But in the future, you can switch to the 64-bit version if the computer supports it.
Is the computer compatible with 64-bit OS?
The first step is to make sure that your computer's processor can handle 64-bit software. To do this, open the “Settings” interface through the “Start” menu (Start), select the “System” section, and then the “About” item. See what is written to the right of "System type" (System type).
If the inscription reads: “32-bit operating system, x64-based processor”, then you have a 32-bit version of Windows 10 installed, but the processor also supports 64-bit. If x64 is not mentioned, then your processor is 32-bit and you will not be able to upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10.
Does the processor support the required technologies?
Some first-generation 64-bit processors do not support some of the technologies required to run Windows 10 64-bit (). In particular, PAE, SSE2 and NX support is required, as well as . The very first 64-bit processors for the consumer market may not have these features.
If the processor does not support these technologies, the installation of 64-bit Windows 10 will fail. To make sure that the necessary functions are available in advance, you can download and run the utility.
Information about SSE2 can be found in the "Instructions" field if this technology is supported. Support for PAE is indicated by the mention of "EM64T" or "AMD64". NX support is referred to as "VT-x" or "VT-d".
On some older computers, you can enable NX (sometimes called XD) in the BIOS. If during the installation of the 64-bit version a message appears that the processor is not supported, go into the BIOS and look for a setting called "No eXecute bit (NX)", "eXecute Disabled (XD)", "No Execute Memory Protect", "Execute Disabled Memory Protection", "EDB (Execute Disabled Bit)", "EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection)" or something like that. You should look in the "Security" or "Advanced" sections.
Are there 64-bit drivers for all computer components?
Even if the processor and motherboard support all the necessary features, it is worth checking whether the rest of the components and devices will work with the 64-bit version of Windows. After all, this requires 64-bit drivers - those 32-bit ones that are installed in the current version of Windows 10 will not work.
For modern equipment, 64-bit drivers can be found without problems, but older devices may no longer be supported and may not have 64-bit drivers. To check, go to the manufacturer's website and see if it offers 64-bit drivers. It is not necessary to download them from there - they are probably included with Windows 10 or will be automatically downloaded through Windows Update. But for older devices, for example, for a particularly ancient printer, 64-bit drivers may not be available.
In any case, you will know everything for sure when you install the 64-bit version of Windows. If the processor is not supported, the installer will notify you. If the necessary drivers are missing, this will become clear after installation. Then you have to go back to the 32-bit version of Windows 10.
Install from scratch
To switch from a 32-bit version of Windows 10 to a 64-bit version, you need to run. There is no option to upgrade the current installation.
Attention! Before installing, back up all your important files. During the installation process, all programs and files will be removed.
First of all, if you haven't upgraded to Windows 10 yet, you need to upgrade first. This will give you a 32-bit version of Windows 10 if you had a 32-bit version of Windows 7 or 8.1 installed. However, as a result of the update, your computer will be licensed for Windows 10. After installation, make sure that the current 32-bit version of Windows 10 is activated. You can do this in the “Settings” interface, section “Update & security> Activation” (Update & security> Activation).
After successfully activating Windows 10, download the Installation Media Creator from . If you currently have a 32-bit system, you need to download the 32-bit version of the utility.
Select the Create installation media for another PC option and burn Windows 10 to a USB drive or DVD. During the preparation of the installation media, you will be prompted to select a version - 32-bit or 64-bit. Choose 64-bit.
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