Upgrading 32 Bit Software On A Mac

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Windows 10 can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processor architectures. If you have a computer running the 32-bit version, you can upgrade to the 64-bit version without purchasing a new license, but as long as you have a compatible processor and enough memory. Also, there's not an in-place upgrade path to switch, which makes a clean installation of Windows 10 your only option.

Although either architecture offers the same features, when you upgrade to the 64-bit version, the device will be able to take advantage of large amounts of memory (up to 2TB), instead of only 4GB, which is one of limitations with 32-bit.

The ability to access more memory enables you to run more apps at the same time without making the device unresponsive, and you can run 64-bit as well as 32-bit programs. Also, and perhaps more important, it'll help you to improve your productivity on memory demanding tasks. For example, when rendering videos, working with virtual machines and opening a lot of tabs on your web browser.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to properly upgrade your computer from 32-bit to the 64-bit version of the OS using an existing genuine license.

How to determine 64-bit version hardware support on Windows 10

Windows 10 64-bit is only available for compatible hardware. If you're already running the 32-bit version, before proceeding, you need to determine that your device features a 64-bit processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and whether the rest of the components have support for 64-bit drivers.

However, we recommend upgrading to macOS Catalina and removing old 32-bit apps and their components from your Mac. This upgrade to your Mac’s software is essential for your computer’s optimal performance. App Cleaner & Uninstaller makes the process easy, as it correctly and completely deletes programs and service files from your Mac.

Checking 64-bit compatibility using Settings

To determine if the processor supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10 with the Settings app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on About.

  4. Under the 'Device specifications' section, check the System type details.

Once you complete the steps, if 'System type' reads 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor, then your computer is running the Windows 10 32-bit version on a 64-bit processor. However, if it reads 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor, then your device doesn't support the 64-bit version of Windows 10.

While in the 'About' page, make sure to check that the device has at least 2GB of memory, which is the minimum requirement to use 64-bit. Eos utility app macos sierra.

In the case that your device isn't capable of running a 64-bit version, you should consider upgrading to a newer device that meets the minimum system requirements.

Checking processor compatibility using Coreinfo

Although newer computers can run any version of Windows 10, if you're using older hardware, you want to ensure the four essential features are present on the processor, including:

  • Physical Address Extension (PAE).
  • No-eXecute (NX).
  • Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2).
  • CMPXCHG16b (CX16).
Mac

To check if the processor includes these features, you can use the Microsoft Coreinfo command-line tool with these steps:

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  1. Open the Microsoft Sysinternals website.

  2. Click the Download Coreinfo link.

  3. Right-click the Coreinfo.zip folder and select the Extract all option.

  4. Click the Extract button.

  5. Type the following command in the address bar, and press Enter to open Command Prompt in the folder location.

    cmd

  6. Type the following command and press Enter:

    coreinfo

  7. Search (Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut) for these features:

    • PAE.
    • NX.
    • SSE2.
    • CX16.

After you complete the steps, you'll know whether the processor can handle the upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10.

The installation wizard should be able to detect any compatibility issues with the processor automatically before proceeding with the installation, but the 'Coreinfo' tool allows you to check these features ahead of time.

Checking drivers compatibility

Alongside checking the processor capabilities, it's also a good idea to determine if other components, such as graphics and sound cards are compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 10.

If your computer is running a 32-bit version, but the hardware is only a few years old, there's a good chance that you'll find a 64-bit version of the drivers, but it's not always the case. You can avoid possible problems during and after the upgrade by checking your device manufacturer support website for 64-bit versions of the drivers.

How to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows 10

You're entitled to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10 using the same license, but you can't perform an in-place upgrade. Instead, you must delete the previous setup and perform a clean installation to switch architectures.

Creating installation media

To perform a clean installation of Windows 10, you have to use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB bootable media. Connect a USB flash drive of at least 4GB of space to your computer, and then use these steps:

  1. Open this Microsoft download page.

  2. Under the 'Create Windows 10 installation media' section, click the Download tool now button.

  3. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the utility.
  4. Click the Accept button to agree the terms.

  5. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.

  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Clear the Use the recommended options for this PC option.
  8. Select the correct language and edition of Windows 10 for the new installation.

  9. Select the 64-bit (x64) option for 'Architecture.'

  10. Click the Next button.

  11. Select the USB flash drive option.

  12. Click the Next button.

  13. Select the USB flash drive to create the bootable media.

    Quick tip: If you don't see the flash drive in the list, make sure the device is connected and click the Refresh drive list option, and then select the drive.

  14. Click the Next button.
  15. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the wizard will download the required files, and it'll create the bootable media compatible with Windows 10 64-bit.

If you don't have a USB flash drive, you can find many reliable and inexpensive drives, such as the SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 32GB USB flash drive on Amazon.

Bit

Storage essential

SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60

If you're looking for a flash drive to create a Windows 10 bootable media, the Cruzer Glide CZ60 by SanDisk is a solid option. The tiny drive offers 32GB of storage and reliable data transfers speeds to perform a clean installation of Windows as well as to securely store files on the go. The CZ60 is also affordable, costing around $7 for 32GB capacity.

Installing Windows 10 64-bit

After creating the installation media, before proceeding, you have to make sure that your device can boot from a USB flash drive. This means that you'll need to access the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware on your motherboard to change the boot order as necessary.

Usually, this process requires hitting one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key as soon as you start the computer. The only caveat is that the steps are different per manufacturer, and even per device model. As a result, you'll have to check your device manufacturer's support website for more specific instructions.

While in the firmware interface, find the 'Boot' menu, and configure the boot order to start from the USB flash drive, and save the changes.

To begin a clean installation of Windows 10, restart your computer with the bootable media connected, and then use these steps:

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that you'll be making changes to your current installation, which can cause problems and even data loss if you don't do this correctly. It's recommended to make a temporary full backup of your PC before proceeding. Also, it's a good idea to create a copy of your files to an external drive or OneDrive, as you'll need to restore them after the upgrade.

  1. Start computer with USB flash drive.

  2. On 'Windows Setup,' click the Next button.

  3. Click the Install Now button.

  4. Click the I don't have a product key link to continue (assuming that your device was already properly activated).

  5. Select the edition of Windows 10 (if applicable). This selection must match the edition your license activates.

  6. Click the Next button.

  7. Check the I accept the license terms option to continue.

  8. Click the Next button.

  9. Click the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option.

  10. Select the partition with the current installation of Windows 10 (usually 'Drive 0'), and click the Delete button to remove the partition from the hard drive.

    Quick tip: If you have multiple partitions, on the primary hard drive (Drive 0), select and delete each one. Windows 10 will recreate the required partitions during the installation process automatically. However, you don't have to remove the partitions on secondary drives, because it's not a requirement.

  11. Select the empty drive labeled 'Drive 0 Unallocated Space.'
  12. Click the Next button.

After you complete the steps, the setup will proceed with the installation of Windows 10 64-bit.

Once the installation completes, you'll have to continue with the guided on-screen directions to complete the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to create an account using a local or Microsoft account, set your preferences, and choose your preferred privacy settings.

It's not a requirement, but after the installation, it's always a good idea to open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click the Check for updates button to download and install the latest updates as well as missing drivers.

If, after checking updates, some drivers show up as missing in Device Manager (Right-click Start button and selecting Device Manager), then use the manufacturer's support website to download the missing drivers.

Finally, remember to restore your files from backup and reinstall your applications, including those designed for the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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Mac 64 Bit

64-bit processor

Before a computer can be upgraded to a 64-bit OS, you must make sure the processor is a 64-bit processor and not a 32-bit processor. Intel and AMD both make processors that are 64-bit. These processors are either dual-core or quad-core, allowing for pretty powerful computing capabilities. The picture shows an example of an AMD and Intel case badge that are both 64-bit processors. If you are not sure if your processor is 64-bit, we recommend you look up its technical specifications.

Tip

To see which processor your computer has in it, you can access the System Information page by going to the Start menu and type System Information in the Search field. Open the System Information program that appears in the search results. The processor information is displayed in the System Summary section.

If your processor is a 32-bit (x86) CPU, you'll need to upgrade to a 64-bit CPU, which would also require a new 64-bit compatible motherboard. For most users, it would make more sense to get a new computer instead of upgrading all of these components and purchasing a new operating system.

64-bit operating system

32 Or 64 Bit Mac

Upgrading your operating system to a 64-bit operating system requires you to purchase a 64-bit version of the operating system at a retail store or an online store. You can't download the installation package for a 64-bit operating system over the Internet. For the Windows operating system, there are 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

Upgrading 32 Bit Software On A Mac Free

Note

Windows 10 is available for download only as an upgrade, not as a full installation package or upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit. The downloadable upgrade may only be available in the first year after the Windows 10 release date. After the first year, you may be required to purchase an upgrade copy at a retail or online store.

Microsoft Windows 7 professional and above have a 32-bit and 64-bit disc in the box. If you've installed a 32-bit version of Windows, but realize you have a 64-bit processor, you can install the 64-bit version of Windows on the computer. However, you cannot use the Windows 7 64-bit disc to upgrade a 32-bit version of Windows 7. You need to erase everything and do a new install of the 64-bit version of Windows using the 64-bit disc.

Additional information

  • See our 64-bit definition for further information and related pages.