Through my university's engineering program I am able to get Windows 7 enterprise for free in the 32 bit and 64 bit versions. I want to be able to install the 32 bit version on my laptop and the 64 bit version on my desktop. However, both versions have the same product key. Will I be able to successfully install both of them on their respective machines using the same key?
Hello Silentcom, welcome to the Seven Forums.
One retail or OEM pack of Windows 7 includes both 32-bit and 64-bit install media so you can decide which version you want to use. You can install and activate either of them but not both; only one working copy per key at any given time.
If you install and activate (win7 needs to be activated!) first let say the 32-bit version and later decide to replace it with 64-bit on the same computer, it's OK. Windows don't need to be "de-activated" but the when 32-bit is replaced with the 64-bit, the activation is kind of transferred to that later installed version. Same thing if you first install 32-bit to one computer and later 64-bit to another; when you activate the 64-bit, activation is transferred and the 32-bit is no longer activated.
So: One installation set includes both 32 and 64-bit versions and one key. You can install and activate one of those. If you want to use both, you need two keys.
Kari
Thanks, one other question. I have 32 bit professional running on my desktop right now. Could I be able to reinstall professional onto my laptop if I replaced it on my desktop with 64 bit enterprise? Or can a key only be activated once? Thanks!
I can only get one copy of either 32 or 64 for free.
Yes,
You should be able to move the Professional license from one machine to another (if it is a Retail license) - but will probably need to call MS free activation line to do that.
You can then install 7 Enterprise on the machine you originally had Pro on - if you have an Enterprise license.
One other quick question. Is my professional key good for the 64 bit version of professional as well? Or will it only work with a 32 bit version? I'm thinking that it will, but I just want to check and make sure.
Key is good for either version. You can even change the version down the line, but one key one machine at a time.
WIn7 key can be used on either 32 bit or 64 bit.
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