In this Windows 10 guide, I'll you how to check if a Windows 10 64-bit version is compatible with your PC and I'll guide you to upgrade Windows 10 32-bit to the Windows 10 64-bit version.
It's important to take a full backup of your system including personal files and folders before upgrading, the Windows Updater will empty the install partition during the upgrade. At least you should backup all personal files before you start. Read our tutorial on backing up your system.
The 64-bit version of Windows 10 can only be installed if your computer's hardware supports it. You can verify that using the following four steps.
Making Sure Windows 10 64-bit is Compatible With Your PC
Step 1: Press Windows key + I from keyboard.
Step 2: Click on System.
If your version of Windows is 64-bit, you're able to install both 32-bit and 64-bit software programs, so there are two different 'Program Files' folders on your computer. However, 32-bit versions of Windows have just one folder since they can only install 32-bit programs. To check if Windows 7 SP1 is already installed on your PC, s elect the Start button, right-click Computer, and then select Properties. If Service Pack 1 is listed under Windows edition, SP1 is already installed on your PC. Before you begin Check if your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit. Jul 03, 2017 If you had a 32-bit versions of Windows 7 or 8.1 installed on your PC and upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft automatically gave you the 32-bit version of Windows 10.But, if your hardware supports using a 64-bit operating system, you can upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows for free. Make Sure Your Processor is 64-bit Capable. If you cannot wait to get the latest build of Windows 10 or if you want to reinstall Windows 10 for some reason, you can download the latest version of Windows 10 from Microsoft with ease. Those of you who have upgraded to Windows 10 might want to perform a clean install of Windows 10 from USB drive.
Step 3: Click on About.
Step 4: Check the system type, if it says: 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor then your PC is running a 32-bit version of Windows 10 on a 64-bit processor. If it says 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor , then your computer doesn't support Windows 10 64-bit version.
Creating a Windows 10 Installation Media
Step 1: Connect a USB drive to your system, the USB media must have at least 4 GB free space.
Step 2: Visit Microsoft's Windows 10 download page.
Step 3: Download the Media Creation Tool by clicking the Download tool now button.
Step 4: Run the MediaCreationTool.exe.
Step 5: Accept the license terms.
Step 6: Choose to Create an installation media for another PC.
Step 7: Click Next.
Windows 32-bit Operating System
Step 8: Uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC.
Step 9: Make sure to select 64-bit architecture (x64).
Step 10: Click Next.
Step 11: Choose the USB flash drive option.
Step 12: Click Next.
Step 13: Select the removable drive from the list.
Step 14: Click Next.
Installing 64-bit Version of Windows 10
Step 1: Restart your PC with the USB drive connected to the system and start the installation of Windows 10.
Step 2: Click Next.
Step 3: Click Install Now.
Step 4: Skip entering the product key.
Step 5: Accept the license terms.
Step 6: Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Step 7: Select and delete system partitions -- usually: Drive 0 Partition 1 and Drive 0 Partition 2.
Step 8: Click Next and follow the instructions to install Windows 10.
After the installation is finished, download the latest updates and drivers from Windows updates.
How to Upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Version of Windows 10
Microsoft still offers both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10. But, whether you’re installing Windows 10 or Windows 7, you should almost certainly skip the 32-bit version and get the 64-bit version instead.
The 64-bit version of Windows is also known as the “x64” version of Windows, while the 32-bit version is also known as the “x86” version.
Your PC is Almost Certainly 64-bit
64-bit PCs have been mainstream for a long time. Intel’s first big 64-bit consumer CPU was the Core 2 Duo, which was released in 2006. AMD released the Athlon 64 in 2003. If you have a PC you purchased or built in the last decade, it’s almost certainly a 64-bit PC.
There are some exceptions, of course. Early versions of the very underpowered Intel Atom CPU line were just 32-bit CPUs. But those were so slow when they were released that it’s very unlikely many people are still using those discount netbooks and tablets today.
Computers with 64-bit CPUs can run 32-bit operating systems, but there’s really no reason for them to do so anymore. Even on a 64-bit operating system, you can still run 32-bit applications just fine.
Why You Should Install the 64-bit Edition
32-bit versions of Windows are limited to 4 GB of RAM, which is a small amount these days when even budget PCs these days usually have 8 GB or more. If you want to actually use more than 4 GB of RAM—and you probably do—you’ll need a 64-bit version of Windows.
RELATED:How To Upgrade Or Replace Your PC’s RAM
In addition, 32-bit programs (even if they’re running on a 64-bit Windows operating system) can only access 2 GB of RAM each. Modern demanding games and professional tools can easily use more than 2 GB of RAM.
Given that limitation, it’s no surprise that many applications now require a 64-bit operating system. For example, if you want to play the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V and many other PC games released in the last few years, you’ll need a 64-bit version of Windows. ZBrush, a 3D modelling tool, discontinued its 32-bit version. Even NVIDIA has stopped working on its 32-bit graphics drivers, so you’ll need a 64-bit operating system to get new graphics drivers for NVIDIA hardware.
Install Windows 32 Bit Version Of Bluestacks
64-bit versions also have a number of useful security features that 32-bit versions of Windows just don’t. For example, an expanded address space allows Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) to better protect against attacks on programs. Drivers must be signed unless they’re installed in a special boot mode, Kernel Patch Protection prevents applications from patching the Windows kernel in memory on 64-bit versions of Windows, and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) has more restrictive settings on the 64-bit edition.
Why Would You Want 32-bit Windows?
There are some valid reasons why you might want to run a 32-bit version of Windows. If you’re using a very old computer with a 32-bit processor, you don’t have a choice. Some manufacturers may only offer 32-bit drivers for particularly ancient hardware devices, and you’d need a 32-bit version of Windows to run those.
The 32-bit version of Windows also allows you to run 16-bit software written for Windows 3.1, which is a feature not found in 64-bit Windows. However, you can always run 16-bit software in DOSBox.
Some older programs may also only run on 32-bit versions of Windows if they used dangerous techniques, such as kernel patching, that have now been blocked on 64-bit versions of Windows for security reasons.
32-bit versions of Windows should only be used for legacy compatibility purposes. That’s all a 32-bit operating system is really necessary for: old CPUs, ancient hardware devices, Windows 3.1 applications, and other applications that need updating to run on a modern version of Windows.
How to Check Whether You’re Using 64-bit or 32-bit Windows
If you’re not sure whether your computer has a 64-bit version of Windows—or even a 64-bit CPU—you can check from within Windows.
On Windows 10, head to Settings > System > About. Look to the right of the “System type” entry. If you see “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor,” your computer is running a 64-bit operating system. If you see “32-bit operating system, x64-based processor,” your computer is running a 32-bit operating system but is capable of running a 64-bit operating system.
RELATED:How Do I Know if I’m Running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows?
On Windows 7, head to Control Panel > System and Security > System. Look at “System type” to see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. Windows 7’s Control Panel doesn’t show whether your CPU is 64-bit capable, so you’ll want to perform an online search for the processor name—displayed on the System screen—to find out whether it’s a 64-bit CPU if you’re currently running 32-bit Windows.
How to Upgrade to 64-bit Windows
If you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows on a 64-bit capable processor, there’s good and bad news. The good news is that you can upgrade to a 64-bit operating system for free. Your current Windows license can be used to install either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows. The bad news is that you’ll need to reinstall your Windows operating system to make the change.
RELATED:How to Switch From 32-bit Windows 10 to 64-bit Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can upgrade to 64-bit by getting 64-bit Windows installation media and performing a clean install. On Windows 7, the process is similar—just download 64-bit Windows installation media from Microsoft.
Microsoft Should Make 32-bit Windows Harder to Find
We think Microsoft should make the 32-bit version of Windows harder to access. Some people might need it, but average Windows users shouldn’t be able to accidentally install a version of Windows 10 (or even Windows 7) that has so many limitations with modern hardware and software.
Backblaze, for example, has noted that many of its customers who use a 32-bit version of Windows seem to have installed it accidentally without realizing the downsides. So, when installing Windows in the future, be sure to go for the 64-bit version.
Image Credit: Nor Gal/Shutterstock.com.
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