Windows 10: Why 32-bit Windows can maximum have 16TB Page File?

According to Microsoft https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...64-bit-memory-architecture-for-64-bit-edition, the page file sizes of 64-bit and 32-bit Windows are 256TB and 16TB respectively.

In 64-bit, the virtual address looks like the following: https://i.stack.imgur.com/Bswtz.png

With 4 levels of 9-bit memory mapping fields and 12-bit offset within page, 64-bit Windows can map maximum 2^9+9+9+9+12 byte = 256TB.

In 64-bit, the virtual address looks like the following: https://i.stack.imgur.com/R19zY.png

With 2 levels of 10-bit memory mapping fields and 12-bit offset within page, 32-bit Windows should be able to map maximum 2^10+10+12 byte = 4GB? Then why 16TB?

:)

 

Page File

Set minimum and maximum to a constant number as suggested by others, that will help reduce fragmentation on the drive coz of different page file sizing.

 

Windows 32 bits to 64 bits

Hi Kulbeer,

To upgrade from Windows 10 32-bit to Windows 10 64-bit, we suggest that you check and follow the steps/instructions provided by
Andre Da Costa in his article.

We would appreciate it if you could get back to us and provide us your feedback.

 

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.