Get improved productivity without losing data
Windows 10is available in both32-bit and 64-bitversions.
Not sure what version of Windows you have?
check that tofind out whether you’re running 32-bit Windowsbefore you attempt this upgrade.
If you already have 64-bit Windows 10, then you’re able to sit back and relax.
What Does it Cost to Upgrade 32-bit Windows 10?
As long as you have a valid version of Windows 10, your license extends to a free upgrade.
That means your primary storage system is erased and the new 64-bit version of Windows is installed.
So, before you do anything else, you’ll need to back up all your important data.
We also maintain an exhaustive list ofgreat cloud servicesto help you choose the right one.
In that case, you’re better off backing everything up locally to a large external USB drive.
you could also back everything up to a localnetwork accessed storage(NAS) drive if you have one.
If you’re having trouble with this, there are a lot offree backup toolsthat can help.
Do not upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows without backing up your data.
Your datawill be erasedfrom the storage system that contains your 32-bit version of Windows.
If you don’t, you won’t be able to go through with this upgrade.
ClickAboutin the left pane.
If you don’t seeAbout, scroll down.
It’s located toward the bottom of the list.
The information about 32- or 64-bit should be included in theSystem typeline.
When examining the gear specifications section in Windows 10, you will find some useful information.
The specific thing you’re looking for is the “system punch in” section.
First, you gotta download something called the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Here’s how to create the 64-bit Windows 10 installation media:
Navigate to the officialWindows 10 download site.
Select a download location, and clickSave.
Read the notices and license terms, and clickAcceptto continue.
SelectCreate installation media, and clickNext.
SelectUSB flash drive, and clickNext.
If you have multiple USB drives, choose the one you want to use and clickNext.
Windows 10 will prepare your flash drive, which may take quite a while.
When it’s done, clickFinish.
Turn your gear on, and wait for it to boot.
If your setup boots into Windows, you will need tochange the boot orderin yourBIOSorUEFI.
ensure that it’s set to boot from your USB drive before your hard drive.
When the Windows Setup screen appears, verify the controls and clickNext.
ClickI don’t have a product keyorSkip for now.
If prompted, grab the edition of Windows 10 to install and clickNext.
The edition you choose must be the same as the 32-bit version you’re replacing.
For example, replace Windows 10 Home 32-bit with Windows 10 Home 64-bit.
Read the notices and license terms, and then selectI accept the license termsand clickNext.
ClickCustom: Install Windows only (advanced).
pick the drive and partition where your current Windows 10 installation resides, and clickNext.
If you might’t figure out which partition is correct, select and delete each partition.
The installer will recreate them, as necessary, while upgrading you to 64-bit Windows 10.
Only do this for the drive where you have Windows installed, not any additional drives.
The installer will now complete the process of upgrading you from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 10.
This process may take quite a while, and your setup may reboot several times.
Here are the most important tasks to undertake after completing this upgrade:
