Q: Do I have a 32-bit or 64-bit OS? I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 laptop, it's 1 year old. How can I tell if it's 32-bit or 64-bit? On Dell's website, it is listed as 64-bit, but in the System Information dialog box it displays the system type as x86 which indicates that it's 32-bit.   

A: I would go with what the System page on the control panel shows
This is an example of what you should see:

You can find this by going to the file explorer and right clicking on This PC

or on the control panel enter this

Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System

There is the possibility that you are using 32 Bit OS when your system is capable of using 64bit

A: Another way to checking whether you are running a 32- or 64-bit Windows OS is to look for the folders C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86). If you have both, you are running on a 64-bit OS. If you only have the former, then you are running on a 32-bit OS.

A: You have a 32bit version of windows installed on 64bit hardware. 

A: Use win + pause it will bring you to
Control Panel>All  Control Panel Items>System.  
Here under System Type you will find either 32 or 64-bit. 
As backup of course you can select Control Panel from Start menu and Select System from there.
