How to determine whether a given Linux is 32 bit or 64 bit?

To determine whether your Linux system is 32-bit or 64-bit, you can use any of the following commands:

1. Check Kernel Architecture via uname

   uname -m

   • x86_64 indicates a 64-bit kernel on x86 architecture.
   • i686 or i386 typically means a 32-bit kernel on x86.
   • On ARM systems, 64-bit could appear as aarch64, whereas 32-bit might be armv7l, etc.

2. Check Full System Details via uname -a

   uname -a

   This shows more information (like kernel version), and you can look for x86_64 (or another 64-bit indicator) to confirm.

3. Using file /sbin/init

   file /sbin/init

   This examines the /sbin/init binary and reports whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit. For example:

   • ELF 64-bit LSB executable => a 64-bit userland.
   • ELF 32-bit LSB executable => a 32-bit userland.

4. Using lscpu

   lscpu

   • Look at the “Architecture” or “CPU op-mode(s)” lines:
     • CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit => 64-bit CPU that can run either mode.
     • CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit => purely 32-bit environment.

5. Distribution-Specific Tools

   • Some distributions have graphical tools or system information commands (e.g. inxi -S) that indicate whether the installed OS is 32-bit or 64-bit.

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