Share via

Migrate from Windows 7 32-bit to Windows 10 64-bit ... what is best path?

Anonymous
2020-12-24T16:25:49+00:00

I have a Windows 10 capable laptop with 8GB RAM installed, and I wish to go from Windows 7 32-bit to Windows 10 64-bit. I recognize that there is no "upgrade" from a 32-bit OS to 64-bit, rather a clean system install would be required. However, since I have a mix of older but still useful applications that may or may not run / install / activate easily under Windows 10 64-bit, I want to incrementally make the transition so that I don't lose any critical applications that will be difficult to replace / troubleshoot.

Note: I have separate stand-alone license keys for both Win 7 and Win 10, so I don't need to worry about using a specific method to get a free Win 10 update. Also, I will be making back-up drive images before attempting the installations, so I can revert if something goes wrong, however, I'm trying to minimize the time and effort to reach the goal.

Should I go; Win 7 32-bit --> Win 10 32-bit --> Win 10 64-bit ?

  • or -

Should I go; Win 7 32-bit --> Win 7 64-bit --> Win 10 64-bit ?

Again, I understand that going 32-bit to 64-bit requires a clean OS install, however, are there any pros or cons in doing so under Win 7 vs. Win 10?

Thanks for your thoughts regarding this question.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

10 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-12-24T16:41:57+00:00

    You cannot upgrade from 32Bit to 64Bit even with Windows 10 32Bit.

    Only option is clean install.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. DaveM121 867.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-12-24T17:03:19+00:00

    Hi kooolerking

    I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this . . .

    Yes, going from the 32it version of Windows to the 64bit requires a full clean install, usually there is no advantage to doing that with Windows 7 or 10, but your case is different

    Since you are going to have to perform a full clean install anyway and the fact that you have applications specific to Windows 7, then you should clean install the 64bit version of Windows 7 and then upgrade to Windows 10 64bit

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2020-12-24T16:52:36+00:00

    You cannot upgrade from 32Bit to 64Bit even with Windows 10 32Bit.

    Only option is clean install.

    Yes, I know that and so stated in my question. Again, for a clean install to go from 32-bit to 64-bit, which OS has better tools / support for such a migration? Thanks.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2020-12-24T16:46:55+00:00

    Clean install typically will be booting using the Windows 10 64Bit PE anyways.

    You can do DISM /Apply-Image using Windows 7 32Bit PE manually but that's alot more work and nothing beneficial from it.

    I would recommend changing your boot from Legacy to UEFI for Windows 10. Also enable Secure Boot if your BIOS has it. Your BIOS may also have Enable OS Optimized (I think this was for Vista or newer Windows)

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2020-12-24T17:06:30+00:00

    You cannot upgrade from 32Bit to 64Bit even with Windows 10 32Bit.

    Only option is clean install.

    Yes, I know that and so stated in my question. Again, for a clean install to go from 32-bit to 64-bit, which OS has better tools / support for such a migration? Thanks.

    Clean install means your existing apps will not be on Windows 10 64Bit once you install it. Apps will need to be reinstalled.

    If you want to preserve your apps then Windows 10 32Bit upgrade is your best option.

    0 comments