Computer and Software Support


Windows Anytime Upgrade frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade. For more information, see Upgrade to another edition of Windows 7 by using Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Note

  • Windows Anytime Upgrade isn't available in all editions of Windows 7.

 How much does each edition of Windows 7 cost?

You'll see pricing information for each edition during the Windows Anytime Upgrade process. You can also go to an electronics store to see prices and to buy a Windows Anytime Upgrade key.

 Can I use Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade a previous version of Windows to Windows 7?

No. Windows Anytime Upgrade can't upgrade previous versions of Windows to Windows 7. Windows Anytime Upgrade is designed only to upgrade your computer from one edition of Windows 7 to another edition of Windows 7.

Note

  • To use Windows Anytime Upgrade, your computer must be running an activated copy of Windows 7.

 Can I upgrade both 32-bit versions and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 with Windows Anytime Upgrade?

Yes, you can use Windows Anytime Upgrade to upgrade a 32-bit version to a 32-bit version or from a 64-bit version to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. However, Windows Anytime Upgrade can't upgrade a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or a 64-bit version to a 32-bit version of Windows 7.

 Can I upgrade more than one computer to a different edition of Windows 7 with Windows Anytime Upgrade?

Yes. You'll need to buy an upgrade for each computer on which you want to install a different edition of Windows 7. You can buy additional upgrades through the Windows Anytime Upgrade online purchase process or by getting a Windows Anytime Upgrade key at an electronics store.

 How can I find out if my computer will run features in other editions of Windows 7?

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is a program that you can download and run on your computer to find out if you have the necessary hardware to use specific features of a particular edition of Windows 7. To download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor website. The download is about 5 megabytes.

Note

  • Downloading this file over a high-speed Internet connection might take just a few minutes. Downloading this file over a modem or other slower Internet connection might take more time.

 Can I return to the edition of Windows 7 my computer was running before the upgrade?

Yes, but you will need to do a clean installation of your previous edition of Windows 7, which means that your files and program settings will not be preserved.

Note

  • To reinstall your previous edition of Windows 7, you'll need to have your original edition's product key. It's a good idea to keep all of your Windows product keys in case you need to reinstall Windows.