64-bit Windows 8 running on a 32-bit system

[vegasgmc]

I was working on a Compaq laptop with a Celeron processor and accidentally put in a hard drive I used last year that had Win 8 64bit installed on it. It booted up fine and everything works. It even says "64bit Operating System" in Windows properties. How is this possible? Have I missed some new Windows development?

 

[DelJo63]

It even says "64bit Operating System" in Windows properties

That is a label somewhat like tag on the sleeve of a new coat - - it only tells you the object detail. It does not say how YOU are using it. The kernel will run the system in 32-bit mode when the CPU/Motherboard is incapable of 64bit operations.

If you download Process Explored from Sysinternals, you can customize the view to include Image Type and it will show 32 vs 64 bit