Activate Win 10x64 on same machine as Win 10 x32 as dual boot


  1. Posts : 200
    Win Pro 10x64 21H1 19043.1706
       #1

    Activate Win 10x64 on same machine as Win 10 x32 as dual boot


    HI,

    I have Win 10 x 32 activated for a while and now have Win 10 x 64 on another drive in the same both as a dual boot.

    The new 64 install has just asked me to Activate it.

    I need access to the original x 32 version as it has my programs, shortcuts on it so I know what to move to the x64 one.

    Will I lose access to the 32 if I active the 64 or can I have to two going at the same time.

    Thanks

    oz
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 225
    Windows 10 Home
       #2

    I assume you upgraded the x32 from a previous version. But how did you get the x64 version? Unfortunately no way to activate the x64 without a new key. you can not upgrade a 32bit version to x64, It must be a fresh install of 64.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 200
    Win Pro 10x64 21H1 19043.1706
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi,

    Yes I upped from 7. I got the new version from MS site, made an iso and installed.

    I had been told B4 that MS knows the config of the current box where 32 is activated so will accept the 64 version however I can't find where I saw that and don't want to risk losing access to see all my programs etc and get my User data to take to the new 64 version.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #4

    Did you install the same version of 64 bit? If the 32 bit install is Home and you installed Pro, it won't activate with the existing DL. And vise versa. Installing Home when its Home Single language will mess things up too.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 200
    Win Pro 10x64 21H1 19043.1706
    Thread Starter
       #5

    alphanumeric said:
    Did you install the same version of 64 bit? If the 32 bit install is Home and you installed Pro, it won't activate with the existing DL. And vise versa. Installing Home when its Home Single language will mess things up too.
    Yes the original 32 was Home and I chose the 64 Home when I installed that.

    So will that allow me to access both 32 and 64 when I activate 64 ?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 225
    Windows 10 Home
       #6

    Because the activated 32bit is tied to the motherboard. You will have to purchase a license for the 64bit. If you have a internet connection it will activate automatically this is why it is asking you to activate. Unless you just refuse to connect to the net.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #7

    ozstar said:
    Yes the original 32 was Home and I chose the 64 Home when I installed that.

    So will that allow me to access both 32 and 64 when I activate 64 ?
    The Digital License stored on the activation server doesn't care if it's 32 bit or 64 bit, it's good for one or the other. So yes it should activate just fine. Nothing "should" happen to the 32 bit install activation wise. To be in compliance with the EULA, you will have to remove the 32 bit version that is activated with that same Digital License. Running two operating systems on the one License is not permitted. I'm not saying it can't be done, just that its not in accordance with the EULA.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 x64
       #8

    alphanumeric said:
    The Digital License stored on the activation server doesn't care if it's 32 bit or 64 bit, it's good for one or the other. .
    Can confirm that.

    Back in 2009, when I bought my Win 7 BOX edition single license - surprisingly found 2 DVDs in the box : #1 for Win 7 x64 and #2 for Win 7 x32. So Microsoft let me choose which version would I be willing to use.
    Win 7 was my first x64 system, so for the short transition time (like 4-6 months) I'd been using both versions in dual boot, and both of them stayed registered.
      My Computer


 

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