Windows 10 can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processor architectures. If you have a computer running the 32-bit version, you can upgrade to the 64-bit version without purchasing a new license, but as long as you have a compatible processor and enough memory. Also, there's not an in-place upgrade path to switch, which makes a clean installation of Windows 10 your only option.
Although either architecture offers the same features, when you upgrade to the 64-bit version, the device will be able to take advantage of large amounts of memory (up to 2TB), instead of only 4GB, which is one of limitations with 32-bit.
The ability to access more memory enables you to run more apps at the same time without making the device unresponsive, and you can run 64-bit as well as 32-bit programs. Also, and perhaps more important, it'll help you to improve your productivity on memory demanding tasks. For example, when rendering videos, working with virtual machines and opening a lot of tabs on your web browser.

How to determine 64-bit version hardware support on Windows 10

Windows 10 64-bit is only available for compatible hardware. If you're already running the 32-bit version, before proceeding, you need to determine that your device features a 64-bit processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and whether the rest of the components have support for 64-bit drivers.

Checking 64-bit compatibility using Settings

To determine if the processor supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10 with the Settings app, use these steps:
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on About.
  4. Under the "Device specifications" section, check the System type details.
Once you complete the steps, if "System type" reads 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor, then your computer is running the Windows 10 32-bit version on a 64-bit processor. However, if it reads 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor, then your device doesn't support the 64-bit version of Windows 10.
While in the "About" page, make sure to check that the device has at least 2GB of memory, which is the minimum requirement to use 64-bit.
In the case that your device isn't capable of running a 64-bit version, you should consider upgrading to a newer device that meets the minimum system requirements.

Checking processor compatibility using Coreinfo

Although newer computers can run any version of Windows 10, if you're using older hardware, you want to ensure the four essential features are present on the processor, including:
  • Physical Address Extension (PAE).
  • No-eXecute (NX).
  • Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2).
  • CMPXCHG16b (CX16).
To check if the processor includes these features, you can use the Microsoft Coreinfo command-line tool with these steps:
  1. Open the Microsoft Sysinternals website.
  2. Click the Download Coreinfo link.
  3. Right-click the Coreinfo.zip folder and select the Extract all option.
  4. Click the Extract button.
  5. Type the following command in the address bar, and press Enter to open Command Prompt in the folder location.
    cmd
  6. Type the following command and press Enter:
    coreinfo
  7. Search (Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut) for these features:
    • PAE.
    • NX.
    • SSE2.
    • CX16.
After you complete the steps, you'll know whether the processor can handle the upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10.
The installation wizard should be able to detect any compatibility issues with the processor automatically before proceeding with the installation, but the "Coreinfo" tool allows you to check these features ahead of time.

Checking drivers compatibility

Alongside checking the processor capabilities, it's also a good idea to determine if other components, such as graphics and sound cards are compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 10.
If your computer is running a 32-bit version, but the hardware is only a few years old, there's a good chance that you'll find a 64-bit version of the drivers, but it's not always the case. You can avoid possible problems during and after the upgrade by checking your device manufacturer support website for 64-bit versions of the drivers.

How to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit version of Windows 10

You're entitled to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10 using the same license, but you can't perform an in-place upgrade. Instead, you must delete the previous setup and perform a clean installation to switch architectures.

Creating installation media

To perform a clean installation of Windows 10, you have to use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB bootable media. Connect a USB flash drive of at least 4GB of space to your computer, and then use these steps:
  1. Open this Microsoft download page.
  2. Under the "Create Windows 10 installation media" section, click the Download tool now button.
  3. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the utility.
  4. Click the Accept button to agree the terms.
  5. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Clear the Use the recommended options for this PC option.
  8. Select the correct language and edition of Windows 10 for the new installation.
  9. Select the 64-bit (x64) option for "Architecture."
  10. Click the Next button.
  11. Select the USB flash drive option.
  12. Click the Next button.
  13. Select the USB flash drive to create the bootable media.
    Quick tip: If you don't see the flash drive in the list, make sure the device is connected and click the Refresh drive list option, and then select the drive.
  14. Click the Next button.
  15. Click the Finish button.
Once you complete the steps, the wizard will download the required files, and it'll create the bootable media compatible with Windows 10 64-bit

Installing Windows 10 64-bit

After creating the installation media, before proceeding, you have to make sure that your device can boot from a USB flash drive. This means that you'll need to access the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware on your motherboard to change the boot order as necessary.
Usually, this process requires hitting one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key as soon as you start the computer. The only caveat is that the steps are different per manufacturer, and even per device model. As a result, you'll have to check your device manufacturer's support website for more specific instructions.
While in the firmware interface, find the "Boot" menu, and configure the boot order to start from the USB flash drive, and save the changes.
To begin a clean installation of Windows 10, restart your computer with the bootable media connected, and then use these steps:
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that you'll be making changes to your current installation, which can cause problems and even data loss if you don't do this correctly. It's recommended to make a temporary full backup of your PC before proceeding. Also, it's a good idea to create a copy of your files to an external drive or OneDrive, as you'll need to restore them after the upgrade.
  1. Start computer with USB flash drive.
  2. On "Windows Setup," click the Next button.
  3. Click the Install Now button.
  4. Click the I don't have a product key link to continue (assuming that your device was already properly activated).
  5. Select the edition of Windows 10 (if applicable). This selection must match the edition your license activates.
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Check the I accept the license terms option to continue.
  8. Click the Next button.
  9. Click the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option.
  10. Select the partition with the current installation of Windows 10 (usually "Drive 0"), and click the Delete button to remove the partition from the hard drive.
    Quick tip: If you have multiple partitions, on the primary hard drive (Drive 0), select and delete each one. Windows 10 will recreate the required partitions during the installation process automatically. However, you don't have to remove the partitions on secondary drives, because it's not a requirement.
  11. Select the empty drive labeled "Drive 0 Unallocated Space."
  12. Click the Next button.
After you complete the steps, the setup will proceed with the installation of Windows 10 64-bit.
Once the installation completes, you'll have to continue with the guided on-screen directions to complete the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to create an account using a local or Microsoft account, set your preferences, and choose your preferred privacy settings.
It's not a requirement, but after the installation, it's always a good idea to open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click the Check for updates button to download and install the latest updates as well as missing drivers.
If, after checking updates, some drivers show up as missing in Device Manager (Right-click Start button and selecting Device Manager), then use the manufacturer's support website to download the missing drivers.
Finally, remember to restore your files from backup and reinstall your applications, including those designed for the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10.