Is there a way to just buy a Win7 Pro 64bit key off Microsoft's site? Or do I have to buy a physical copy?
All I'm trying to do is get the free upgrade to Win10 Pro 64. If I heard right you can just put the Window 7 key in when activating Win10 now.
-Thanks
Microsoft is not selling Windows 7 any more. You can purchase them from 3rd party retailers, though.
Amazon.com: Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit (OEM) System Builder DVD 1 Pack (For Refurbished PC Installation): Software
Keep in mind, an OEM edition is only good for the first computer (motherboard) it is installed on.
If you do purchase or own a valid retail (not OEM COA) key, you can download a genuine version of Windows 7 setup iso from Microsoft, entering the key as validation for the download:
Windows 7
If Windows 8.1 is required, you do not need a key for download, just for installation and activation, there is now a Media Creation tool for Windows 8.1 at Windows 8
This will create ISO or USB media.
These may be required if there is a persistent problem with a clean installation, but when upgrades to 10 proceed to completion
So I'm buying this for a new machine:
Amazon.com: Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit (OEM) System Builder DVD 1 Pack (For Refurbished PC Installation): Software
Do I have do a whole Windows 10 upgrade or will I now be able to just use the activation key?
You should be able to install Windows 10 Pro by clicking "I don't have a product key" or "skip" or "do this later" when asked for a product key. After it is installed, go to settings, Updates & Security, and the activation screen. Change product key, then enter the Windows 7 Pro product key to activate it.
Quote