Upgrade from 32 Bit to 64 Bit in Windows 10 Without Data Loss

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If you upgrade from the 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1, Microsoft provides you with the 32-bit version of Windows 10. However, you have the option to switch to the 64-bit version. So, why would you upgrade from Windows 10 32-bit to 64-bit?

The reason is that the 32-bit version is restricted to 4GB of RAM, which is quite limited. Especially considering that nowadays, most PCs typically come with 8GB or more of RAM. By upgrading your computer to 64-bit, you'll be able to run multiple applications concurrently more efficiently. Programs like Google Chrome will be capable of handling a larger number of open tabs, and you'll be able to run resource-hungry applications such as AutoCAD, Photoshop, and video editing software, among others.

However, during the transition to 64-bit, most users complain about losing their files. Follow these three steps to change Windows from 32-bit to 64-bit without losing data!

1. Ensure Compatibility with Your Processor for 64-Bit

You can only install the Windows 64-bit version on compatible hardware, which means you need to verify if your computer has a 64-bit processor. Here, we'll provide the simplest method for you to check your system type:

1. Open the "Start menu." 2. Search for "System Information." 3. Press "Enter." 4. Look for "System Type."

Next, you'll see one of the following system types:

1. 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor: Your CPU is compatible with 64-bit and you already have the 64-bit version of Windows 10 installed. Therefore, no upgrade is necessary. 2. 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor: Your CPU supports 64-bit, but you currently have the 32-bit version of Windows installed. 3. 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor: Your CPU is designed for 32-bit and you have the 32-bit version of Windows installed.

If you see the second type, then your computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows. If you see the third one, it means you can't install another architecture of the operating system because your CPU doesn't support it.

2. Backup Important Files Before Upgrading to Windows 10 64-Bit

To prevent data loss, it's advisable to create a full backup of your PC. Although creating a complete backup might be time-consuming, we suggest utilizing a reliable data backup software - Todo Backup, to efficiently accomplish this task. This software allows you to perform a full backup of your computer with just one click and also enables you to set up backup schedules.

Download the tool Todo Backup and swiftly create a backup of your crucial files.

Step 1. Click "Select backup contents" to start a backup.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Local and network files will be displayed on the left panel. You can expand the directory to choose which files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the location where you want to save the backup.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options," and set up a backup schedule, as well as choose to initiate a backup at a specific event in "Backup Scheme." Numerous other customization options are available for the backup process.

Step 5. You can save the backup to a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to a third-party cloud drive or its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add your account, and then log in.

You can also save backups to the tool's cloud storage service. Click on "tools Cloud," and sign up for a tools Account to log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to start the backup process. When the backup is complete, it will appear as a card on the left panel. To manage the backup job further, right-click on it.

3. Upgrade from Windows 10 32-bit to 64-bit

You'll need to perform a clean install to upgrade from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of Windows 10, as there is no direct upgrade path available.

First, make sure that your current 32-bit version of Windows 10 is activated under Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

Step 1. Create the installation media

1. Go to Microsoft's Windows 10 download page. Click the "Download tool now" button and save the Media Creation Tool to your desktop.

2. Connect a USB drive with at least 4GB of available space.

3. Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file.

4. Click "Accept" to agree to the terms.

5. Choose the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option. Click Next.

6. Deselect the "Use the recommended options for this PC" option.

7. Make sure to choose your language, edition, and, more importantly, the architecture, which in this case is 64-bit (x64). Click Next.

8. Choose the USB flash drive option, then click Next.

9. Select the removable drive from the list and click Next.

Step 2: Install Windows 10 32-bit to 64-bit

1. Restart your computer and boot from the installation media (press F2 when you restart > select Boot > Boot from USB).

2. On the "Windows Setup" screen, click the Next button.

3. Click "Install Now", and then click the "I don't have a product key" link to proceed.

4. Select the edition of Windows 10 (if applicable). This selection must correspond to the edition of the license you are activating.

5. Accept the license terms and continue.

6. Click the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option.

7. Select and delete system partitions – usually Drive 0 Partition 1 and Drive 0 Partition 2.

8. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.

When the installation is complete, Windows 10 will automatically contact Microsoft and activate itself. You'll now be running the 64-bit version of Windows on your computer. To finish up, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE), where you'll create a new account, set your preferences, and select your preferred privacy settings.