upgrading from 32bit to 64bit

[Cattleman]

I want to upgrade from Mint 17.1 32bit to 64bit. I am running dual boot. If I back up home will this save all my data when I go to 64 bit? I believe I will have to do a new install. Then copy my data back to my home directory. Am I missing anything?

[TooMuchTime]

Yes, that is the correct process.

My recommendation is to partition your drive with a separate /home partition. This way, you can upgrade the operating system on the root (/) and /boot partitions by formatting them at build time but as long as you don't format the /home partition, all of your data will be safe. That's what I have done. I still recommend backups but this way the backup is only needed if something goes wrong.

Remember, if your dual boot is with Windows 10, be aware of the necessity of UEFI.

[Cattleman]

I did exactly as you said. it works great.
Thanks

[TooMuchTime]

Glad I could help!