Windows 7 32 bit to Windows 8 64 bit

I have gotten conflicting information on this subject. There are a lot of techies out there saying that you cant go from Windows 7 32 bit to Windows 8 64 bit. If I don't download Windows 8, but order the DVD set. Can I install Windows 8 64 bit directly? Seems like many techies think that you have to install Windows 7 64 bit first... this seems like wasted time and money for someone that would have to buy the 64 bit version of Windows 7... please help!

windows7 upgrade windows8

asked Nov 02 '12 at 09:41

edMRG19058600
1●1●1●1

Yea I have a AMD Phenom II Six Core processor and 16 gigs of PC2000 inside. I don't know why I didn't upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit in the first place. Sounds like I will have to buy Windows 7 64 bit on top of Windows 8 pro.

(Nov 02 '12 at 11:18) edMRG19058600

Waaaaaiiit, why did you have 32 bit Windows in the first place if you EXCEED 32 bit standards?

(Nov 02 '12 at 12:32) DJ Scooby Doo

I got Windows 7 32 bit for free on my initial system build and that's the only reason I used it. But does anyone else think that this is kind of a price scam from Microsoft? I mean you are offering Windows 8 Pro on Disk for 69.99 or download for 39.99, but if you are someone that wants to go from Windows 7 32 bit to Windows 8 64 bit, you now have to spend the additional money to buy Windows 7 64 bit just to upgrade to Windows 8 64 bit.

(Nov 02 '12 at 14:14) edMRG19058600

4 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

0	If you want to Upgrade from Windows 7 32-bit to Windows 8 64-bit you will have to go via either Windows 7 64-bit, or Windows 8 32-bit, the latter one presumably being included in the same Box as Windows 8 64-bit. answered Nov 02 '12 at 10:18 martinsundhaug 1

No you can't go from 32 to 64 unless you make some major changes. 1) If you don't have AT LEAST 4GB or RAM, I don't recommend you run 64 bit Windows at all. 2) Your processor must be able to handle the 64 bit OS. Some processors can't. Keep those in mind.

answered Nov 02 '12 at 10:55

DJ Scooby Doo
9.5k●232●279●379

For some reason, Microsoft doesn't allow you to upgrade Windows 7 (32 bit) to Windows 8 (64 bit).

The Windows 8 Upgrade Advisor will only allow you to go from 32 bit to 32 bit, or 64 bit to 64 bit.

From Microsoft's own site...

'Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8?'

Yes, but you can't do this using Upgrade Assistant. If your PC has a 64-bit capable processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit version of Windows 8, but you'll need to buy Windows 8 as a DVD.

You also won't be able to keep any files, settings, or apps when you upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.

I have no idea why they made this a requirement... It looks like they want to to spend the extra $30 to upgrade to a 64bit version. (Which I highly recommend you do since you have 16 gigs of RAM in your machine.)

You can legally download a free copy of Windows 7 from here...

http://www.mydigitallife.info/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-links/

These versions will work for 30 days until you activate them. In theory, your 32 bit key will work on a 64 bit version of Windows 7 as well, giving you a legal copy of Windows 7 64bit. You can then upgrade to Windows 8 64 bit.

NOTE: Windows 8 is not a great Desktop OS. It BEGS to be used on a touchscreen. Really think twice before making the upgrade. I don't recommend anyone upgrade to Windows 8 if they don't have a good reason.

WARNING: When you install a 64 bit OS over a 32 bit OS, YOU HAVE TO PREFORM A CLEAN INSTALL! MAke sure all of your data is backed up and safe before proceeding.

answered Nov 02 '12 at 13:31

Griff
1.4k●1●5●25

Thanks Griff! Your suggestion on downloading will save me some serious money. I have already spent some on upgrading my system to utilize the touchscreen capabilities of Windows 8. You are totally right, anyone that wants to use Windows 8 should only do so with touchscreen capability. I have already tried this on a laptop and Windows 8 is kind of annoying without touchscreen. Although using the Stardock download to add the start menu back to the desktop helps a little bit.

(Nov 02 '12 at 14:19) edMRG19058600

Not necessarily though. I'm using 8 with a laptop (no touchscreen capabilities) and I'm fine with it. You'd get used to it though, it's not bad. >inb4 You've used Windows 8 since Consumer and you're just a fanboy.

(Nov 02 '12 at 14:23) DJ Scooby Doo

I have no issues with it at all, Windows 8 is just fine without a touch screen. It's not quite as friendly without one but it's more than usable. Then, with all of the speed and other various performance improvements it's a no brainer to upgrade.

(Nov 03 '12 at 21:41) Zbob750

0	you cannot do a upgrade from a 32 bit os to a 64 bit os, you will need to do a fresh install, which you can do with an upgrade, you just have to put in windows 7 at some point to prove you have it. answered Nov 03 '12 at 19:53 trueb 15.0k●49●99●256

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