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Possible Duplicate:
When reinstalling Windows 7, does the language, version, architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) or source (OEM, retail, or MSDN) matter?

I've just got a new laptop with Windows 7 x86 Home Premium installed, however I ideally I'd like to be running a 64-bit operating system:

  • Is my Windows license key "generic" (in that it entitles me to install either a x86 or x64 edition of Windows), or does this licence key specific to the x86 version of Windows?

  • Is there any way of me installing and running Windows 7 Home Premium x64 using my x86 license key?

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  • Is there anything else I can provide to get this marked as answered?
    – James Watt
    Commented Jul 28, 2010 at 0:16
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    @James - Sorry, I haven't had a chance to actually try this out yet and I don't like to accept answers until I've proven that they do the trick - don't worry, I will mark it as answered eventually! :-)
    – Justin
    Commented Aug 2, 2010 at 0:42
  • Did this work eventually? I see the answer is not still accepted, therefore I am still unsure if one can rely upon this.
    – Suma
    Commented Mar 1, 2011 at 8:24
  • OP just can't be bothered to mark this answered. It does work fine, I do it constantly.
    – James Watt
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 15:39

1 Answer 1

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Yes your Windows 7 key works for both x32 and x64 versions of Home Premium.

Source: Microsoft eOpen only provides 1 key per purchase, regardless of how many computers you have or which architecture (x32/x64) you are using. Furthermore, Microsoft TechNet subscribers get 10 keys for each flavor of Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, etc.) These keys can be used to install on either architecture.

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    Just as an additional note.... It only works within the same class... A "Retail Home Premium" key will only work on "Retail Home Premium", not on "OEM Home Premium", "Retail Ultimate", etc...
    – Andrew Moore
    Commented May 2, 2010 at 18:16
  • @JamesWatt: There is one cruel exception. OEM version are sold seperatly for 32 OR 64 bit and officially not allowed to be changed btw. 32/64 bit.
    – Offler
    Commented Jul 2, 2013 at 13:00

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