Microsoft gives you the 32-bit version of Windows 10 if you upgrade from the 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1. But you can switch to the 64-bit version, assuming your hardware supports it.
The Update Assistant can help you update to the latest version of Windows 10. Check a few things on the PC where you want to install Windows 10: 64-bit or 32. 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. If you want to migrate to the 64 bit version of Windows 8, you will have to first download the installation files for Windows 8 64 bit on a computer running a 64 bit version of Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8. (This DOES NOT work with Windows XP). Lets take a look at doing that. Windows 10 Free Download Full Version 32 or 64 Bit 2019. Now the user of all the selected 190 countries where the version of Windows 10 is being released will see here the Major Update of Windows 10. Click on Install the update and downloading process will start on Windows 10.
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
First thing’s first. Before even thinking of upgrading to 64-bit Windows, you’ll need to confirm that the CPU in your computer is 64-bit capable. To do so, head to Settings > System > About. On the right-hand side of the window, look for the “System type” entry.
Free ebook creator software download. You’ll see one of three things here:
- 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor. Your CPU does support 64-bit and you already have the 64-bit version of Windows installed.
- 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor. Your CPU does not support 64-bit and you have the 32-bit version of Windows installed.
- 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor. Your CPU supports 64-bit, but you have the 32-bit version of Windows installed.
If you see the first entry on your system, you don’t really need this article. If you see the second entry, you won’t be able to install the 64-bit version of Windows on your system at all. But if you see the last entry on your system—“32-bit operating system, x64-based processor”—then you’re in luck. This means you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows 10 but your CPU can run a 64-bit version, so if you see it, it’s time to move on to the next section.
Make Sure Your PC’s Hardware Has 64-bit Drivers Available
Even if your processor is 64-bit compatible, you might want to consider whether your computer’s hardware will work properly with a 64-bit version of Windows. 64-bit versions of Windows require 64-bit hardware drivers, and the 32-bit versions you’re using on your current Windows 10 system won’t work.
Modern hardware should certainly offer 64-bit drivers, but very old hardware may no longer be supported and the manufacturer may have never offered 64-bit drivers. To check for this, you can visit the manufacturer’s driver download web pages for your hardware and see if 64-bit drivers are available. You shouldn’t necessarily need to download these from the manufacturer’s website, though. They are likely included with Windows 10 or automatically will be downloaded from Windows Update. But old hardware—for example, a particularly ancient printer—simply may not offer 64-bit drivers.
Upgrade by Performing a Clean Install
You’ll need to perform a clean install to get to the 64-bit version of Windows 10 from the 32-bit one. Unfortunately, there’s no direct upgrade path.
Warning: Back up your important files before continuing and also make sure you have what you need to reinstall your programs. This process will wipe your whole hard disk, including Windows, installed programs, and personal files.
First, if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 yet, you’ll need to use the upgrade tool to upgrade. You’ll get the 32-bit version of Windows 10 if you were previously using a 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1. But the upgrade process will give your PC a Windows 10 license. After upgrading, be sure to check that your current 32-bit version of Windows 10 is activated under Settings > Update & security > Activation.
Once you’re using an activated version of the 32-bit Windows 10, download the Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft. If you’re using the 32-bit version of Windows 10 at the moment, you’ll have to download and run the 32-bit tool.
When you run the tool, select “Create installation media for another PC” and use the tool to create a USB drive or burn a disc with Windows 10. As you click through the wizard, you’ll be asked whether you want to create 32-bit or 64-bit installation media. Select the “64-bit (x64)” architecture.
Next, restart your computer (you did back everything up, right?) and boot from the installation media. Install the 64-bit Windows 10, selecting “Custom install” and overwriting your current version of Windows. When you’re asked to insert a product key, skip the process and continue. You’ll have to skip two of these prompts in total. After you reach the desktop, Windows 10 will automatically check in with Microsoft and activate itself. You’ll now be running the 64-bit edition of Windows on your PC.
If you want to go back to the 32-bit version of Windows, you’ll need to download the media creation tool—the 64-bit version, if you’re running the 64-bit version of Windows 10—and use it to create 32-bit installation media. Boot from that installation media and do another clean install—this time installing the 32-bit version over the 64-bit version.
Image Credit: lungstruck on Flickr
READ NEXT- › How to Disable the Apple Watch’s Always-On Display
- › How to Back Up Your Stuff and Switch to a New Mac
- › Is the Mac Pro Overpriced Compared to a PC?
- › Just Bought a Mac? 14 Essential Apps You Should Install
- › Why You Should Sign In With Google, Facebook, or Apple
Not sure if your installed version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit?
If you're running Windows XP, chances are it's 32-bit. However, if you're running Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, the chance that you're running a 64-bit version goes up considerably.
Of course, this isn't something you want to take a guess at.
Knowing if your copy of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit becomes very important when installing device drivers for your hardware and choosing between certain kinds of software.
Is This A 64 Bit Machine
One quick way to tell if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is by looking at information about your operating system installation in Control Panel. However, the specific steps involved depend a lot on which operating system you're using. Free quickverse for windows 10.
See What Version of Windows Do I Have? if you're not sure which of those several versions of Windows is installed on your computer.
Another quick and simple way to check if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is to check the 'Program Files' folder. There's more on that at the very bottom of this page.
Windows 10 & Windows 8: 64-bit or 32-bit?
- You can check your Windows system type much faster from the Power User Menu, but it's probably speedier that way only if you're using a keyboard or mouse. With that menu open, click or touch on System and then skip to Step 4.
- Touch or click on System and Security within Control Panel.You won't see a System and Security link in Control Panel if your view is set to either Large icons or Small icons. If so, select System and then skip to Step 4.
- With the System and Security window now open, choose System.
- With the Systemapplet now open, titled View basic information about your computer, find the System area, located under the large Windows logo.The System type will say either 64-bit Operating System or 32-bit Operating System.The second bit of information, either x64-based processor or x86-based processor, indicates the hardware architecture. It is possible to install a 32-bit edition of Windows on either an x86 or x64 based system, but a 64-bit edition can only be installed on x64 hardware.
- You should now know for certain whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit
System, the Control Panel applet that contains the Windows system type, can also be opened by executing the control /name Microsoft.Systemcommand from Run or Command Prompt.
Windows 7: 64-bit or 32-bit?
- If you're viewing either the Large icons or Small icons view of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Just choose System and then proceed to Step 4.
- When the System window opens, titled as View basic information about your computer, locate the System area below the oversized Windows logo.
- In the System area, look for System type among the other statistics about your computer.The System type will report either a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System.There is no 64-bit version of Windows 7 Starter Edition.
- Now you know whether you have Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit.
Windows Vista: 64-bit or 32-bit?
- Select Control Panel from the Start menu.
- Choose System and Maintenance.If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Just double-click or tap-and-hold System and proceed to Step 4.
- Select System in the System and Maintenance window.
- When the System window opens, titled as View basic information about your computer, locate the System area below the big Windows logo.
- In the System area, look for System type below the other statistics about your PC.The System type will report either a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System.There is no 64-bit version of Windows Vista Starter Edition.
- You should now know whether you have Windows Vista 64-bit or 32-bit.
Windows XP: 64-bit or 32-bit?
- Select Start and then choose Control Panel.
- Select Performance and Maintenance.If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Just double-click or tap-and-hold on the System icon and proceed to Step 4.
- Choose System from the bottom of the Performance and Maintenance window.
- Locate Systemto the right of the Windows logo.You should be on the General tab in System Properties.
- Under System: you'll see basic information about the version of Windows XP installed on your computer:Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version [year] means you're running Windows XP 32-bit.Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version [year] means you're running Windows XP 64-bit.There are no 64-bit versions of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media Center Edition. If you have either of these editions of Windows XP, you're running a 32-bit operating system.
- Now you know if you're running Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit.
Check the 'Program Files' Folder Name
This method isn't as easy to understand as using Control Panel but it does provide a quick way of checking on whether you're running a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows, and is especially helpful if you're looking for this information from a command line tool.
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.
Here's an easy way to comprehend this..
64 Bit To 32 Bit
Two program folders exist on a 64-bit version of Windows:
- 32-bit location: C:Program Files (x86)
- 64-bit location: C:Program Files
32-bit versions of Windows have just one folder:
- 32-bit location: C:Program Files
What Is A 64-bit Version Of Windows
Therefore, if you find only one folder when checking this location, you're using a 32-bit version of Windows. If there are two 'Program Files' folder, you're for sure using a 64-bit version.