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Thread ID: 111077 2010-07-13 01:08:00 32bit licensing? [win7] Cellux (15145) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1118326 2010-07-13 01:08:00 Well, I'm (finally) upgrading to Windows 7.
I have a Windows 7 Professional License and am wondering if the licenses are are signed to the architecture (x86 vs. x64).

So if I have a Windows 7 64-bit disk, could I install it with my license?
Cellux (15145)
1118327 2010-07-13 01:14:00 Dnt think so......, sahilcc7 (15483)
1118328 2010-07-13 01:43:00 I believe it depends on if your license is retail or OEM. How was your upgrade supplied McRuff (12291)
1118329 2010-07-13 01:48:00 It's a retail.

A special version of the retail though.

None of the TOS say anything about architecture.
Cellux (15145)
1118330 2010-07-13 02:07:00 I think it should work then. If you buy Win 7 retail you can install either. It will not upgrade in place from 32 to 64 bit though, you need to do a clean install. Do a drive image first, just in case McRuff (12291)
1118331 2010-07-13 03:41:00 As long as it's the same edition (eg Professional) you can use either 32 or 64-bit with the same key. It doesn't matter if it's OEM or Retail, I've tried both, and it works fine. ryanjames.powell (13554)
1118332 2010-07-13 04:57:00 Alright, thanks guys.

Installing it this afternoon. Will reply tomorrow with progress/what happens.
Cellux (15145)
1118333 2010-07-13 05:28:00 Well, I'm (finally) upgrading to Windows 7.
I have a Windows 7 Professional License and am wondering if the licenses are are signed to the architecture (x86 vs. x64).

So if I have a Windows 7 64-bit disk, could I install it with my license?

The licence key is not tied to the architecture.

The only problem you may encounter is if you recieved a promotional copy, for example, if you attended Tech-ed and MS gave you a promo copy of Windows (Vista or 7) they normally give you the 32bit disk, this key never expires and will also work with 64bit, however, the difference with a retail key (including OEM) is Microsoft will send you a 64bit disk (for free or for a minimal charge, like $10 for shipping) but you have to enter your product key in to the order form, if you try to do the same thing with a promo copy you will be advised that the offer is not valid for that key. if you manage to get a 64bit disk via other means (e.g. if you buy a retail copy with 64bit disk, or you download it off technet) the promo key will work with the 64bit disk.
Deimos (5715)
1118334 2010-07-13 10:38:00 why would you go 7 and not go 64 bit????????? angry (15305)
1118335 2010-07-13 10:44:00 Maybe the CPU doesn't support 64 bit? Speedy Gonzales (78)
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