Are 64 bit and 32 bit on the same DVD?

This is a real noob question since I've always got the OS with the new computer and with the Windows 7 beta and RC you always choose the correct .ISO for what you want to run.

I am looking around for Windows 7. I have a gift certificate for an online retailer so will be buying Windows 7 ultimate retail from this place. They don't seem to let you choose between 64 and 32 bit. On the Microsoft site it says "this item includes both 64 and 32 bit" if you buy from them. How could they do this without two product keys? I found this quote from technet forums.

The DVD will contain the files associated with the Product key. As was seen in previous versions of Windows operating systems, the Product Key will allow the installation of the files designed for the appropriate 32 or 64 bit install to occur.

So....how do you know which product key you have?

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Full - Operating Systems

Is there going to be an option at install for us to choose between 64 bit or 32 bit or am I missing something. I need to make sure I get 64 bit for myself and 32 bit for my friend. Thanks for any input. I'm sure this is another easy one for most of you.

nate42nd said:

This is a real noob question since I've always got the OS with the new computer and with the Windows 7 beta and RC you always choose the correct .ISO for what you want to run.

I am looking around for Windows 7. I have a gift certificate for an online retailer so will be buying Windows 7 ultimate retail from this place. They don't seem to let you choose between 64 and 32 bit. On the Microsoft site it says "this item includes both 64 and 32 bit" if you buy from them. How could they do this without two product keys? I found this quote from technet forums.



So....how do you know which product key you have?


Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Full - Operating Systems

Is there going to be an option at install for us to choose between 64 bit or 32 bit or am I missing something. I need to make sure I get 64 bit for myself and 32 bit for my friend. Thanks for any input. I'm sure this is another easy one for most of you.

Well I am pretty sure to say that they will let you choose the edition from the DVD (a Dual Layer DVD can support it) and the product key can activate either x64 or x86...if another member knows otherwise please post here

Windows 7 pre-order – available now on Microsoft Store! | Trevin Chow

32-bit and 64-bit versions are included in every version we sell. So if you buy Windows 7 Home Premium, you will get both versions. This applies to both the packaged product as well as the download version.

To clarify the quote, yes you'll have both 32-bit and 64-bit version available to you and your product key can activate either.

This is why I'm confused. When I buy, I need to make sure I get the right version. With previous versions you could request a 64 bit version from Microsoft but I don't want to wait for a 64 bit version to be sent. I want to buy one.

I will have to trust that they will give me a way to install 64 bit (and 32 on my friend's computer) when I get my DVDs.

Is this the first Windows version that we have had the choice without a special request?

It sound like it is.

nate42nd said:

This is why I'm confused. When I buy, I need to make sure I get the right version. With previous versions you could request a 64 bit version from Microsoft but I don't want to wait for a 64 bit version to be sent. I want to buy one.

I will have to trust that they will give me a way to install 64 bit (and 32 on my friend's computer) when I get my DVDs.

Is this the first Windows version that we have had the choice without a special request?

It sound like it is.

I understand your concern. On XP you had the purchase each edition separate. With Vista you could use your key for either edition but as you mentioned they provided 3 types of discs. 32-bit only, 64-bit only and ones with both. Microsoft also ran into some problems w/ their MSDN dual discs at one point but fixed that.

The answer has to be out there. I have done some searching but found nothing that explains it completely. It sounds like they they will all be the dual disks I would guess. That would seem to be a problem with people who don't even know the difference. I guess I have 2 months to find the answer for sure. Thanks for all the replies.

13 hours later: I have looked everywhere most good answers are on MSDN or Technet. Some people say there will be two disks since 2 versions will not fit on a 4.7GB DVD. Some say it will be a dual layer DVD. If anyone knows please let me know. I don't want to finally get it and have no 64 bit option and have to wait weeks for that to come...

I called Microsoft licensing and sales. They told me Windows 7 will include 32 bit and 64 bit on the same disk. They didn't seem to have the specifics about how they are doing this but stated "There will be an option at install between x86 and x64 when installing...the retail disks include both versions"

I didn't ask about OEM or Upgrade disks but they are probably the same.

I am trying to figure out how they fit both on a 4.7GB DVD.

It looks like this will be the first Windows OS that will have this option. It sounds like they have thought it out. This is good news!