Windows 7: 32-bit to 64-bit

Hi

I am running Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 32-bit. I want to change to a 64-bit system. Will I need a different product key?

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Providing you have a retail version of Windows 7 you can use the same product key for both the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Be aware that you cannot upgrade from one to the other, it will have to be a clean install.

This means you will need 64-bit drivers for your hardware and all your applications will need installing again along with all the Windows updates, including SP1.


You will also find you have two programs folders:

1. Program Files, which is the default location for 64-bit programs.
2. Program Files (x86), which is the default location for 32-bit programs.

You will also have 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer 9.

What do you mean by a retail version?

It doesn't really matter - so long as you have the proper disks for your Key, you can install either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version.
OEM license packs only come with one disk - Retail come with two - but the Key will work with either.

Note also that you will probably need to activate by telephone rather than over the internet, whichever type of license you have.

An OEM version is the the one supplied by computer manufacturers or you can buy an OEM version yourself - OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and this version remains with the computer it was installed on. It cannot be transferred to another computer.

A retail version is software that you buy from the Microsoft store or other reseller and it can be transferred to another computer providing it is removed from the old one first.

As Noel states, the OEM version only provides you with one DVD whilst the retail version provides with two discs: one for the 32-bit version and one for the 64-bit version. You can install one or the other, but not both, unless you have a multi-user licence.

Actually, we get from Windows 7 from our college through the Microsoft Academic Alliance Store. I had got the key and downloaded the 32-bit ISO file. Now, I got the 64-bit ISO file from the store. As far as I know, it is not an OEM version. So, I can use the license key I got previously to install 64-bit, correct?

Yep - you'll have to activate by phone. Technically, it's a Retail version.

Why by phone?

Telephone activation is almost always required on changing either bitness or motherboard - it's another check on counterfeiting/piracy.

If you have genuine software, telephone activation is quick and pain-free.