Windows 10 is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Below is the difference between the two versions and the steps to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10.
Table of Contents
Upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10
If you are running the 32-bit version of Windows 10 on your computer, you are eligible for an upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10 with your existing Windows 10 license.
While you won’t get any additional features by upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10, you will certainly notice a difference in performance.
The 64-bit version of Windows 10 can handle up to 2TB of RAM, which allows multiple apps to run simultaneously.
In comparison, the 32-bit version can only handle up to 3.75 GB of RAM and doesn’t allow you to run 64-bit gaming apps on your computer.
How to check if your computer supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10
Before proceeding with the steps to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10, you need to make sure that the processor on your computer can support 64-bit programs.
1. Click on that beginning button > settings Symbol.
2. On the settings screen, click system Tab.
3. On the next screen, click Around in the left pane. In the right pane, scroll down and review the entry system type in the Device Specifications section.
Your device is compatible with 64-bit programs if it says next to System Type X64-based processor.
When it says x86-based processoryour computer is not eligible for an upgrade to 64-bit Windows 10.
Next check Installed memory Entry to ensure your computer has enough RAM to run 64-bit programs.
Although the minimum requirement to upgrade to the 64-bit version is 2 GB of RAM, 64-bit Windows 10 is more suitable if your computer has a high RAM capacity (over 4 GB RAM).
Check driver compatibility
If your computer is only a few years old, it should already have the necessary 64-bit drivers.
However, it’s still a good idea to ensure that the graphics and sound card drivers on your computer are compatible with the 64-bit version.
You can do this by visiting the device manufacturer’s website to see if you can find 64-bit version drivers.
Steps to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10
There really is no easy way to upgrade your computer from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10.
The only way to run the 64-bit version of Windows 10 on your computer is to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 on your computer.
That means you have to reformat your hard drive, install the 64-bit version and reinstall all the programs and files you had on your computer.
Therefore, the process of upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10 can be divided into the following 4 steps.
- Make a backup copy of the files on your computer
- Create a USB installation drive for Windows 10
- Install 64-bit Windows 10 on your computer using Windows 10 USB installation drive.
- Install updates on your computer
1. Back up files on your computer
Clean installation of 64-bit Windows 10 deletes all files and programs that are on your computer’s hard drive.
Therefore, it is important that you back up your computer to an external drive by following the steps outlined in this guide – How to Back Up a Windows 10 Computer
2. Create a USB installation drive for Windows 10
First, make sure you have an empty 8GB USB drive and follow the steps below to create a Windows 10 installation USB drive.
1. Connect the USB drive (8 GB) to the USB port your computer.
2. Download next Windows 10 media creation tool to your computer from Microsoft website.
3. Once the MediaCreationTool.exe file has been downloaded to your computer, right click on the file and select Execute as administrator option in the context menu.
Note: You can just double click on the file if you are already logged into the admin account.
4. If prompted, enter yours Administrator password.
5. Select on the next screen Create installation media for another PC and click Next.
6. On the next screen, uncheck the box Use recommended options for this PCselect language, edition of Windows 10 and the Architecture your computer and click Next.
7. Select on the next screen USB stick as the download destination for the Media Creation Tool and click Next.
8th. Next select the removable drive where you want to download the Media Creation Tool and click Next.
Wait for the Windows 10 installation drive to be created and close the Media Creation Tool once the process is complete.
3. Install Windows 10 64-bit version on your computer
The final step is to install the 64-bit version of Windows 10 on your computer using the Windows 10 installation USB drive you just created.
First, make sure your computer is not connected to any external drives and follow the steps below to install 64-bit Windows 10 on your computer.
1. Paste the USB installation drive for Windows 10 in the USB port your computer and Start anew your computer.
2. Your computer should start with the Windows logo (see image below).
Note: If your computer does not boot to the Windows logo, you will need to change the boot order on your computer so that it boots from the USB drive.
3. Select on the Windows Setup screen language, Time and currency format, keyboard layout and click Next.
4. On the next screen, click Install now option (see image below).
5. If prompted to enter your Windows product key, skip the option.
6. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
7. On the next screen, click Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced) Possibility.
8th. On the next screen, select the journey where you want to install the 64-bit version of Windows 10 and click Next.
9. Follow the next on-screen instructions to finish installing 64-bit Windows 10 on your computer.
4. Install updates on your computer
After the Windows 10 installation is complete, make sure to manually download the updates and drivers for your computer by following the steps below.
1. Click on that beginning button > settings Symbol.
2. On the settings screen, click Updates & Security.
3. On the next screen, click windows update in the side menu and click Check for updates button (see image below).
4.Wait while Windows 10 checks for available updates and drivers.
If some of the drivers are not available through Windows Update, check your computer manufacturer’s website to download and install available 64-bit drivers on your computer.
Advantages of the 64-bit version of Windows 10
In terms of features, there is practically no difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10.
However, the 64-bit Windows 10 should provide productivity benefits as it allows you to open multiple browser tabs and run multiple programs at the same time.
You can also use the 64-bit version to run gaming apps and programs that are designed to run on 64-bit systems.
In comparison, 32-bit Windows 10 can only use 3.75 GB of RAM, which limits the number of simultaneous applications you can run on your computer.
