How can I upgrade my 32bit(x86) to a 64bit pc.

[johnnyboy7854]

Im a bit of a tech noob myself, but how can I upgrade to 64bit from a 32bit pc for free. I've checked and my processor is 64bit capable. My computer has bad specs and im not bothered about any data loss. I just want to upgrade my RAM to 8GB and do not want to be limited on the applications I run.

 

[alexoiu]

It can't be done for free. You need a 64 bit Windows kit.

 

[FALC0N]

No, that's not correct. All you need is the 64 bit version of your operating system. The keys are interchangeable between x86 and x64 versions. So if you have Vista home premium 32 bit, find a disk for windows vista home premium X64. It does require a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

 

[alexoiu]

No, that's not correct. All you need is the 64 bit version of your operating system. The keys are interchangeable between x86 and x64 versions. So if you have Vista home premium 32 bit, find a disk for windows vista home premium X64. It does require a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

It could be. Are you sure that it does apply to OEM versions too?

 

[Karadjgne]

If by OEM, you mean Dell or HP etc there will be a problem. On the hdd is a full system restore, usually on D: partition. If Op has a x86 original system, then upgrades to x64, the system restore will conflict. OP would not only have go do a full clean install which is only a format of C: but a repartition, to erase D: and allow a clean system restore to be installed on a newly created D:

There is of course no guarantee that the key will work on the new OS. Being OEM, the key is integrated with the motherboard, its proprietary to that OEM. Best bet would be to contact the OEM support, and get a copy of x64 Windows from them, or at minimum, verify that a public x64 version will be compatible with the OEM key.

 

[FALC0N]

Yes Alexoiu, I'm sure. Everything since Vista is fully interchangeable. OEM only comes with one disk, but the keys work both ways.

Karadjne, that's completely wrong. The royalty OEM keys are also interchangeable and would cause no conflict. You would obviously need to do a clean install, as the restore partition would be bit specific, as is it just a drive image. Just find the correct disk and do a clean install with your key.

This isn't rocket science people. I have done it dozens of times.