Windows 7 and Windows 7 Upgrade differences

[Marshman220]

Hello,

So, I'm about to get Windows 7 64bit on this PC which currently has a 32bit version of windows 7. I see the disc I'm about to buy, and it has in the description "Not an Upgrade Version". Is there a difference? Is it okay for me to get? I want to make sure I get the real deal before I buy anything. Please answer when you can. Thanks!

 

[psoohoo]

depending on your original license, you may be able to install a 64-bit copy onto your 32-bit one. if its an OEM machine, contact the vendor. If its a retail copy, i believe the same key should work, you may have to call Microsoft to activate it. If its an OEM system builders copy, maybe or maybe not. While the key should work, not sure if you can transfer the license, even if its the same machine.

As for your question, the upgrade requires a copy of Windows to be present to install and activate, while a retail copy can be used with or without a previous installation.

 

[photonboy]

Hi,
I would strongly suggest just upgrading to Windows 10 as it's working great now.

It's also FREE, and upgrading to 64-bit is possible but only with a CLEAN INSTALL.

Here's how you do it:
1. Download and run the latest Microsoft Media Creation Tool
2. Have thumbstick inserted and run the tool, choose 64-bit option of W10 (will take a while to download)

(can download ISO and burn to DVD but my ISO would disappear on me at 100% download)

3. Insert thumb drive and BOOT (may need to change BIOS boot order, or manually select thumb drive from boot menu in BIOS)
4. Follow install instructions using a CLEAN INSTALL option

Other:
Media creation tool-> **Make sure your country is linked:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

Other:
Make sure to PLAN since you'll be wiping out Windows (backup data etc).

 

[Marshman220]

depending on your original license, you may be able to install a 64-bit copy onto your 32-bit one. if its an OEM machine, contact the vendor. If its a retail copy, i believe the same key should work, you may have to call Microsoft to activate it. If its an OEM system builders copy, maybe or maybe not. While the key should work, not sure if you can transfer the license, even if its the same machine.

As for your question, the upgrade requires a copy of Windows to be present to install and activate, while a retail copy can be used with or without a previous installation.

Well, I'm just about to pick up a disc on ebay with a key (unused ofcourse) and my PC is just a gaming PC purchased from Ebay which had Ubuntu and Linux previously, then I switched to an un-activated windows 7 32-bit. Now I just need the 64bit to get my full gaming performance. I hope it'll install.

 

[photonboy]

Hey again,
If you had a legal copy of Windows 7 then simply follow my advice above as it's FREE to upgrade that to Windows 10 64-bit.

I can't think of a good reason to stick with Windows 7 64-bit as W10 has many improvements and at some point W7 will be problematic you. Already you have the lack of DX12 support for games and can't use the wireless receiver for the XBOX ONE controller.

If your W7 was non-Genuine perhaps attempt the above recommendation to W10 anyway. I know people who've gotten that to work. Normally I wouldn't endorse such an action but it seems like Microsoft doesn't care and is almost recommending it.