Thread: Windows 10 backup- upgrading 32 bit to 64 bit architecture

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

I've been having a computer issue where I'm running out of RAM (programs hang, memory usage is up to 75% of available memory under normal usage). I've run the usual virus scans, malware etc, so I don't think that any of that is at play.

One thing I have noticed is I'm running a 32 bit OS on a PC which is capable of 64 bit architecture. For some reason the windows 8 to windows 10 upgrade mid last year has caused this. As I understand, upgrading to x64 windows would allow me to use the full RAM that is installed in this PC, and help my performance issues to some extent. I believe 32 bit architecture can only utilise 4Gb of memory, whereas 64 bit can utilise much more (I have 8Gb RAM installed on the board).

Main question
When it comes to backing up the PC 'as is' (programs, applications, files etc), what is the best way to do this?
I have multiple users on this PC, and I have administrator rights, but want to ensure that ALL data on the PC for ALL users is preserved when I download the x64 OS, and load the backup.

Any thoughts, ideas or experiences?

Windows supports pae if it is enabled. It will allow you to use nearly all of the available ram. However the maximum ram usable per process (app) tends to be around 3gb. In task manager is the biggest app running in the 3gb range?

Biggest app would be firefox at approx 1Gb.

Just be aware that running 32bit apps on an x64 requires the os to load the approx 1g emulator...

a quick look here--
How to Switch From 32-bit Windows 10 to 64-bit Windows 10

I've been reading those how to geek articles.
From what I understand the backup side of the situation can be done wtih a system image which is basically a copy of the hard disk drives as a backup. So doing that now and it will run its course thru the day.
I'm hoping the system restore will not load any 32 bit drivers on top of the 64 bit drivers that were installed with the X64 OS?

I'm also led to believe that there is no real disadvantage of going to 64 bit over 32 if your PC is capable of doing so. So I guess I'll work on getting the OS up to speed with the hardware and see where it goes from there.

Wish me luck. This computer pixie wrangling sure is a test on the old grey matter, even for a young chap!

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

I've been reading those how to geek articles.
From what I understand the backup side of the situation can be done wtih a system image which is basically a copy of the hard disk drives as a backup. So doing that now and it will run its course thru the day.
I'm hoping the system restore will not load any 32 bit drivers on top of the 64 bit drivers that were installed with the X64 OS?

I'm also led to believe that there is no real disadvantage of going to 64 bit over 32 if your PC is capable of doing so. So I guess I'll work on getting the OS up to speed with the hardware and see where it goes from there.

Wish me luck. This computer pixie wrangling sure is a test on the old grey matter, even for a young chap!

One way to make the computer much faster is back up all the files you need and get rid of windows and install Linux mint. Windows is very memory hungry indeed, but Linux isnt. If you are a gamer or something Linux isnt ideal, but for accounts, surfing the net, emails, forums, watching movies or youtube and listening to music etc, probably what most here use the computer for Linux is hard to beat. Oh and free too..
Chris

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

I'm also led to believe that there is no real disadvantage of going to 64 bit over 32 if your PC is capable of doing so.

ie your computer has more than 4gig of ram

x64 will run in 4g but you are back to less than 3g because of the 32bit emulator so gain nothing at best.

or stick more ram in it,,