Windows 7: Will a 32-bit key work with 64-bit media?

RD28327 · 20 Oct 2010

Picked up a free copy of Windows 7 Ultimate at a Microsoft event in Raleigh, NC back in June. Was told that it was the full version, but when I got home, I only saw a 32-bit disc.

Was told by someone that a 32-bit key will work with 64-bit media. But, does it make a difference what kind of media it is (OEM, full, promotional, upgrade, etc.)?

Am presently running the 32-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate, and so far, so good!

Just wished I had the 64-bit version.

mickey megabyte · 20 Oct 2010

hi RD28327, and welcome to sevenforums,

i think so, as my shop-bought version came with two install discs (x86 and x64) but only one key.

also, my technet keys do not specify 32 or 64 bitiness.

although yours was maybe a special key?

DocBrown · 20 Oct 2010

Yes, it will but you need the x64 install media

But only one version activated at a time!

Lemur · 20 Oct 2010

It includes both 32- and 64-bit versions.

DeaconFrost · 20 Oct 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by RD28327

Was told by someone that a 32-bit key will work with 64-bit media. But, does it make a difference what kind of media it is (OEM, full, promotional, upgrade, etc.)?

I'm always surprised when this is asked, because we're going on 4 years now since Vista's release...to when these questions were answered...and those answers remained the same.

You're key is valid for either platform, but only one at a time. Discs and discs, with only two differences....platform, and whether they are full or upgrade. If you get a legit x64 media disc, your license key will work with it just fine, will activate, and you'll be just as legit as you are now.

RD28327 · 20 Oct 2010

All I have is just the 32-bit DVD, which is a promotional DVD. If the 64-bit media will work, then what kind of media should I get? Full, promotional, OEM, upgrade or what???

DocBrown · 20 Oct 2010

Find a friend with the Full Ultimate x64 version

mickey megabyte · 20 Oct 2010

now that's a tricky one.

i don't think you will be able to legally acquire a disc (or an iso) without also paying for a key.

*edit* good idea doc

RD28327 · 20 Oct 2010

I was thinking of getting the 64-bit promotional media since I have the 32-bit promotional version. And I'm sure whatever kind of media I bought (Full, OEM, promotional, upgrade, etc.), it would have a different key than the one I currently have. Thus, I could use one disc on two different PCs, but have two different keys.

http://www.outletdeal.com/product.php?eid=11418

Bill2 · 20 Oct 2010

All Windows 7 disks are identical, get whatever media you want as long as its 64 bit. Its the key that you enter that determines what edition gets installed.

Also, if you have a disk that installs say Pro by default, simply delete the ei.cfg file in the "Sources" folder at the root of the dvd, rebuild the iso, burn to blank disk, then install the edition you want when prompted by the dvd.

Windows 7: Will a 32-bit key work with 64-bit media?

Will a 32-bit key work with 64-bit media? problems?