Windows: Change from 32 bit to 64 bit - how it works

If necessary, you can switch from your 32- to the 64-bit version of Windows. As long as it is the same version as Windows 7, 8 or 10, your license is valid for both variants. However, the switch is cumbersome and not always easy. In this practical tip, we will explain whether the change is necessary and even possible in your case. Then we'll show you how to switch from 32 to 64 bits.

Do I need to change from 32 to 64 bits?

To switch from 32 to 64 bit, you have to reinstall Windows by completely rebuilding the system. Whether in your case it makes sense to change the Windows version from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version depends largely on which hardware and software you are using or plan to purchase:

1. In Windows operating systems, the bit depth describes the word length with which your RAM and the memory of your GPU are addressed.
2. If you don't have the technical data of your graphics card at hand, you can use our practical tips to find out how much memory your GPU has.
3. With the help of our video (see above) you can find out whether your Windows is a 32 or 64 bit version. Alternatively, you can also consult the practical tip on the topic.
4. Only when RAM and GPU RAM exceed 4 gigabytes should you consider changing from 32 to 64 bits.
5. The change from 32 to 64 bit may not be worth the trouble, because you will never use the non-addressable working memory anyway. Especially when you are just surfing and doing basic office work, you rarely use more than a gigabyte of RAM. Find out how much RAM you need in our practical tip.
6. And even if you could also exhaust the storage capacity, for example through memory-intensive 3D games, video editing or physical modeling, a change is not necessarily the best solution. Depending on the software, purchasing a fast SSD hard drive to store large amounts of data can be significantly more convenient. So you may only have to change the storage path in your software without setting up a completely new system.
7. According to our instructions, you can still use the memory that is not addressable as RAM by using it as volatile hard disk memory, for example for temporary files.

Is it possible to switch from 32 to 64 bits?

Whether it is even possible to change your Windows version from 32 to 64 bit depends on the hardware of your computer:

• Your CPU must be able to handle 64-bit addresses. The easiest way to read whether your processor is 64-bit capable is to read the manual.
• With the help of our article on the topic, you can find out whether your hardware is 64-bit compatible even without a manual.
• If your CPU is not 64-bit compatible, you cannot necessarily simply replace the CPU. Check the manual of your motherboard beforehand to see if and with which 64-bit capable processors it is compatible. It is a question of the socket.
• Remember: If your processor is 64-bit capable, a change from 32 bits is possible in principle. But: With a 64-bit operating system, you have to replace all drivers of all your hardware components without exception. If you cannot find a 64-bit driver for your card reader, it will be useless after the change.

How to switch from 32 to 64 bit

In order to switch from a 32- to a 64-bit Windows version, you have to make some preparations and do the following:

1. First, find the drivers for all of your hardware for 64-bit systems. Save them on a USB stick or another data medium.
2. Find out your current Windows key. You can often find this on the installation DVD. Special practical tips tell you how to read it from the BIOS or from your Windows installation.
3. Warning: You cannot install the 64-bit system over the old 32 version without deleting the old installation. Be sure to back up all important data from the hard disk partition on which you will install your 64-bit system.
4. We give you further tips on what you need to consider when reinstalling an operating system.
5. In our download portal you can get the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista (SP2), Windows 7 Home, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Final.
6. Install the 64-bit operating system, for example using our articles on Windows 7 and Windows 8.
7. First install all drivers after the operating system. Now a Windows backup is useful to be able to recover the functional Windows at any time.

In another practical tip, we will show you how to run on a 64-bit version of Windows software in compatibility mode.