64- and 32-bit


  1. Posts : 18
    Windows 10
       #1

    64- and 32-bit


    I have a 64-bit capable PC but to date I've only ever installed 32-bit versions of Windows. If I create a new bootable partition can I have a 64-bit W10 installation running there? (My guess is "yes" but I thought I'd check)
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  2. Posts : 68,667
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello RTWFF,

    Yes, you sure could. :)

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...ndows-8-a.html
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #3

    Yes, but unless you have more than 4GB of memory, stay with 32 bit.
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  4. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    Actually, more than 3GB of memory. Most computers with 4GB can't use all 4GB in a 32 bit OS. you will only have 3.2GB or so available due to reserved memory.

    Using a 64 bit OS with 4GB allows you to use all 4GB.
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  5. Posts : 18
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Ztruker said:
    Yes, but unless you have more than 4GB of memory, stay with 32 bit.
    I plan on increasing the memory to 8GB or more
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  6. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #6

    Hi there

    Providing you have the VT enabled in the BIOS (most machines do these days) you can try running a 64 Bit GUEST as a VM -- VMWARE CAN run 64 bit guests on 32 bit hosts. (Test the VM with 2 GB RAM - it will work - I've had W8 and W10 VM's on 2 GB RAM while testing).

    I've had a W7 Enterprise x-64 bit guest running on XP Host when I was testing W7 a few years ago. (Time flies - was it that long ago !!).

    A VM is an excellent way of testing a new OS and you also learn about Virtual Machines too. Then if you like the OS you can then decide to install it on your PHYSICAL machine.

    Cheers
    jimbo
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  7. Posts : 281
       #7

    Mystere said:
    Actually, more than 3GB of memory. Most computers with 4GB can't use all 4GB in a 32 bit OS. you will only have 3.2GB or so available due to reserved memory.

    Using a 64 bit OS with 4GB allows you to use all 4GB.
    32 bit will almost always address all the 4gb RAM when hardware is taken into account.

    You can check how much RAM is apportioned to hardware by typing Resource Monitor in Start Search box and clicking on the Memory tab.

    In any case, you'll get better performance from 32 bit with 4gb RAM and under.
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