mini PC, check the exact processor model and graphics capability alongside software compatibility, ports, storage and upgrade options.

What does this mean when choosing a Mini PC?

Architecture becomes a buying issue when it affects the software you intend to install.

For everyday Windows work: An Intel- or AMD-based x64 Mini PC is a familiar option if your office apps, browser, peripherals and specialist tools already support standard x64 Windows. NIPOGI’s current Mini PC collection includes Intel- and AMD-based models. Confirm the exact processor and configuration on the product page rather than relying on the architecture label alone.

For games or specialist software: Check the specific game or application, including launchers, anti-cheat software and hardware drivers where relevant. Architecture compatibility is only the first filter; the Mini PC’s graphics hardware and the game’s requirements still determine whether it is a sensible purchase.

For a home server or development machine: Check every component of your planned setup. Docker images, for example, may provide separate linux/amd64 and linux/arm64 variants. A multi-platform image can supply the matching variant automatically, but an architecture-specific image may require a different build or emulation. Docker documents how these platform variants work.

If you are deciding between a compact desktop, laptop and single-board computer for these jobs, our Mini PC vs Laptop vs SBC guide covers the broader form-factor choice.

Common questions

Is x64 the same as AMD64?

Yes, in the context of software downloads, AMD64 is another name for x64 or x86-64. An amd64 Linux package is not restricted to AMD-branded processors; compatible Intel processors use the same architecture. 

Is ARM64 the same as x64?

No. Both are 64-bit architectures, but they use different instruction sets. Download the version built for your computer’s architecture and operating system.

Should I choose x86 or x64 on Windows 11?

For a typical Intel- or AMD-based Windows 11 PC, choose x64 when it is offered. Windows 11 is 64-bit only; an x86 download generally denotes a 32-bit app, not the version of Windows you have. 

Will an x64 app run on Windows 11 on Arm?

Windows 11 on Arm supports x64 app emulation, but compatibility is not guaranteed for every application and its dependencies. Prefer an ARM64 version when available, and verify any required drivers separately. 

The bottom line

If you only need to choose a download, check your operating system and processor architecture first: x64 for most Intel/AMD PCs, ARM64 for ARM-based PCs, and x86 mainly for a specific 32-bit requirement.

If you are choosing a Mini PC, go one step further. Make a short list of the apps, games, peripherals or server tools you must use, then check their support against the exact model you plan to buy. Architecture tells you which software version to look for; it does not, by itself, tell you which computer is best.