Upgrade from Win 7 32 bit to 64 bit

Trident1 · 06 Aug 2015

This is a question in which I'm involved in with a friend, I don't have anwer.

He has a computer which he purchased from a the same vendor I purchased my machine. Previous to his purchase the machine he had was using WinXP, 32 bit system. He purchased an OEM version of Win 7, 32 bit from NewEgg, I guess he had some problems so he decided on a new machine. He ordered the machine from the vendor ignoring to mention that he had a Win7, 32 bit. The vendor looked at the options he had chosed and begun building the computer. Later from what I'm told, he called the vendor and mentioned he had a 32 bit disc.

He has the machine and d/l his 32 bit disc, now he's asking if he can purchase an upgrading version for 64 bit system. I'm at a loss, can he purchase a download or does he need a 64 bit version?

ignatzatsonic · 06 Aug 2015

I don't understand your explanation, but:

If his hardware 64-bit compatible, he can install 64-bit Windows.

The Product Key he has should be valid for either 32-bit or 64-bit.

If he does not now have a 64-bit disc, he'd have to find it in ISO form and download it. Or borrow a 64-bit disk from you or someone else. It can be tough to find a 64-bit ISO to download.

So, if he can't borrow a 64-bit disk, he may have to buy a totally new Windows license and get the 64-bit disk that way. You can buy it for $100 if that's what he needs to do. Of course, he should confirm that his hardware is 64-bit compatible.

And there may be no good reason for him to move from 32-bit to 64-bit. That depends on his individual situation---applications he uses, amount of RAM he has, etc.

Trident1 · 06 Aug 2015

When he ordered, I believe he neglected to mention that he had a Win7, 32 bit available - so when they configured his machine, according to the options he had chosen, it was configured for 64 bit. Later he told them he had a 32 bit disc, but it was too late to change their build.

Thanks, for the info. I'll copy and send it over to him.

ThrashZone · 06 Aug 2015

Hi,
As long as he hasn't opened the disk he can contact and return it for a 64 bit version too
That way at least he has a disk of the proper bit.

Layback Bear · 06 Aug 2015

I know of no newly built computer hardware that isn't 64 bit capable.

As has already been mentioned by ThrashZone the COA key for 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7 is the same. Can be use on either.

You have to do a complete Clean Install to go from 32 bit Windows 7 to a 64 bit Windows 7 operating system. Now days their lies the problem.

You have to get, find a proper copy of Windows 7 64 bit to match your COA key. I know of no proper place to download a ISO of Windows 7 unless you have a Retail COA key and then you can download it from Microsoft.

Microsoft is making it very difficult to get a legal copy of Windows 7 unless you have a Retail COA key.
They want you to move to Windows 10.