How can I upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit without losing data?

If you upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1, Microsoft will give you the 32-bit version of Windows 10. But you can switch to the 64-bit edition, which means you can run more apps simultaneously on a computer with at least 4 GB of memory. Other apps, such as Google Chrome, can handle more open tabs, and you can run memory-hungry applications like AutoCAD, Photoshop, and video-editing programs.

However, when upgrading to a 64-bit system, many people complain that important files such as pictures, Word, Excel, etc. are missing. Follow these three steps to upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit without losing data!

1. Ensure that your processor supports 64-bit.

Here we present the simplest way to check your system type:

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

If you see x64-based PC, then your computer can run the 64-bit version of Windows. If you see x86-based PC, then you won't be able to install an operating system for a different architecture.

2. Back up important files before upgrading to Windows 10 64-bit

To avoid data loss, you need to back up important files, or if you want to back up all the data on your computer, it's better to make a full backup of PC. To accomplish this task quickly and effectively, we need the assistance of data backup software.

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup and click “File Backup”.

Over time, you'll likely accumulate important data that you'll want to protect, such as documents, images, music, and videos. Regular backups are always a good habit to have. Backing up your files is one of the best ways to guard against accidental loss of data.

Step 2: Select the files you want to back up.

Click on “User Defined” in the upper-left corner to browse and select one or more specific file types from your computer or an external storage device to back up.

Step 3: Choose where to save your backup file.

It is best to create the backup file on another storage medium or drive; otherwise, the backup file can become corrupted or lost.

Step 4: Click on “Proceed” to perform the action.

3. Upgrade to the 64-bit version of the Windows 10 operating system

Since there's no direct upgrade path, you'll need to perform a clean install to move from a 32-bit version to the 64-bit edition of Windows 10.

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

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. If you're currently using the 32-bit version of Windows 10, download and run the 32-bit tool.

Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website:

2. Connect a USB drive with at least 4 GB of available space. Go to the Microsoft Windows 10 download page. Click the “Download tool now” button, and save the Media Creation Tool to your desktop.

3. Double-click on the MediaCreationTool.exe file. Read the license terms, and click “Accept.” Choose the option to “Create installation media for another PC.” Click “Next.”

< strong > 4. < /strong > Uncheck the “Recommended for this PC” checkbox. Make sure you select your language, edition, and, more importantly, the architecture (in this case, 64-bit (x64)). Click “Next”.

5. Select the USB drive option and click Next.

6. Select the removable drive from the list, and click Next.

7. Close the Media Creation Tool when the media has finished creating.

8. Restart your computer and boot from the installation media (press F2 as it starts up, select “Boot,” and choose to boot from USB).

9. Install the 64-bit version of Windows 10, choosing “Custom” and overwrite your current version of Windows.

If prompted for a product key, skip this step and continue with the installation. You'll need to skip entering a key twice during the process. Once the installation finishes and you reach the desktop, Windows 10 will automatically connect to Microsoft's servers and activate. You now have 64-bit Windows installed on your computer.