32-bit vs 64-bit, what's the actual difference?

The practical one is memory. A 32-bit system can only address about 4GB of RAM (and Windows 32-bit actually lets you use less than that), 64-bit can use way more than anyone puts in a PC. Single apps are limited the same way, which is why big games and editors went 64-bit only. 64-bit Windows runs almost all old 32-bit programs fine. What it can't run is 32-bit drivers or ancient 16-bit software, so the only time it bites is really old hardware or very old installers. To check yours: Settings > System > About, look at System type. If you're on Windows 11 it's 64-bit, there is no 32-bit version of 11.