How to Fix: 'Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit' Error

Infopackets Reader Tom M. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am running Windows 10 that came with my computer. I decided I want to do a clean install of Windows 10 while I'm still logged into my Windows 10 desktop - this is possible if you run setup.exe form the disc, then select "Custom" during the installation procedure. I used the Media Creation Tool (from Microsoft) to download Windows 10 x64 10586, and I burned that to disc. However, when I try to run setup.exe from the disc, it gives me an error that says: 'Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit. When you insert it, Windows setup will restart automatically.' I've downloaded the ISO 3 times and I still get the error. I am running Windows 10 Professional x64. "

My response:

I was perplexed by this problem as I have not encountered it before. I asked Tom if he would like me to connect to his system via my remote desktop support service, and he agreed. Tom then demonstrated the problem he was having - and sure enough, the installation aborted each time.

How to Fix: 'Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit' Error

After a bit of research I discovered how to fix the 'Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit' error; for the record, this solution works with Windows 7, 8, or 10. In Tom's particular case, he had downloaded both versions of Windows 10 (32 bit and 64 bit) onto the single ISO, so the instructions on resolving this pesky error message are as follows:

1. If you already downloaded and burned the Windows 7, 8, or 10 .ISO file onto DVD or USB, insert the disc into the drive. If you downloaded the ISO file but did not burn it, you can use WinCDEmu to mount the .ISO file as a virtual DVD drive. To do so: once WinCDEmu has been installed, right click the Windows .ISO file, then you should see a "Mount" option in the dialogue menu; click it, then select the drive letter you want to use for the drive (example: D drive).
    
2. Next, click Start, then click "My Computer" or "This PC". A Windows Explorer window will appear; look for the DVD / USB drive that has the Windows installation on it (example: D Drive), then right click over top of the drive letter and select "Open" from the dialogue menu. Now, depending on the type of disc / disc image (ISO) you have, things will look one of two ways:
   
   a) If you see a "sources" folder, double click it and then look for the setup.exe file. Double click it and the Windows installation should begin.
   
   b) If you don't see a "sources" folder, but instead see "x32" or "x64" (or "amd64"), double click either folder that corresponds to your operating system architecture. For example, if you are currently running Windows 10 x64, then you would double click the "x64" folder. Now you should see the "sources" folder; double click it and then navigate to the "setup.exe" file; double click the setup.exe file and your installation should begin.

I hope that helps.

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About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.