My computer is 32 bit when it's supposed to be 64 bit

spapakons · 05 Nov 2015

Install Windows 10 64-bit ISO from here. Use a utility to create a bootable USB Flash drive with that ISO, or burn to DVD if you can boot from a DVD. Backup all your data and then boot with that. Delete any partitions present and proceed to install Windows 10. No need to create any partitions, Windows Setup will automatically create the necessary partitions. When asked for a key click Skip. Then select Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, according to your present version (selecting the wrong version won't activate). After installation is complete install any drivers necessary and connect to the internet to activate.

Caution: Avoid using Diskpart as mentioned by the other poster. It is far too easy to make a mistake and lose data! Just backup your data, boot with the USB or DVD and follow the above steps.

NavyLCDR · 05 Nov 2015

I can't see any reason or benefit to using Diskpart when the Media Creation Tool will do it with one click, or using Rufus will give you a few more options. Just my personal appearance, I know some guys like total control with command line commands....more power to you!

spapakons · 06 Nov 2015

Total control can cause problems in the hands of inexperienced...

bobkn · 06 Nov 2015

NavyLCDR said:

I can't see any reason or benefit to using Diskpart when the Media Creation Tool will do it with one click, or using Rufus will give you a few more options. Just my personal appearance, I know some guys like total control with command line commands....more power to you!

I should have mentioned Rufus. (I've never used it, though.)

I generally want to have the ISO around, so I wouldn't use the MCT to both create an ISO and to make a bootable key drive. Rather than using the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB drive and then create an ISO from that, I do it the other way around.

I use Diskpart to prepare a bootable USB drive mainly because I have been using it with success for years, probably since the days of the Win 7 betas (2009). If I did it more often, I might prefer to keep a special purpose tool around for the task.