Windows 10: 32-bit, 64-bit or Both?

Hello,



Using the Windows media creation tool to prep a clean install of Windows 10.



However, ran into this question: What architecture does my system have?



System properties show 64-bit. Duh! But my system is also capable of running 32-bit applications (from my "Program Files (x86)" folder, I imagine).



So, what's my architecture? Is it 64-bit ALONE or BOTH 32-bit and 64-bit?



Thanks for any clarification! *Smile

:)

 

64 bit or 32 bit

I want to switch from my currently installed architecture when migrating to Windows 10. Do I have that option with the free upgrade offer?

• The free upgrade does not have the option to switch architectures, so the architecture will remain the same. If you want to switch architectures, you will have to download the Window 10 .ISO file in the appropriate architecture (32 or 64 bit) and perform
  a custom install.
  
  How
  to: Do a custom installation of Windows
  
  Learn more:
  How to reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10
  

How do I upgrade from 32 bit versions of Windows to 64 bit Windows 10?

How
to: Switch from 32 bit versions of Windows to Windows 10 64 bit

 

64 bit or 32 bit

Hey Shaun,

As you are running 32 bit windows, you will get 32 bit Windows 10.

Hope this helps.

 

Hello Shakusky,

That option in the Media Creation Tool is to select what versions to be included in the ISO or USB.

For direct installing with the Media Creation Tool, you would select only the version that is currently on your PC. The tutorial below can help show you how. *Smile

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4...dows-10-a.html

 

32 bit Windows can run 32 bit and 16 bit Windows apps.

64 bit can run both 64 and 32 bit apps (but not 16 bit apps except for 16 bit DOS apps)

In other words, Windows can run the native "bitness" and the next lower "bitness".

 

Your architecture is which one you decide you want to install. Currently you are running 64bit. A 32 bit operating system will only allow you to use 4 GB of memory if you have more installed. The BOTH option in the Media Creation Tool only means that both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Windows 10 will be on the USB. During install, if you download both, you get to choose which one to install.

 

Just to add, if you choose to make an iso with "both" it will not fit on a standard DVD! In consequence, I recommend creating an iso of only your chosen architecture.