How to Install 64 Bit Version of My OS

Sixty-four-bit processors can address more than 4 GB of RAM, increasing performance when running multiple programs.

Installing the 64-bit version of your operating system (OS) is beneficial if your computer uses 64-bit architecture and you want to take advantage of the ability of a 64-bit OS to address amounts of memory larger than 4 GB. As you cannot directly upgrade from a 32-bit Windows OS to a 64-bit one, you must choose a custom installation of Windows and format your hard drive. After installing the 64-bit version of your OS, you must reinstall your programs and restore documents that were stored on your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP, Vista or 7 64-bit installation disc
• 64-bit capable processor
• Valid product key

Instructions

1. Insert your Windows installation disc. After inserting the disk, restart your computer. The computer will boot from the disc inserted in the optical drive. When prompted, press any key to start the Windows installer.

   You may need to change your BIOS settings if you are not prompted to start the Windows installer; this is because your computer is not configured to start from an optical drive. To change your BIOS, restart the computer and, on the boot menu, press the key that corresponds with the "BIOS Setup" option shown on screen. Select the "Boot order" menu and pick the CD or DVD drive as the primary startup device (Microsoft: Start Windows from a CD or DVD). Restart the computer with the installation disc inserted in the drive.

2. Click "Install now" on the "Install Windows" page to continue the installer.

3. Download updates for installation. On the "Get important updates for installation" page, get the latest updates for your 64-bit Windows installer. You must have an Internet connection to download the updates.

4. On the "Type your product key for activation" page, type the 25-character product key included with your Windows XP, Vista or 7 installation disc.

5. Accept the license terms. You must accept the license terms of the 64-bit version of Windows to continue with installation.

6. Start a custom installation by clicking "Custom" on the "Which type of installation do you want?" page.

7. Select the hard drive or partition that you want to format to install a 64-bit version of Windows. Select "Drive options (advanced)" and choose "Format" to erase the contents of the drive.

8. Click "Next" to begin the installation. As the 64-bit version of your operating system installs, the computer may restart several times. Once installed, the process will prompt you to create an administrator account for the OS.

References

• Microsoft: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows---Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft: Installing and Reinstalling Windows Vista
• Microsoft: Start Windows from a CD or DVD