How to upgrade from 32-bit o.s. to a 64-bit o.s.

Did you download your Win7 upgrade or did you buy a boxed copy? If you have a boxed version, check in the box. My Win7 upgrade came with both the 32-bit and the 64-bit DVDs in the box. Try using the other optical disk in the upgrade package. If only one disc is in the package, contact the source where you got the upgrade. Only the package for installing a new OS (OEM or full version) comes with just the one disc included. For those, you need to specify the type of system on ordering.

If you downloaded the upgrade, you will need to get a different upgrade file and burn it to disc or make a USB installer for that version of Windows 7.

To confirm your current version of Windows, click Start and choose the Control Panel. Click on System and Security and then on System. This page will display the Windows version and append x64 if you have the 64-bit version.

Alternatively, download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor , and it will confirm if your system is compatible with Windows 7 and which version you need.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(even the Windows 8 upgrade came with both the 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the box.)

best to take backup and format pc and install fresh windows 7

You will need to upgrade Windows to 64-bit. If you have Windows 7, usually there is a second disc for the 64-bit version. You can upgrade it without losing files. 64-bit programs can't run in a 32-bit Windows enviorment.

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.
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Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?
No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

You can use the Upgrade option during Windows 7 installation, which preserves your files, settings, and programs, only if you're currently running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista and you want to upgrade to the 32-bit version of Windows 7. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only perform an upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. For more information, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.
If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and choose the Custom option during Windows 7 installation. Then, you'll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs. For more information about performing a custom installation, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7‍.
Notes

• To install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files.
  
• If you start your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files, but your computer isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to use a 32-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files instead.
  
• Windows Easy Transfer can't transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista but you plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, you can move your files to an external location manually or use Backup and Restore in Windows Vista. For more information, go to Back up your files and
  

microsoft provides upgrade discs from it's site (you should payteh freight).
If u are using Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, there is no way to upgrading.

else, the other versions allows u to upgrade.
remember: the only difference between 32 and 64 bit is the RAM memory usage (32 bit will not use more than 3,2GB RAM), and there are a lot of programs that won't run properly in 64 bit version .

Before you jump in and upgrade make sure your computer system is 64 bit ready otherwise it wont work at all....upgrading memory is never a bad thing will actually speed up things from running and will have a better response time....windows 7 does not require 64 bit but it desired if possible....