How to copy programs and files from 32bit to 64bit Windows
Need to transfer your stuff from a 32-bit Windows to a 64-bit system? Turns out, it is not just possible - it can even be done automatically, and your programs can remain fully operational, along with your settings, accounts and files. This works for Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7. Let's find out how.
The tool we will be using to get this done is Zinstall Migration Kit Pro. It can do two types of transfer (we'll cover both options below):
- Transfer from a 32bit computer to a 64bit computer
- Transfer from a 32bit Windows to a 64bit Windows on same computer
In both cases, you will be able to preserve your programs, settings, documents, emails, profiles, accounts, pictures, music, favorites, and all files. This is using the fact that 32bit programs can be seamlessly copied to a 64bit system, and still retain full personalization and functionality.
How to transfer from a 32bit PC to a 64bit PC
- Run Zinstall Migration Kit Pro
on your 32bit PC (the one you are transferring from).
- Run Zinstall Migration Kit Pro on the new 64bit PC
- You don't need to do any configurations for the computers to connect - it's automatic (as long as both are connected to same Internet connection, or directly with a network cable)
- You can also use a USB external hard drive to transfer, using instructions here
- If you'd like to select which applications and files you want to transfer, press the Advanced menu. If you just want to transfer everything, you don't need to go to the Advanced menu.
- Press "Go" on the 64bit Windows computer to start the transfer
That's it! You now have your programs, settings and files on your new 64-bit computer!
How to transfer from a 32bit Windows to a 64bit Windows on same PC
You do not need these instructions if you are transferring from one computer to another.
- Run Zinstall Migration Kit Proon your 32bit Windows.
- Use the "Machine to Container" option. It will guide you through creating a container, which is a full backup of your current 32-bit Windows.
- Note: You should save the backup container on a USB external drive, or on some other location outside the computer itself. If you reinstall Windows on same computer, it will erase everything on it.
- Once the container is created and verified by Migration Kit Pro, you can install the 64-bit Windows on the computer. This will, of course, result in a blank Windows system.
- On the 64-bit Windows, run Zinstall Migration Kit Pro, and use the "Container to Machine" option, to restore everything from your full container backup to the 64-bit Windows.
- If you'd like to select which applications and files you want to transfer, press the Advanced menu. If you just want to transfer everything, you don't need to go to the Advanced menu.
- Press "Go" on the 64-bit Windows computer to start the transfer
That's it! You now have your programs, settings and files on your new 64-bit Windows!