How to fix CMPXCHG16b / CompareExchange128 problem?

A diligent user will always check for updates in order to have a well-functioning operating system. Even if you download the files seconds after the updates become available, you still run the risk of errors during the update process. In this article we will tackle an issue that occurs when users are trying to upgrade to Windows 10. This error message says: “CMPXCHG16b / CompareExchange128 Problem”, and by the time you finish reading this article, you will have learnt how to resolve the cmpxchg16b / compareexchange128 problem in Windows 10.

Hopefully, you are aware that CMPXCHG16b is an instruction for the CPU and it is essential for the upgrade of your operating system to Windows 10. If your processors don’t have this instruction, you will not be able to perform an upgrade. You might want to change your processor to a better version, however, this is not advised (unless you have a lot of money to purchase a new processor, of course). Read the fix below in order to work around your old CPU and resolve the support issue with the error in the CMPXCHG16b instruction.

If you want to upgrade to a 64bit version of Windows 10, you won’t be able to do that unless your processor supports the CMPXCHG16b instruction. However, you will be able to upgrade to a 32bit version, so if that doesn’t make much difference to you, we suggest this workaround.

Here is what you should do:

Step 1

Get the 32-bit version of the Windows that you are using now and install it. This would mean that you will be installing it instead of the Windows version that you are currently using, so make sure to back up all your important and sensitive data.

Step 2

Get the available updates; as a user of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Step 3

Upgrade to the 32bit version of Windows 10. This workaround will allow you to get the updates immediately without the need to get a new processor.

Step 4

After you have downloaded the 32bit version, it will be activated on Microsoft’s servers. This activation is limited to your hardware and not to the version of Windows 10 that you are using.

Step 5

Download the 64bit version of Windows 10.

Step 6

Create installation media for this pack and burn it in to a DVD or USB.

Step 7

Now you can perform a clean install of Windows, using the installation media you have created. When asked about the serial number, skip the answer.

Step 8

After the installation is successful, you’ll have Windows 10 installed on your computer.

Hopefully, you are always updating your computer when the necessary updates become available. Remember to use a secure connection when browsing the internet and install an antivirus to avoid any infection. Another great way to get rid of malicious software that wants to sneak into your system along with the downloaded files from the internet is to install a tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware. It will not only protect from new malware but also schedule scans to check for malware that has already found its way into your system and promptly get rid of it.