Windows 10 Pro 64 bit to 32 bit downgrade

There is no way to change the "bitness" of any version of Windows from 32-bit to 64-bit, or vice versa. The only way to get there is by doing a clean installation.

But let me ask why you want to do this. For almost everyone, it would be a mistake.

Hi RonW13

The only way to go from the 64bit version of Windows 10 to the 64bit version is to backup your data ad clean install the 32bit version. Unfortunately, that is the only route available . .

You will need to backup your data and once Windows 10 is clean installed you will also need to install a full set of device drivers from the support page for your device and then re-install all 3rd party software . . .

You can reinstall Windows 10 at any time and it will not cost you anything !

Since you previously had Windows 10 installed and activated on that PC during the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 10 on this PC', and activation will not be an issue, your PC will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers

Make sure you install the same Edition of Windows 10 (Home, Pro . . . etc.) you previously had installed to avoid Activation issues

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can download the latest Windows 10 ISO (Select Create Installation Media for Another PC), you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 10

If you have problems booting from a boot disc, you may have UEFI BIOS:

Insert the Bootable Installation Media, then go into your BIOS and make the following changes:

1. Disable Secure Boot
2. Enable Legacy Boot
3. If Available enable CSM
4. If Required enable USB Boot
5. Move the device with the bootable disc to the top of the boot order
6. Save BIOS changes, restart your System and it should boot from the Installation Media

Hi Ron. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

Before changing to 32 bit be aware that it will only use 3.4gb RAM so if you have more and it's not being used by hardware then it will be wasted. Check Hardware RAM apportionment in Resource Manager on the Memory tab.

This will require a Clean Install following the illustrated steps in this link which include everything that works best in Windows 10: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

To create Windows 10 Installation Media (if necessary on another PC) install the Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, skip the Product Key screen and choose your licensed version only if offered. On second screen choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

If you receive a popup asking if this solved your problem please ignore it, as it may remove my ability to help you and others may also not help. Please wait until after the issue is resolved to answer the popup or mark your question answered to help others.

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Hi RonW13,

unfortunately, changing the architecture (64 bit to 32 bit or 32 bit to 64 bit) requires a clean install of windows.

1. backup your data
2. check that 32 bit drivers are available for your hardware
3. make sure you have media and keys for applications, in order to reinstall after windows
4. create bootable media using the media creation tool - make sure you have the correct edition (pro, home, etc)
5. clean install windows
6. reinstall applications, skip any pages that ask for a key, it will reactivate when you go online
7. restore data

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...