Windows 10: Can I change from 64bit to 32bit on clean install (digital entitle)?

I have an older laptop (Lenovo X200, Core2duo P8600) with 3gb RAM. My OEM preload was a 64bit version of Win 7. So, when I finally did an upgrade yesterday it was to an x64 version of 10. It is activated with the "digital entitlement" thing. (Win 10 Pro, v. 1511, build 10586.104)

So, the first thing I have to decide is whether to stay on x64 or not at 3gb ram. I know the common advice is under 4gb go 32; 4gb and over, go 64. But really, at 3gb I can go either way.

The question I have though is this: At the point that I go to do a clean install, if I choose to install 32bit, will it still activate? Will I have any problems by changing x64 to x86? Will the digital entitlement still work?

:)

 

Windows 10 to Windows 7 Past the 30 days with no other back up

You can change from Windows 10 32bit to Windows 10 64bit (assuming your hardware is 64bit). It will require you to download the Media Creation tool and create 64bit install media and carry out a clean install. The is no upgrade path to convert from 32bit
to 64bit.

edit

It is the same key.

 

I NEED HELP

Your best option would be to do a clean install as your system has digital entitlement, you will have to use the same version that you had meaning Home or Pro 32bit or 64bit, also a tip is not to run any 3rd party virus program on beta Preview software
as the makers of the software have not developed the code to work with the beta version.

 

Hello texasnightowl, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

Yes, the digital entitlement will activate either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of that edition.

 

Thanks for the quick answer! It is good to know that I can drop down to x86 if I decide to do so.

This is my first experience with W10 so I decided to upgrade the laptop I hadn't turned on in almost 2 years to have a look *before* I decide whether to upgrade my newer (4 yr old, sandy bridge, i5-2500k) desktop. The X200 is actually running better than I expected under W10 so far. And I managed to get it to connect to my non-supported under W10, Lexmark X4650 printer.