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?

pratnala said:

What do you mean by a retail version?

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?

NoelDP said:

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

Why by phone?

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