How to upgrade Windows 10 guest OS from 32-bit to 64-bit

[m_c_crockett-1]

When I installed Windows 10 under VMware Fusion, I installed the 32-bit version due to concerns about an application that I was using.  The application is now fully with the 64-bit version of Windows 10.  I would like to change to the 64-bit version of Windows 10.  Is there a guide for doing this?

[wila · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Microsoft offers no upgrade path for Windows 10 from 32 bits to 64 bits.

The only way to do this is by doing a complete re-install.

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Wil

[TasmanRay]

Can I create installation media and then install 64-bit Windows in a new VM and then import the 32-bit VM data and apps to the 64-bit VM?

Regards,

Ray

[wila]

Hi,

Not really.

You can save the data to an external disk, but not the programs.

So while you can import the data, you have to reinstall the programs and it depends on the programs on how difficult it is to import the data.

Personally I trust the manual method best, but there are some tools that might help.

See:

How can I move my files and programs to a new PC? | Technology | The Guardian

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Wil