Windows 10: Can I switch from Win8 x32 to Win10 x64?

I've been wanting to switch to x64 to take advantage of the extra RAM I have. I figured an OS upgrade will be a good time to do that.

So do I need to install Win8 x64 now to get the Win10 x64 download/upgrade?

It would easier to just do a clean install of Win10 x64 when the time comes. How will this work (how do I get my hands on Win10 x64)?

:)

 

How can I upgrade to win10 from win8?

Pre-requisite Task

When making significant changes to your computer such as updating the operating system, you should always backup.
See links to resources about backing up by clicking the link for the respective version of Windows you are running:

Windows XP,
Windows Vista,
Windows 7,
Windows 8/8.1

• How to manually backup and restore your files
  
• How to free up disk space in Windows
  
• How to: 10 Tips before installing Windows 10
  
• How
  to: Determine if an application or hardware device is compatible with Windows 10
• Will
  documents and apps remain, or are app installs required

then

• How
  to download official Windows 10 ISO files
• How to: upgrade from previous versions of Windows using
  Windows 10 ISO file

then

• Disable
  (preferrably uninstall) your Antivirus utility before attempting the upgrade.
• Restart a few times then try again.
• Disable General USB Devices (example - Smart Card Reader).
• If you are using a SCSI hard disk, make sure you have drivers available for your storage device on a thumdrive and it is connected. During Windows 10 setup, click the Custom Advanced Option and use the Load Driver command to load the appropriate driver
  for the SCSI drive. If this does not work and setup still fails, consider switching to a IDE based hard disk.
• Perform a
  clean boot, restart then try again.
• If you are upgrading using the .ISO file, disconnect from the Internet during setup, if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi, disable both then attempt setup again.
• If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 100% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation.
• If that does not work, try using the .ISO file to upgrade if possible.
• If you are connected to a domain, switch to a local account.
• If you have any external devices attached to the machine, disconnect them (example, gaming controllers, USB keys, external hard disk, printers, non-essential devices).

 

How can I upgrade to win10 from win8?

How can I upgrade to win10 from win8?

 

If you're upgrading an OS then 32-bit to 64-bit doesn't work.

 

If you are no rush, wait for the 64 bit ISO. Otherwise do a clean install of Win8-64 bit.

Rich

 

As the other responders alluded to and those of us that have been around "awhile" understand, changing from 32-bit OS to a 64-bit or from 64-bit to 32-bit requires a clean install, so be sure to back up anything you created, that exists nowhere else before making the change.

 

CountryBumkin,
how much extra ram you are adding ?

 

OP didn't say they were adding; only said they had extra RAM. If you look at their system specs, you will see that they already have 16 (probably GB, although they say MB).

 

I know I can't go from x32 to x64 without a doing a clean install. I'm just wondering if I need to do that now (Win8 x32 to Win8 x64) before the Win10 upgrade comes.

However if I can get the ISO Win10 x64 I'll just wait and do the clean install just one time. I have the WIN8 disks (and install codes). I'm pretty sure the Win8 program came with both a x32 and x64 disk when I bought it.

I have 4GB installed now and I have extra RAM (another 4 GB) from a disassembled machine (both DDR3 (same specs but different brands).

Thanks.

 

BTW - my specs are for my HTPC Server machine. I have two other HTPC (clients) that I want to upgrade to x64.

 

If your pc will work with 64 then yes you can.

 

So upgrade (clean install) to Win 8 x64 now - or get Win10 x64 (somehow) and then do clean install?

If I do the Win8 x64 now, Win10 will auto-download/install Win10 x64.
But if I wait too long and then Win10 x32 downloads on my Win8 machine, am I screwed?

 

The free Win10 is an upgrade
Sooooo, bump your Win8 system to x64 before

You might want to get fresh Win8 install media
See OPTION ONE: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

 

Well my belief is that it will be as it is now. You can go to a MS website and type in your key and get a download for your os that goes with the key. That system is already in place. So why would it not work that way for this 10 rollout. Give your key get an ISO do what you like if you know how . Upgrade inplace or clean install very simple? *Biggrin

 

I didn't know that. So I should be able to use my Win8 x64 key to get a download of Win10 x64 (once Win10 is ready).
Thanks.