Clean install of 64bit. Anything I'm missing in preparing?

[cheburashka]

I'm moving from 32bit to 64bit. I've downloaded the setup program and will need to reformat my hard drive from MBR to GPT and re-install. Before I do that, I want to make sure that I'm not losing anything important or completely disabling my computer.

I've used Windows' backup program to back up all my files to a separate hard drive. I have the product key from the 32bit installation of Windows 10. Am I correct in assuming that once I've installed the 64bit OS, I can just use "restore" in Windows backup to put things back the way they were?

 

[Barty1884]

I don't believe so, no.

Your backup is x86 (32bit) - if a system image. Installing x64 and trying to restore from a backup is likely to be problematic.

Simply backing up your files etc would be recommended, programs can be reinstalled.

As an FYI, I don't think you'll need the key to install (just skip with "i don't have a key" when prompted). It'll activate when back online - provided you're reinstalling the same "version" of Windows (ie Home x86 to Home x64 )

 

[rgd1101]

App need to reinstall. there is no backup and restore from 32bit to 64bit