[jeffmparker]

Hi, I'm currently running a legitimate copy of Win 7 Pro 32-bit and have reserved the Win 10 update. Would it be possible to changeto 64-bit as part of the updating process? I'd like to so that I can run some 64-bit only apps like latest version of Lightroom.

[Gasd Tasd]

As far as I know, you can't. You can upgrade to 32-bit W10. But to have a 64-bit system, you have to perform a clean install. (I recommend to upgrade to 32-bit W10 and sign in with your MS account. Then perform a clean install with 64-bit W10, then sign in with the same account, to activate the OS. As far as I know it will work.)

[jeffmparker]

Many thanks Gasd Tasd. One further question: Do you think or know if it is possible to run a dual boot config of Win 10 32 bit and Win 10 64 bit, i.e. re licencing? I've done the first step of upgrading from Win 7 to Win 10 (32 bit) and think I'd have to swap from time to time back to 32 bit to check on settings, etc. before fully committing to the 64 bit environment.

[a5cent]

^ Yes this is possible and legal. No problem.

The bigger question is if it is useful/necessary. I doubt it.

[Richard Servello]

Only of you have a 64-bit CPU. Did you accidentally install the wrong version initially? If not, then you don't have a 64-bit CPU and will not be able to do this.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

[Richard Servello]

Many thanks Gasd Tasd. One further question: Do you think or know if it is possible to run a dual boot config of Win 10 32 bit and Win 10 64 bit, i.e. re licencing? I've done the first step of upgrading from Win 7 to Win 10 (32 bit) and think I'd have to swap from time to time back to 32 bit to check on settings, etc. before fully committing to the 64 bit environment.

Why would you want a 32-bit OS? Do you like memory, bandwidth, and file size limits? There are no advantage to 32-bit unless you have very old hardware that can only run 32-bit.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

[jeffmparker]

Thanks Richard. I want to move from 32 bit to 64 bit. My PC has a 64 bit CPU, but it came with 32 bit Windows (XP I think it was back then) installed when I got it. I just want the dual boot to help with the transition and will remove it when the 64 bit set up is completed.

[a5cent]

Why would you want a 32-bit OS? Do you like memory, bandwidth, and file size limits? There are no advantage to 32-bit unless you have very old hardware that can only run 32-bit.

This is incorrect. A 32bit OS running 32bit software consumes about 10% less memory. On a 2GB system, the disadvantages of a 64bit OS almost always outweigh its benefits, which is why almost all 2GB devices come preinstalled with 32bit OSes.

[AndyCalling]

A system designed around a 64bit environment needs to have broader considerations than CPU alone. Just because it can, does not mean it should. Feel free to experiment, but keep a 32bit system image on hand for when you have reached a conclusion from your experiments.