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Windows 8.1 32 bit to 64 bit.

Anonymous
2021-02-12T04:28:15+00:00

First question

I have a Windows 8.1 32 bit setup, can I do a clean install of Windows 8.1 64 bit on the same hard drive and use the same Product key?

Second question

Can I install Windows 8.1 64 bit on a separate hard drive and use the same product key and be able to use both hard drives, i.e. boot to either the 32 bit version or 64 bit version?

Or if I want to be able to boot to both hard drives with one having the 32 bit version and one having the 64 bit version, will I need a different product key?

I have Windows 8.1 Full version retail box that included disks for both the 32 bit version and 64 bit version. This is currently installed on the computer in 32 bit.

I also have another Windows 8.1 Full version retail box that has not been installed on any computer yet.

The computer can run the 64 bit OS - have checked all that.

Third question

When reinstalling other software on either the same hard drive clean installed with Windows 8.1 64 bit or the separate hard drive with the new as yet unused Windows 8.1 64 bit product key, as it is still the same computer, will other software activation work ok or will it think it is a new computer now that it's 64 bit?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-02-12T05:21:42+00:00

    First question

    I have a Windows 8.1 32 bit setup, can I do a clean install of Windows 8.1 64 bit on the same hard drive and use the same Product key?

    Second question

    Can I install Windows 8.1 64 bit on a separate hard drive and use the same product key and be able to use both hard drives, i.e. boot to either the 32 bit version or 64 bit version?

    Or if I want to be able to boot to both hard drives with one having the 32 bit version and one having the 64 bit version, will I need a different product key?

    I have Windows 8.1 Full version retail box that included disks for both the 32 bit version and 64 bit version. This is currently installed on the computer in 32 bit.

    I also have another Windows 8.1 Full version retail box that has not been installed on any computer yet.

    The computer can run the 64 bit OS - have checked all that.

    Third question

    When reinstalling other software on either the same hard drive clean installed with Windows 8.1 64 bit or the separate hard drive with the new as yet unused Windows 8.1 64 bit product key, as it is still the same computer, will other software activation work ok or will it think it is a new computer now that it's 64 bit?

    A 8.1 license is good to install 32bit OR 64bit, NOT both at the same time.

    ONE license is for ONE installation.

    If you want to installed the 64bit, remove the 32bit or use your other license.l

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