What version of Windows 7 do I need?

Zertman · Oct 7, 2014

Hi. I am looking to install Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and activate it using my product key I got with my Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit OEM (System Builder) version. I currently have the 32-bit OEM version installed and activated but am going to wipe and do a clean install with a 64-bit version. I read some places that this is possible and some say it's not. What version do I need to do this, the OEM or retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit?

Before having to backup all my files and doing a clean install, I would like to know it's going to work. Can I test it with a separate hard drive, activate it and If that works I would install it on my main hard drives and then activate it again?

Wolfshadw · Oct 7, 2014

If I recall correctly, the retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium included both 32- and 64-bit versions. The OEM version only had one or the other. If you only have the OEM version, it's not going to work. If you have the retail version, it should work, but you would be able to also test on another hard drive (the retail version can be installed on multiple systems, but only activated on one at a time).

-Wolf sends

unreal9400 · Oct 7, 2014

You need to purchase another license since OEM is tied to only one computer and OEM version only comes in either 32-bit or 64-bit not both.

Zertman · Oct 8, 2014

So lets say I somehow was able to get a windows 7 home premium 64-bit OEM system builder disk. Would I be able to clean install it and activate it using my Product Key I used to activate the 32-bit home premium OEM system version that I used on the same pc?

Wolfshadw · Oct 8, 2014

No, you'd probably get an Incorrect version of Windows error message. If you don't have a 64-bit version of the OS, you're going to have to purchase it and use the new OS Product Key.

-Wolf sends

Zertman · Oct 8, 2014

All you guys are wrong! I just tested it and was able to install and activate a legal copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Retail 64-bit with my OEM key. I am posting this with the new version. Keep in mind it's the same PC (except the Hard Drive) that I activated the OEM version with. I will be buying more RAM now.

Wolfshadw · Oct 8, 2014

News to me. Glad (and surprised) it worked for you!

-Wolf sends

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