Ever since Microsoft officially announced the launch date for its upcoming Windows 10 operating system and started allowing users of previous Windows versions to register for the free upgrade, we have been getting tens of emails every day with a variety of questions.
We have already let you know that it’s possible to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data and keeping most of installed programs. We have also told you that you can perform a clean install of Windows 10 once you successfully upgrade from Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10.
Can I upgrade from 32-bit Windows 7/8.1 to 64-bit Windows 10?
A PC user running Windows 7 wants to know if it’s possible to upgrade from Windows 7 32-bit installation to Windows 10 64-bit. In other words, the user wants to if it’s possible to upgrade from x86 flavor of Windows 7/8.1 to x64 flavor of Windows 10.
The answer is NO. One can’t perform an in-place or direct upgrade from 32-bit Windows 7/Windows 8.1 to 64-bit Windows 10. In simple words, if you want to upgrade to the 64-bit architecture of Windows 10 by upgrading the current 32-bit Windows 7/8.1 installation by keeping installed programs and your data, it’s not possible at all.
However, if you don’t mind performing a clean install of Windows 10 after completing the upgrade, you could upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit. But before that, make sure that your PC’s processor supports 64-bit operating system with the help of a free tool called 64bit Checker.
Workarounds to upgrade from x86 Windows 7/8.1 to x64 Windows 10
According to Microsoft, users will be able to perform a clean install of Windows 10 after the upgrade. If you really want to upgrade from 32-bit Windows 7/8.1 to 64-bit Windows 10 without shelling out a single penny, we recommend you upgrade your existing Windows 7/8.1 32-bit installation to Windows 10 32-bit first.
After upgrading your Windows 7/8.1 installation (x86) to Windows 10 (x86) and activating the copy, download the 64-bit Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, create a bootable USB out of it and then install the 64-bit Windows 10. You don’t need to input a serial key during the installation, as your Windows 10 copy will automatically be activated after completing the installation. Please go through our activating Windows 10 after a clean install article to know how it works and why you don’t need a product key to activate your Windows 10 installation.
The only catch is that you’ll need to install device drivers and programs all over again after the clean install.
Lastly, if you are ready to buy the Windows 10 upgrade copy, you can perform a clean install of Windows 10 64-bit by wiping your current Windows 7/8.1 (x86) installation.
In short, it’s not possible to perform in-place or direct upgrade from Windows 7/8.1 32-bit to Windows 10 64-bit. However, you can go for one of the two workarounds mentioned above to legally upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit. The choice is yours!
Are you planning to upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit?
Daniel Hoelzeman says
Can I upgrade my Windows 7 copy to x64 first, and then install Windows 10 x64? I really want Windows 10 and have purchased it, but tried to install it before and failed. I did what the question was on here, so now I was wondering if it would work if I upgraded my Windows 7 copy first.
Me says
So, in another linked article I see that it says to hold off on the upgrade from Windows 32 bit to 64 bit, as many users on Microsoft forums are reporting problems. I’ve done an In place upgrade to 32 bit from 7, and want to upgrade to 64 bit- should I hold off?
admin says
Doric,
First of all, thanks for leaving your comment. Unlike you said, the Windows 10 installer is capable of reading the product key from BIOS/UEFI. According to Microsoft, we don’t need to put in the product key while reinstalling Windows 10 (both x64/x86) on a PC where it was previously installed and activated.
Doric says
This article is inaccurate and incomplete.
After getting through the missing steps, this is not working.
Please, turn your brain on: How the hell can the Boot Installer get your W10 x86 key and convert it to W10 x64 key while doing a fresh installation ?!
The fact is that your “tutorial” does not work.
Did you even tryied it ?
Computer Genius says
You most certainly CAN do a clean Windows 10 install after you have run the upgrade and confirmed that it activated. You just have to skip the product key input each time, then when the install is complete, Windows 10 will activate itself automatically over the Internet by phoning home to Microsoft.
My only hesitation is that there seems to be some question as to whether this works going from 32-bit Windows 7 or Windows 8.x to 64-bit Windows 10. From the article, I gather that you upgrade to 32-bit Windows 10, then boot from the 64-bit Windows 10 install disk, reformat your hard drive and do a clean install.
kifayatullah says
well, nice info
this is what i wanted to know
and all those who have any problem with admin’s answer, they should f*** off. and don’t ruin the topic
i have also visited microsoft windows official website and they said exactly the same, written here.
thank you admin.
and please can upgrade from 32-bit Win8.1 to 64-bit 8.1 (not 10)… if possible please tell me.
thanks alot
luvwknd says
Whoever wrote this article must be in third grade and computer incompetent!
Inaccurate information and very poor grammar!
Veiny Dick Tracy says
Sooooo…. In the comment section I am seeing that your technique of upgrading to Windows 10 32 bit and then trying to install the 64 bit version is NOT working… Anyone know what is the truth?
Adnane says
hi actualy i have windows 8.1 /32 bit , & windows 10’s now upgrading but i want it to be 32bit too ! & my pc compatible with x64
admin says
@ AG, please use the System Restore Point to restore your Windows 10 to an earlier stage. The option is to reset your PC.
AG says
Is this working for anyone. I am on Win8.1 32 bit, and holding on the upgrade to 64bit Windows 10. My hardware is compatible with x64.
Fernando says
Great notice. I really would like to do this, but i’m afraid after Kevin report.
Kevin says
I did as instructed and it did not work. Was told by Microsoft employee in another country that you cannot do a clean install of Windows 10 after you have upgraded to Windows 10. I wish I hadn’t taken your advice. When u.s. Operators are awake in the morning ill see what they have to say
Chris Tate says
Will I be able to ‘Dual Boot’ Windows 7 sp1 to Windows 10 and will my x3 product key be affected?