An IT technician is assigned to upgrade a desktop computer currently running a 32-bit version of Windows 10 Home. The system uses a legacy Master Boot Record (MBR) partition table on its primary boot drive. The organization requires the workstation to be upgraded to a 64-bit version of Windows 11 Pro while preserving user personal files and application data. Which of the following procedures represents the required method to achieve this configuration?
- APerform an in-place upgrade to Windows 10 Pro first, execute the MBR2GPT tool to convert the disk, enable UEFI boot in firmware, and run an in-place upgrade using 64-bit Windows 11 Pro installation media.
- Back up all user data, convert the partition style to GPT, enable UEFI mode in the system firmware, perform a clean installation of 64-bit Windows 11 Pro, and restore the user data.Answer
- CBoot from 64-bit Windows 11 Pro installation media, select the Upgrade option during setup to retain files, and allow Windows Setup to automatically convert the MBR disk to GPT.
- DRun sysprep /generalize on the 32-bit Windows 10 installation, boot into Windows Recovery Environment to apply a 64-bit DISM image, and change the product key to Windows 11 Pro.
Answer
Back up user data, convert the disk partition scheme to GPT, enable UEFI boot in system firmware, perform a clean installation of 64-bit Windows 11 Pro, and restore the files.
Upgrading an operating system from a 32-bit architecture to a 64-bit architecture strictly requires a clean installation; an in-place upgrade path does not exist between different architectures. Additionally, Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware mode and a GPT partition scheme. Therefore, the technician must back up all existing user data, configure the hardware for UEFI and GPT, perform a clean installation of 64-bit Windows 11 Pro, and subsequently restore the user data.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
OS Architecture Upgrade Constraints and Windows 11 Requirements