Installing an SSD.. (Desktop)

MrFrisp

Hi guys.. Hope I have the right Forum here,as this is my first post in this section.

I have a Dell Inspirion 546, that's a few years old now. (4GB)

Just to update it a bit, to modern times, I'm thinking of installing an SSD.

However, I'm not 100% sure about installing Windows 10 on it.

I currently have windows 10 on the drive that's on the PC now..But it's 32-bit..

As I'm also thinking of upgrading the memory, I think I'll need 64-bit. It has a 64-bit processor.

(1) So, I presume there is no problem have two versions of Windows? One on each drive?

(2) If I do this, will I need a new/different activation key for the 64-bit version of Windows for the SSD?

Thanks in advance for any help.. Won't be able to check replies until tomorrow sometime, as I work long hours.
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K.O.Kiki

Yes, you will need 64-bit in order for Windows to use more than 4Gb of RAM.

I'd say the most hassle-free way is to cleanly install Windows 10 64-bit onto the new SSD instead of faffing about with cloning or whatever.

You can find your current key with many methods:
https://www.techspot.com/guides/1760-find-your-windows-product-key/
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ie/help/10749/windows-10-find-product-key

BACK UP ANY ESSENTIAL FILES (pictures/photos/logins etc.) before installing.

MrFrisp

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Yes, you will need 64-bit in order for Windows to use more than 4Gb of RAM.

I'd say the most hassle-free way is to cleanly install Windows 10 64-bit onto the new SSD instead of faffing about with cloning or whatever.

You can find your current key with many methods:
https://www.techspot.com/guides/1760-find-your-windows-product-key/
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ie/help/10749/windows-10-find-product-key

BACK UP ANY ESSENTIAL FILES (pictures/photos/logins etc.) before installing.

...

Thank you K.O. Kiki..

So, I can use the same product key from the 32-bit windows I have installed now?
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K.O.Kiki

I think so, but if it doesn't work, just install it & say "Activate later".
I reinstalled Win10 a few months ago and it hasn't put a watermark or asked me for a key since.

smuggler.ie

Produkey will read MS key: Windows, Office.
Key will activate 32 or 64 bit as long you install same edition(Home, Pro). Yours most likely OEM so should activate automagically.

Installing "fresh" - you will have to reinstall all software(if any) and activate it (where required). You will be able to transfer your data from "original" drive after by connecting as external drive.
Cloning from existing - you will keep your programs and files, but also your 32bit version(RAM limit)

wotzgoingon

You don't need keys anymore. You just log in with your windows account. Though I do not know if a 32bit will work with 64 as I have had 64bit since W7.

MrFrisp

Thank you all for the replies..

Seems a bit easier than I thought it was now.

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