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Thread ID: 145842 2018-02-09 01:17:00 Reinstall - Activation Query Terry Porritt (14) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1446076 2018-02-09 01:17:00 Very simple query :)

I have a full retail version of Windows 8.1 installed as 32 bit, can I reinstall as 64 bit using the same product key and re-activate ?

(After hours on hold to MS got an unintelligible bloke....waste of time :mad:)
Terry Porritt (14)
1446077 2018-02-09 01:18:00 Yes you can. KarameaDave (15222)
1446078 2018-02-09 01:21:00 Just make sure the cpu supports 32 and 64 bit Speedy Gonzales (78)
1446079 2018-02-09 01:40:00 Thanks folks, just wanted to make sure. Terry Porritt (14)
1446080 2018-02-09 03:40:00 better off to just install Win10 64bit instead

You should be able to use the 8.1 install key (the Win7 key still works on 10 installs)

Keep in mind, its a full wipe & install either way. Backup all your stuff first.
1101 (13337)
1446081 2018-02-10 02:08:00 better off to just install Win10 64bit instead

You should be able to use the 8.1 install key (the Win7 key still works on 10 installs)

Keep in mind, its a full wipe & install either way. Backup all your stuff first.

That would be the best way if the win 8.1 key works.

I always have backups, data and OS's as cloned plug-in drives, but thanks for the reminder. Just waiting for another drive to come to try it out.
Terry Porritt (14)
1446082 2018-02-10 02:16:00 That would be the best way if the win 8.1 key works.

I always have backups, data and OS's as cloned plug-in drives, but thanks for the reminder. Just waiting for another drive to come to try it out. Can let you know later today :) just cloning a persons Drive on a HP laptop, before wiping the original HDD, W8 embedded in the Motherboard, wants W10, never had W10 on it previously.
wainuitech (129)
1446083 2018-02-11 00:45:00 That would be the best way if the win 8.1 key works.

I always have backups, data and OS's as cloned plug-in drives, but thanks for the reminder. Just waiting for another drive to come to try it out.Just a confirmation -- From previous post, HP embedded W8 Key, never had W10 previously, used the latest version 1709, installed from fresh , auto activated from embedded key. :)
wainuitech (129)
1446084 2018-02-11 01:53:00 Thanks Wainui, maybe it will be ok then. I suppose if it doesn't take the win 8.1 key with a clean install of win 10 64 bit, mine isn't "embedded", I could try a re -install of Win 8.1 64 bit, then try the upgrade to Win 10 and see if that works.

If the freebie system still works, then I could clean install W10 again with it hopefully remembering, like I did on my current Win 10 machine when it went from Win 7 using the free upgrade.
Terry Porritt (14)
1446085 2018-02-11 02:07:00 The key should work Terry, what happens is you install as fresh, enter in the Key you have, as long as it accepts it it will carry on installing the correct version ( home or Professional) once you are on line, it should activate.

Only had one not do the above, for some reason it didn't like the latest build 1709 & activate. it accepted the key OK but error on activation. So wiped the drive again, used the previous version 1703, activated, then upgraded to 1709.

Only once done an in place upgrade from W8, dont usually do that as any faults from previous OS can be transferred across. Once a key is activated the first time you don't need it again, as the hardware (motherboard) is registered with MS.
wainuitech (129)
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