Windows 10: 64- and 32-bit

I have a 64-bit capable PC but to date I've only ever installed 32-bit versions of Windows. If I create a new bootable partition can I have a 64-bit W10 installation running there? (My guess is "yes" but I thought I'd check)

:)

 

Windows 10 64-bit but almost every program is running 32-bit

32-bit programs will run in 32-bit mode whether or not the OS is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Very few programs are 64-bit. And, 64-bit programs will run in 64-bit mode on a 64-bit OS.

Ubrales

 

Why do all my programs display as 32bit in task manager when my computer is meant for 64bit?

They display as 32-bit because they are 32-bit programs. Unlike 32-bit Windows which can only run 32-bit programs, 64-bit Windows can run both 64-bit and 32-bit programs.

There's nothing strange or wrong about this. Some programs have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, but most are only 32-bit.

 

Hello RTWFF,

Yes, you sure could. *Smile

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...ndows-8-a.html

 

Yes, but unless you have more than 4GB of memory, stay with 32 bit.

 

Actually, more than 3GB of memory. Most computers with 4GB can't use all 4GB in a 32 bit OS. you will only have 3.2GB or so available due to reserved memory.

Using a 64 bit OS with 4GB allows you to use all 4GB.

 

I plan on increasing the memory to 8GB or more

 

Hi there

Providing you have the VT enabled in the BIOS (most machines do these days) you can try running a 64 Bit GUEST as a VM -- VMWARE CAN run 64 bit guests on 32 bit hosts. (Test the VM with 2 GB RAM - it will work - I've had W8 and W10 VM's on 2 GB RAM while testing).

I've had a W7 Enterprise x-64 bit guest running on XP Host when I was testing W7 a few years ago. (Time flies - was it that long ago !!).

A VM is an excellent way of testing a new OS and you also learn about Virtual Machines too. Then if you like the OS you can then decide to install it on your PHYSICAL machine.

Cheers
jimbo

 

32 bit will almost always address all the 4gb RAM when hardware is taken into account.

You can check how much RAM is apportioned to hardware by typing Resource Monitor in Start Search box and clicking on the Memory tab.

In any case, you'll get better performance from 32 bit with 4gb RAM and under.