Switch From 32-bit To 64-bit Version of Windows 10

64-bit version of Windows 10

We know that 32-bit version is less than 64-bit version of Windows 10. Of course, a 32-bit version of Windows OS will be missing out some of the productivity advantages. If you have upgraded your Operating System from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10, you can also install a 64-bit version. If your hardware supports using a 64-bit version of Windows 10, you can upgrade to 64-bit from 32-bit version of Windows for free.

Check the compatibility of your PC:

But how will know if your processor supports to install a 64-bit version of Windows 10? You need to first check for the capability of your PC. For this, your computer should have a 64-bit processor with capable hardware.

Step 1: Go to “Setting” on your PC

Step 2: Tap on “System Settings”

Step 3: In System Settings, see the System type. It will display the version of the Operating System and the processor.

There are three possibilities that the system type would be.

  • 64-bit Operating System and x64-bit processor: 64-bit version of Windows OS and runs on 64-bit processor
  • 32-bit Operating System and x86-bit processor: your PC doesn’t support Windows 10
  • 32-bit Operating System and x64-bit processor: 32-bit version of Windows OS and can run on a 64-bit processor.

If your System settings screen displays the first type, then there is no need for you to change anything since your system is running on a 64-bit processor. If it displays the second one, you cannot be able to change anything. But if your system displays the last option, then you can switch from 32-bit version of Windows to 64-bit version.

You can even open the System Information from your PC to know the version and the processor capability of the PC. For that, click on the Windows button on the keyboard and type “System Information” in the search. This will display the System information i.e., the version, processor, memory, hardware, OS, manufacturer, and much more about the PC.

Check for the 64-bit drivers on the PC’s hardware:

You found that your PC is compatible with a 64-bit processor. What about the compatibility of the hardware of your PC? Will it properly work with the 64-bit version of Windows? The 64-bit processor requires 64-bit hardware drivers. The 32-bit version being used on your Windows 10 PC won’t work.

Thankfully, the hardware for the modern PCs offers 64-bit drivers. To check if 64-bit hardware drivers are available on your PC, visit the manufacturer’s driver download web page. You need not necessarily download these from the manufacturer’s website. They are included with the Windows update.

Upgrade your OS by performing clean installation:

Make sure that you install a 64-bit version of Window 10 from a 32-bit version. If not, upgrade the OS using the upgrade tool. If you were using a 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1, you’ll have to upgrade it to a 32-bit version of Windows 10. This process will give you a Windows 10 license. After upgrading make sure that your PC is upgraded to the 32-bit version of Windows 10. that, go to Setting on your PC, tap on Update and Security and then click on Activation.

Create a Windows 10 installation media:

    1. Connect a USB drive with a minimum of 4GB space available in it.
    2. Visit Windows 10 download page of Microsoft.
    3. Click the “Download tool now” button and save the Media Creation Tool on your desktop.

Download tool now

  1. Double-click the “MediaCreationTool.exe” file.
  2. Then read the license terms and tap on “Accept”.
  3. Select the “Create installation media for another PC” option and click Next.

create installation media

  1. Uncheck the box shown for “Use the recommended options for this PC” option.
  2. Make sure to select your language, edition, and the architecture. (Select 64-bit (x64) in this case) And click Next.

select language

  1. Select the USB flash drive option and click Next.

select the media

  1. Select the removable drive from the list and the click Next.

select the removable disc

  1. Close the “Media Creation Tool” Once the installation media is created.

Install a 64-bit version of Windows 10:

  1. Restart your PC with the installation media connected and begin the installation of Windows 10.
  2. On the Windows Setup, click Next.
  3. Click Install now.
  4. If you have an activated version of Windows 10, you can skip this option if you’re prompted to enter a product key.
  5. Accept the licensing agreement and click Next.
  6. Click the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option.

install Windows

  1. Select and delete system partitions. Usually: Drive 0 Partition 1 and Drive 0 Partition 2.

System partition

  1. Click Next and follow the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

Finally, make sure of your Windows 10 update. Go to Settings and tap on Update and Security. Then click on Windows Update to see the updates on your PC. This will show you that your PC has switched to 64-bit version of Windows 10 from 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1.

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