Windows 10: How can i update to 64 bit without loosing all my files and apps?

How can i update to 64 bit without loosing all mu files and apps?

:)

 

Windows 10 Upgrade 32-bit to 64-bit

So, Windows 10 Upgrade is being rolled out worldwide, and I have 'reserved' my upgrade.

Currently my computer is running Windows 7 Pro 32-bit. I'm planning to 'upgrade' it to Windows 10 64-bit (via fresh install, of course).

After reading many references, these will be the steps I'll do:

1. Let the "Get Windows 10" app upgrade my OS to Windows 10 32-bit
   
2. Note the activation key
   
3. Download the Installation Media for Windows 10, but choosing 64-bit instead
   
4. Perform a clean install
   
5. Reactivate using the activation key in Step #2
   

(Of course I'll backup my data first.)

However, I still have some questions:

1. On Windows 7, the activation key does not differ between 32- or 64-bit versions. Is it still so with Windows 10?
   
2. Will I be able to download a different architecture on Step #3?
   
3. Is there anything I need to prepare beforehand?
   

Thank you for your assistance.

 

64 BIT

• Switching to Windows 10 64 bit is free, you don't have to pay for it. As long as you have a qualifying Windows 7 or 8 or Windows 10 license, you are entitled to use it.
• Switching requires that you perform a new installation, that means files, applications and settings will be deleted.
• You will have to reinstall applications and native 64 bit drivers.
• Backup before migrating: How
  to: Create a system image in Windows 10

Step 1: Download Windows 10 64 bit then create a bootable copy:

How
to download official Windows 10 ISO files

Step 2: Boot from the 64 bit Windows 10 install media, then perform a custom or clean install:

• How to: Perform a custom installation of Windows - Choose this
  option if you want to recover files from Windows.old
• How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10 - Choose this option
  if you want to erase the drive, files and applications will be deleted.

 

64 bit and 32 bit

With the release of Windows 10 November Update (1511), and later versions such as the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (1607), you can switch directly to a 64 bit version of Windows 10 with or without a product key.

• Switching to Windows 10 64 bit is free, you don't have to pay for it. As long as you have a qualifying Windows 7 or 8 or Windows 10 license, you are entitled to use it.
• Switching requires that you perform a new installation, that means files, applications and settings will be deleted.
• You will have to reinstall applications and native 64 bit drivers.
• Backup before migrating: How
  to: Create a system image in Windows 10

Step 1: Download Windows 10 64 bit then create a bootable copy:

How
to download official Windows 10 ISO files

Step 2: Boot from the 64 bit Windows 10 install media, then perform a custom or clean install:

• How to: Perform a custom installation of Windows - Choose this
  option if you want to recover files from Windows.old
• How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10 - Choose this option
  if you want to erase the drive, files and applications will be deleted.

Resources: How
to install and activate Windows 10 using your Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key