By default, Microsoft assigns you the same bit version of Windows as you are currently running. So if you’re running a 32-bit version of Windows 8.1, it will assume you want a 32-bit version of Windows 10. But what if you want to shift to 64-bit? What then? If you want to upgrade from a 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows 10, here’s what you need to do.
It is important to know that you cannot perform an in-place upgrade from a 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows 10. If you have 32-bit already installed you will need to do a clean install of 64-bit. There is no way around that as the core architecture is completely different.
Upgrade from a 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows 10
First you need to check your processor is 64-bit compatible.
1. Navigate to Settings, System then About.
2. Check next to ‘System type’. To be compatible, you need an x64-based processor.
3. If you want to make doubly sure your processor is fully compatible, download CPU-Z and look for EM64T, SSE2, and VT-x or VT-d under ‘Instructions’.
If your processor is compatible, you’re just about ready for the upgrade. However, you need to bear in mind that you will also need new 64-bit drivers for your hardware. Older hardware may not have these available so check before performing the update. You can also download them all in advance if you like.
1. Download the Microsoft media creation tool.
2. Select 64-bit Windows.
3. Select ‘Create installation media for another PC’.
4. Select the media, language, edition and architecture and create the media.
5. Burn to a DVD or save to USB.
6. Check your current version of Windows 10 is activated. Activate if not.
7. Install 64-bit Windows 10.
8. Update all hardware drivers to 64-bit versions.
That’s it!
More Windows 10 tutorials you may find useful:
How to get into advanced startup options in Windows 10
Quick guide to optimizing Windows 10
How to Optimize boot performance of Windows 10
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